tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post5474029830272325105..comments2023-10-30T09:45:16.159-06:00Comments on Writing on the Wall: Raising an AuthorPrecision Editing Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17054725687044240043noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-81313255962327778302008-06-17T21:09:00.000-06:002008-06-17T21:09:00.000-06:00Sue, We've all been there! The fact that you're aw...Sue, We've all been there! The fact that you're aware of the need for honest feedback and are bracing yourself for it shows that you're well on your way. Good luck with the book! Keep us updated.Annette Lyonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12493583432919249814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-73457157208540919882008-06-17T21:08:00.000-06:002008-06-17T21:08:00.000-06:00Sue, every writer here knows exactly how you feel!...Sue, every writer here knows exactly how you feel! When I wrote my first novel, all I wanted to know is if I measured up in any way to other writers. Then if I did, I was willing to "show" my whole baby.Heather Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11634399663804195312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-18101966411462326002008-06-17T21:03:00.000-06:002008-06-17T21:03:00.000-06:00I'm almost finished with the first draft of a nove...I'm almost finished with the first draft of a novel and now I'm starting to think about finding an editor. <BR/><BR/>I know I'm going to cry like a baby when I get it back the first time. I have the thinnest skin in the world, especially about my writing. <BR/><BR/>Just the thought of it makes me want to throw up a little.TheOneTrueSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04756132396031048647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-52412571502584996322008-06-12T14:58:00.000-06:002008-06-12T14:58:00.000-06:00When I got the critique back for my third book, I ...When I got the critique back for my third book, I wanted to fall to the floor in the fetal position and whimper for a few hours. She told me that I need to get rid of the first chapter. It was like being sucker-punched. Sort of. <BR/><BR/>When I was shopping this story around to agents (I've since decided to self-publish), one agent told me that I needed to cut at least 5,000 words. I'm pretty sure getting rid of Chapter One took care of that. LOL. But once I got over the shock, I dug in. I documented Revision Hell on my blog, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Although it was just a critique, I'm ready to send it to an editor now for the second set of "red marks". LOLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-26617146085087050252008-06-11T12:18:00.000-06:002008-06-11T12:18:00.000-06:00I think the reason I've put off the revisions of m...I think the reason I've put off the revisions of my first draft is because I'm afraid of humbling myself. Owning up to our weaknesses is so very, very difficult.<BR/><BR/>Love how you expressed this!Kimberly Vanderhorsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01653757517652257445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-71598691648586234252008-06-11T11:28:00.000-06:002008-06-11T11:28:00.000-06:00This is so great, Julie. I think that new writers ...This is so great, Julie. I think that new writers don't realize how proud an editor is when he/she improves with each draft!Heather Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11634399663804195312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-8871012564633713322008-06-10T23:31:00.000-06:002008-06-10T23:31:00.000-06:00Yes! Well said. In fact, rewriting is my favorite ...Yes! Well said. In fact, rewriting is my favorite part because that's when what I've written starts to look pretty good. First drafts, not so much.Ronda Gibb Hinrichsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03504581218342122865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-9866450391556178202008-06-10T11:35:00.000-06:002008-06-10T11:35:00.000-06:00I study the martial arts and one of the first thin...I study the martial arts and one of the first things I was taught was a parable about a new student and the master. To make a long and graceful parable short and ungraceful, it's essentially this:<BR/><BR/>A new student asks the sensei how long it will take him to become a master. The sensei says "20 years". The student says "but what if I focus all my energies on becoming a master and work 6 days a week?" The sensei says "then it will take 30 years". But what if I work at becoming a master 7 days a week without stopping?" "then it will take 40 years".<BR/><BR/>Sensing the student's frustration, the sensei finally tells him "If you have both eyes on your destination, you cannot see the path you need to take to get you there."<BR/><BR/>It sounds as if your friend already understands the most important lesson of getting published: forget about getting published. If he keeps his ego out of the way, accepts useful help when its offered and is concerned only with making his manuscript the best it can be, he'll succeed.<BR/><BR/>Good for him. And good for you.<BR/><BR/>Jon, Children's Book InsiderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9113459088262891680.post-10691517295942151612008-06-10T09:07:00.000-06:002008-06-10T09:07:00.000-06:00Yay for your pupil! It's a difficult task to get t...Yay for your pupil! It's a difficult task to get that thick skin and make the needed changes. Way to be a great teacher, too.Annette Lyonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12493583432919249814noreply@blogger.com