Conversation With an Editor
As some you may know, I won a conversation with editor Barbara Scott of Abingdon Press. She's started a new blog called The Roving Editor and although she's a CBA editor, she has a deep knowledge of the industry and I'd recommend following her.
Not only is she smart, but she's a really funny, sweet lady. I often feel nervous on the phone, not sure what to say to people I don't know, but she put me at ease.
One of the main things she felt was important for writers is encouragement. Encouragement and perseverance.
Who and what encourages you in your writing? On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how would you rate your Encouraged level? Why is it high or low?
Not only is she smart, but she's a really funny, sweet lady. I often feel nervous on the phone, not sure what to say to people I don't know, but she put me at ease.
One of the main things she felt was important for writers is encouragement. Encouragement and perseverance.
Who and what encourages you in your writing? On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how would you rate your Encouraged level? Why is it high or low?
Comments
Encouragement is so important. he person who encourages me the most is my husband and my beta readers. And a woman called Esther. She knows who she is :)
As far as encouragement I'm somewhere in the middle. This is probably good. Keeps me humble. I don't want to bank on uplifting comments to much b/c they come and go.
Great link.
~ Wendy
I feel like God brings me encouragement exactly when I need it. Maybe I'll get frustrated with waiting, or hear some not-so-great news, and then hear something encouraging from my agent, or fellow writers, or beta readers. :)
Katie, you're right about God. He's cool like that. :-)
Wendy, it's smart not to bank on our ego and others' opinions. I'd highly recommend meeting with her. She seems like an awesome lady. ;-)
My #1 source of encouragement comes from God's word. It never fails to lift my spirits when I'm lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut.
Number 2 are my blogging friends. Really. You help keep me focused and energize in this crazy quest.
Rignt now my enocuragement level is about a 9 out of 10. When my agent calls to say a publisher wants a contract, it will soar to a 20!
Love
Jen
Who encourages me? Well, God, first and foremost. There have been times I've wondered if I should continue, but He always pushes me (kicking and screaming sometimes) forward. Also, my critique partners, and a close group of friends in my local writers group.
I'm at about a 7 right now.
Have a great weekend!
So happy you won the prize!
So many encouragers goad me along! LOL.
Natasha, my agent, ranks as TOPS!!
With her genius, she pushes me to levels I never dreamed I could reach.
I am so grateful she takes the time to instruct as well as hustle!
Patti
She sounds like a very nice and savvy lady. No wonder you got along so well.
What encourages me most are my crit partners and email readers (YOU).
My encouraged level right now is about a six. It should be higher, since I'm working on something as fun as my YA, but I've failed to wow my agent with my last two projects so I'm really feeling the tension with this one. Heh. Six isn't too bad, though, all things considered. ;-P
I recently got some great encouragement from the freelance editor I hired. Even though she nitpicked my m/s apart and gave me a lot of work to do, she had plenty of encouraging words sprinkled in and urged me to infuse those things into the trouble spots. So helpful and inspiring at the same time! :-)
I get encouragement from my husband and his family. Also, from critique partners, which is a different (and much needed) kind of support. And, of course, God encourages me by inspiring me with a new story. By pushing me to reach out to others with my words. By standing by me when it's hard to persevere.
Congrats again!
Jill, yeah, it was an incredible experience. A 7's not too shabby either. *grin*
Linda, I love that you're my critter! I know I can always trust you to be honest about my work.
Woot Terri! What a man. *grin*
Patti, I've heard wonderful things about Kern. She seems knowledgeable and very hands-on.
Awww, Anita, you encourage me too! :) I'm sorry about your morale but let's keep hoping that this WIP is THE book. :-)
Cindy, she's really wonderful and I think you'll love your appt with her. :-)
I have great support. I am encouraged by all my Cyberfriends such as yourself, friends and family. DH does all the cooking so I will eat. He knows once I get stuck into writing I will skip food that is good for me. I will snack on junk if not. I am lucky. :)
Each day I try and remind myself that this is God's special plan for my life. I couldn't feel more special to know that He loves me enough to call me to a work.
How exciting for you! I'm hoping to meet Barbara at Philly.
At the moment, my encouragement level is about a five. Guess it's time to tank up again. :)
Blessings,
Susan
My encouragement? My husband. My agent Diana Flegal. My editor Barbara Scott. My circle of author friends that keep me motivated.
I feel encouraged becuase God has let me possess this talent, and willingness to follow it.
Each morning, I ask Him to take my fingers and write His words.
I'm allowed to share this time with Him, and I'm encouraged when there's words on the page, and they don't sound as silly as I think they do.
Stephen Tremp
Blessings,
Karen
I do try to buy other author's novels - I mean, the "less well known or unknown" authors - so they will feel supported and read . . . and I do that whether they buy my books or not.
Going to check out that blog!
My sweet husband is my best encourager - to the point that he's made it possible for me to write full time. I also have a couple of close friends who believe in me and for me completely. I'm very blessed.
My husband is my biggest support, as is my son. Both read my work, encourage me, and give helpful hints.