This Ain't Project Runway...But It Could Be
I love watching Project Runway, a reality show about clothing designers. The designers are assigned a project and by the end of each show models walk the runway in the designers' outfits.
The outfits are then judged by industry professionals, including Heidi Klum.
It never fails to amaze me how the designers react to their finished products. Probably about ninety percent of the designers think their clothes are amazing. Perfect. They're always pleased. They don't usually see the flaws.
In so many ways I'm reminded of writers with our novels.
Have you ever written a scene that felt perfect, only to have someone rip it apart? Can you see the flaws in your work? Do you ever worry about your ego getting in the way of your craft?
The outfits are then judged by industry professionals, including Heidi Klum.
It never fails to amaze me how the designers react to their finished products. Probably about ninety percent of the designers think their clothes are amazing. Perfect. They're always pleased. They don't usually see the flaws.
In so many ways I'm reminded of writers with our novels.
Have you ever written a scene that felt perfect, only to have someone rip it apart? Can you see the flaws in your work? Do you ever worry about your ego getting in the way of your craft?
Comments
It might be interesting to see a reality show based on writers, then again, it might just be a bunch of people glued to computer screens or sitting quietly scrawling in notebooks all day. LoL.
Terri, yes, it does hurt.
~ Wendy
Sulking...lol. Me too, Georgiana! Me too.
Wendy, I'd like to have that feeling. It usually comes and goes during the actual writing of the story, but by the end I begin to lose touch with it. LOL
What works for me is to set the feedback aside and allow some time to pass. When I return for a second look, I'm in a better place and am able to understand what they meant. I'm making progress. It used to take three days for reason to return, but most of the time now I'm able to see what was meant by the next day.
Used to really enjoy Project Runway, but cable moved channels around and we no longer get Bravo...so no Top Chef either. :( Wah.
I hope my ego doesn't get in the way; it's usually the opposite problem--I am hard on myself.
Great post!
Erica, I watch my Project Runway on the internet! Works great. :-)
Keli, I'm both looking forward to and dreading my first editorial letter. It helps when writers like you share how you handle it. :-) Thanks!
Then, there are other days, when I feel like my "inner editor" is in the fore-front and I struggle to write anything because it all seems bad.
So, I don't know if its and ego vs. craft thing, or just a roller coaster mood thing that I have to be wary of getting in the way of my craft.
A writer friend told me that when I finish my WIP I need to give it to a trusted friend or two to read it and make sure it works.
Patti
I'm usually a basket case when it comes to contests, editor/agent meetings, etc. Yet, I want my writing to improve, so I eat chocolate and get to work.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan, chocolate helps. :-)
Nancy, lol, as long as you're willing you won't be hopeless. It's great that you're starting to be able to look at the story objectively. I work at that too.
Jennifer, LOL!
Angie, absolutely do that. I'd recommend giving it to one or two fellow writers who read your genre, but then I'd also recommend a friend or two who doesn't write but reads your genre. :-)