What Does My Project Need? by Andy Scheer

The past few weeks I’ve critiqued six writing projects: three at a writers conference, two for an independent publisher, and one for an agent.

I wasn’t an expert on any of those topics. But I came to each piece with not only an objective eye, but also one trained in what makes writing succeed.

Both are needed. Even experienced writers can get so close to their topic, they can mistake others’ familiarity or interest. An outsider can judge if the opening paragraphs and pages will attract and engage readers. And if the following material connects all the dots.

Likewise, an outsider can see if all the pieces fit. Last week I told an independent publisher that her client’s manuscript had parts of two books. While the introduction promised one topic, the text didn’t get to that material until more than halfway through. The lion’s share, while potentially interesting, had little relation to the promised topic. Worse, it stopped partway through the opening story.

As an outsider, an hour’s scan of the manuscript showed significant structural issues invisible to the author.

Then there was the writer whose manuscript I critiqued at the conference. The tone suggested someone who lectured on dusty topics. In person, he turned out to be a self-made entrepreneur. I simply encouraged him to let his writing sound like himself, not a weak imitation of his favorite scholar.

While all six projects had potential, they also needed significant work. Maybe none of the six belonged to a writers group, or maybe their peers were also too close to see the problems.

Fortunately, many writers conferences still offer the option of professional critiques. Done well, they’ll show you what you most need to know.

Learning from Critiquing by Andy Scheer

This morning I critiqued nine magazine articles. In the next few days, I need to evaluate another fifty-three.

In judging a national contest, I hope to offer writers and editors specific suggestions so they can improve their craft. In exchange I'll get a modest honorarium. But I'll receive a bigger benefit the entrants may not realize.

As I'm forced to analyze individual components, I see things I'd miss if I were just reading. As I search for what worked and what didn't, I also learn about the craft. I'm reminded why certain techniques shine and others fail. I find examples worth following.

I can't simply give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. My score comes from weighing five elements. For each article, I have to pay attention to:

1) The idea (timeliness, appeal)

2) Effective development of idea

3) Writing style

4) Use of imagery/emotion

5) Originality of treatment

I'm also expected to make comments – offering examples for all five of where and why they succeeded or missed the mark. That means I need to pore over each piece.

If you're reading this, I hope you participate in a critique group. As you do, please take full advantage of the opportunity.

Yes, the other writers can learn from your comments. But that's the tip of the iceberg.

As for me, I hope the next fifty-three entries prove as valuable as the first.

Don't Shoot the Messenger by Diana Flegal

It is difficult to hear that the manuscript you labored over and birthed has been rejected. Or to meet with your critique partners only to see their red ink bleeding all over the pages of your best efforts.

But the worst thing you can do is shoot the messenger.

This past weekend I had the privilege of teaching at a Mini-Fiction Workshop at the Anderson Library, Anderson, SC. organized by Elva Cobb Martin.

One of the workshops I delivered was First Lines, First Pages. Authors brought the first pages of their work in progress. (WIP). We read them and let the authors know if we would read on, and if not- we made suggestions that might better 'hook' their reader.

I reminded them that the author of THE HELP, Kathryn Stockett, had faced rejection 61 times before her title was accepted and published. That is a lot of rejection and yet Kathryn did not quit. And I am glad she did not. Her literary voice is one I am thankful to know.

Yesterday was the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg address. In reading Matthew Pinsker's article, I smiled to learn that Lincoln wrote several drafts of his speech. So many that they can not be absolutely sure which version was the one read so long ago. After his speech, many requests were made for copies. Each one was originally penned by hand by President Lincoln, known for rewrites and self editing.

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved."

Ralph Waldo Emerson from the Quotationspage.com

I'm sure Kathryn Stockett's first page in her published book, was not at all the same as the first page she began with. She took the suggestions and rejections to heart, made the needed and necessary improvements, and ended up with a bestseller.

 

 

 

So rather than let your words slip down the drain, or blame others for your rejections; revise, rewrite and retry.
 

When you wear the flower of impatience in your heart instead of the flower of acceptance with joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you."
Hannah Hurnard wrote in Hinds Feet in High Places- spoken to much afraid as she battled her enemies discouragement and despair.

Never give up on your dreams. With every journey round the mountain, you will find hinds feet growing until you will leap over every obstacle with ease.