tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194969924649415384.post320900287487146829..comments2021-07-17T16:38:32.858-07:00Comments on smart, sexy, supernatural fiction: How to Handle a Manuscript CritiqueA. J. Larrieuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13880636157146909387noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194969924649415384.post-39449805762906022952013-01-24T20:22:07.490-08:002013-01-24T20:22:07.490-08:00@Amber: Thanks for stopping by! I totally underst...@Amber: Thanks for stopping by! I totally understand what you mean about the fear. It's always harder in my head than it is on the page.<br /><br />@Talia: Love that itchy clothes analogy. Spot on. The people who point out things I didn't even know were bothering me--I love those people. <br /><br />Oh, and if you're really hankering for a llama chase scene, may I suggest opening the image on top of this post in a new tab... ;)A. J. Larrieuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13880636157146909387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194969924649415384.post-6077919907072704882013-01-24T17:37:13.395-08:002013-01-24T17:37:13.395-08:00Is it very wrong that I now want to read a contemp...Is it very wrong that I now want to read a contemporary romance that includes a llama chase sequence through a mall parking lot? <br /><br />Otherwise, yep, I agree on all fronts. Though I have to admit, I've had a different experience lately as well -- the sting is, well, not gone, but lessened because there's this other voice inside my head saying "Thank you, o' wise critique person! You nailed the problems that I didn't even know I had, only also I did, and they bothered me the way itchy clothes bother me when I'm out in public and can't do anything about them. And now I feel so relieved because I can change into softer, more comfortable clothing -- I mean, book drafts." <br /><br />I still brace myself for impact before opening a critique email, though. And a crit from someone new is a terrifying experience to contemplate. I'm sorry it went south for you, Jaimie, but remember -- it's just one person's opinion. I have certainly learned never to use certain readers again. Yup yup yup. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00322419474966960231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194969924649415384.post-46031973902216902822013-01-24T11:00:28.474-08:002013-01-24T11:00:28.474-08:00A.J. This is a great post, and how funny we were ...A.J. This is a great post, and how funny we were both on this topic this week. I agree with everything you've said here. I love what you say about when people offer suggestions that help you understand the problem, but not solve it. I've had that experience SO many times, and followed the wrong path, not trusting myself. <br /><br />One of my fave things about critique is the way the feedback, once made concrete, are always so much easier to address than I fear. <br /><br />Jaimie, I am sorry you had that experience. I think it is SO important to find CPs who actually like your style, and get your voice, and help you become more you. I think you made a good choice not to work with someone who doesn't--even if they are a great writer who points out good things. That said, sometimes, I have worked with people who I knew didn't like my work, because it made it even stronger, but I needed extra support from my fan-friends in the process. <br /><br />Thanks for a great post, A.J.!Amber Belldenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14119367919477965480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194969924649415384.post-52495429899016591922013-01-24T10:49:05.318-08:002013-01-24T10:49:05.318-08:00That should have been Step 0: Finding the perfect ...That should have been Step 0: Finding the perfect critique partner/beta! It is SO HARD. I've had my CPs for years now, and it's taken us that long to truly get to know each other's voices so that we can offer advice without impinging on each other's styles. It's hard to overstate how much I value those relationships. Two trusted readers is pretty great, I think. I know some people get feedback from dozens of readers, but I've always gone with only two or three. Too many cooks in the kitchen and all that. And I think if someone isn't offering you the right kind of advice, ignore it. If she didn't like anything about the book, it may mean that the book isn't for her, not that the book isn't good. That's my philosophy, anyway. :)A. J. Larrieuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13880636157146909387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194969924649415384.post-57402907524772908772013-01-23T20:39:16.393-08:002013-01-23T20:39:16.393-08:00This is great advice. Especially step number 2. Cr...This is great advice. Especially step number 2. Crucial. No decisions should be quickly made.<br /><br />I wonder if you've ever had the experience of like, <i>never using someone as a beta reader again</i>? I had that happen recently. The feedback I received was very insightful, but literally not one positive thing was said about the MS. I had to ask for positive feedback just so I could put the negative in perspective -- ie, see how to play up my goods to minimize my bads. As I'm typing this out, I guess this is a no-brainer. No one wants or needs the kind of critique partner who has to be asked to say one thing nice. I'm still a little upset about it -- can you tell? It had some part in killing the novel I was working on for 3 years. Too much bad mojo builds up over time.<br /><br />I'm really guarded about critique partners now. As in, I probably have just two that I trust.<br /><br />This was not very related to your post, but somewhat related, but enough not-related that I feel a little paranoid about it. Sorry for the rabbit trail.Jaimie Teekellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07845537262456320501noreply@blogger.com