When I started taking classes at Gotham Writers’ Workshop I was a little worried about sharing my work with my fellow classmates, but I quickly overcame those nerves and insecurities and learned to listen to what they had to say. Whether their critique were comments about my storyline, helping me keep a better timeline of events, or anything else, I welcomed their opinions.
I recently gave my second book, The Right Design, to a close friend to read. I was a little worried about doing so, not because of what I thought he might think, but because it was my baby, my NaNoWriMo baby. I still haven’t let go of the storyline, nor have I gone a day without thinking about my beloved characters. Come to find out, my friend really enjoyed the story. He helped me see where I needed some help and what parts he liked. This helped me so much, and I’m beginning to take notes for the 2nd draft – yea!
Many writers are like me, afraid to share their work, but trust me, you’ll want to show you work to friends because it might help you in the long run. It’s also okay to learn to take criticism. Writers need it because it’s the only way that our writing gets better.
Have you ever showed a friend your MS? If so, what was your experience in doing so? Were you happy you did it? I’d love to hear all about it. (You can even vent if you want to!)
I share with friends and fam whenever possible. Even nag them to read if I have to, though I prefer not to resort to extreme measures ;). Their feedback is crucial, especially in the areas that may need further depth or explanation, or sections that just don’t sound or flow right. If you want your story to be the best it can be, definitely get someone’s feedback. Writing communities online are also extremely helpful in developing your skills, and I’d probably recommend every writer to join at least one for a few months during their starting career. Thanks for emphasizing this!
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Oh yes! I never let anyone read my work until I joined a writer’s critique group. Woe, that was scary. Strangers had to tell me what was wrong with it. I was actually shaking the first time I went. I was surprised when their constructive criticism wasn’t near as bad as I imagined. In fact, they taught me things I never knew about writing before. It’s been four years and I rarely miss our twice a month meetings. My writing has improved enough to become published, and I’ve helped them to improve too. I highly recommend writer’s critique groups, although, be careful because sometimes personalities can clash. It’s a delicate balance, and once you find the right mix, it’s a writer’s heaven. Good luck and thanks for posting this.
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I absolutely agree, I’m a big fan of sharing work. Authors need an outside opinion to see those things we missed so we can make it better. A good friend of mine is a writer too and we always swap manuscripts to read over. It’s very good practise.
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I’m very apprehensive about showing people my work. I remember when I was in my poetry phase (mid to late teens) and I converted a little notebook into a collection of my ‘works’. I was so proud and I showed it to my aunt who kept bursting out laughing! She was very amused at all the teen angst – it was very ’emo’ style writing. I remember feeling really ripped off and I think I kept my work to myself for a long time after that. However, I know that I would rather my friends give me their honest opinion (prefer them not to burst out in laughter though!) and critique my work. I am rather sensitive about my writing so I may not take constructive criticism very well no matter how much I know my mates will be helping me!
Great blog by the way, am enjoying it 🙂
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