Like the title of this blog today was inspiring! Last night I sent the beginning of my second book “Somewhere Down In Texas” to my writer friend Wade. I loved what he had to say about what I had written so far and it made my day and night! With his comments, questions and ideas, he made me think about the direction I was headed with certain characters and thank goodness for him, they have been saved. Okay, maybe they haven’t been really “saved,” but they have been reconstructed and certain important parts have formed deeper and come together, which have helped the reader understand a little bit more.
I strongly encourage my writer friends to find other writer friends to talk and communicate about your work in progress. There is nothing better than to have your (best) friend read you work and give you his/her honest opinion. I loved how Wade asked me question and had question about my story. Those questions made me think, and they made me a better writer!
I also encourage you to email or give your story to each and every one of your friends. It’s best to pick who you give your book to and it’s okay to be picky — you want the comments you hear back to be both, positive and negative. I also recommend starting or joining a writing group. Don’t be bashful (like I was), it’s okay to share you success with your non-writer friends too! They have their own lives, right? Well, can’t you write characters like them too?
Again, I thank Wade, and my writing friends, for being such a supporter of my writing. I couldn’t do it without you!
I love the title of the new book!
It is so important to have a writing community/support group. I miss having face to face writer friends in Alaska, but thanks to the internet it’s much easier to connect with people even if you can’t meet for lunch.
Best of luck on the new manuscript. It sounds like you’re off to a good start already. Woo-hoo, go Texas!
Thanks for your comment, Nikki! 🙂
Having friends review your work is a great idea, so you can get feedback, and questions. Usually the writer is so close to the material that they miss certain details that the reader needs. Joining a writers’ group is best, to get critique from a variety of people who will look at it with a more objective eye, and not only as readers, but as fellow writers. Joining a writers’ group has been one of the the best things I have done for my writing career.
Agreed, Larry! Writing groups are awesome because it (sometimes) helps you with inner-conflicts.
I love beta readers. I just wish I was better at using them. I am in two critique groups, which helps, but I don’t tend to share my work until the first draft is complete. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have someone take a peek early on to see if things are working on paper the way they do in my head.
Good luck as you move forward with your newest endeavor!
Thanks for your comment! I was once like you and didn’t feel comfortable sharing my work, but once I did and the more confident I felt about what I revised/talked over with my friends, it helped me a lot!
Also, thanks for he well wishes! Good luck to you too! 🙂