Comments on: Writers Need Friends and Critics

By: Beth

Beth — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 01:10:39 +0000

Why is it that we do want to run from feedback that will help us? Maybe it’s ego or not wanting to be found imperfect. Whatever, I’m with you Vivian. Let’s find honest people and willingly accept what they have to say.

Of course, that’s not taking everything without question. But it does mean giving an ear to their comments.

By: Vivian A

Vivian A — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:08:41 +0000

Honesty is critical, even when we don’t want to hear it. The truth is we get better each time the blade gets folded one more time. Like the samurai sword, hopefully it doesn’t take a thousand strikes, writing needs edits. Improvement comes with each pass and a good critique partner relationship is necessary.

The KEY is finding the people who give you the honest feedback that you don’t run away from.

By: Ken Coffman

Ken Coffman — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:06:04 +0000

Like everything else we’re doing, building a group of useful reviewers is something to be built over time. I have a few folks who have help me immensely and that’s a debt that can never be repaid. I am a crappy reviewer because I’ve been through the process many times and have strong passions for what I think writing should be. That’s not very useful for others who are trying to build their own machines. On the other hand, if you don’t have a strong, motivating engine driving you, then you’ll never get your chance to make a mark on the world. If that’s your goal.
Once your book has only stuff in it you’ll fight tooth and nail to keep…only then are you done. Well, that’s my opinion. Ha!

By: Beth

Beth — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:42:19 +0000

Dale, that’s what I like about a continued relationship with other writers—knowing I can and will learn from them.

Kat, everyone needs friends who’ll pull them deeper into their world. Just so happens that you and the world of writing go naturally together.

By: Beth

Beth — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:39:33 +0000

Wanda, I think you hit right on it—support, criticism, talent and stick-to-it-ness. All make us better writers.

James, I picked the beta readers for my first manuscript with care. I picked one because I thought he’d enjoy the story. I picked 3 because I thought they’d be able to give me solid feedback. But I also picked one to make me feel good—I knew she’d be positive, no matter what she thought of the story!

By: Kat Sheridan

Kat Sheridan — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:20:53 +0000

I wouldn’t even BE a writer without the support and encouragement of the Wombats, who have also become dear friends. I’m so lucky that from the very beginning, I had people who told me the truth. And liked me anyway!

By: Dale C

Dale C — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:06:53 +0000

The Gather contests and the Writing Wombats have been great helps to my writing, at least partly because they demonstrated how much I still had to learn.

By: Wanda Hughes

Wanda Hughes — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:37:16 +0000

Hi Beth, I’ve never had a beta reader, someone to encourage me or even a friendly reader until I met the Wombats. I can’t say enough about the support, encouragement and love I’ve found in our group. No matter how much I whine I still get good feedback… and I think I whine waaaay too much. One thing know for sure: A writer needs support and real criticism as well as talent and stick-to-it-ness to succeed. This is a great post!

By: James Rafferty

James Rafferty — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:19:31 +0000

Hi Beth. I never quite understood the value of Beta readers until 1) I entered a couple of writing contests on Gather.com, and 2) began to get real honest feedback from the Writing Wombats.

I think it’s fine to be in isolation when you’re writing a novel, but there comes a time when you need readers and ideally, ones who will critique the work with care and attention. Then, it’s even better when the people doing the critique are willing to support your efforts to get better. I’ll second the comments of all above on the value of the Writing Wombats for all of us who’ve commented so far, but any writer needs both critiques and support, which could be in an online writing group or through face to face interaction. Nice post.

By: Beth

Beth — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 01:03:49 +0000

They do make a difference, Dana, that’s for sure. We like to think we know everything, but those extra eyes—and the forthright men and women behind them—keep us straight.

Jamie, chocolate goes well with reading critiques. As does root beer. Yeah, I always wondered what benefit a yes-man had. While I don’t always want someone around me who’s contrary, I certainly don’t need anyone to tell me I’m perfect and everything’s wonderful when I know that’s not the truth.