The second full week of March and we’ve all, hopefully, turned the corner on winter. Spring is staring us in the face, and with spring comes hope for longer days, warmer days, and perhaps new beginnings.
How are you this week? I’m fat and sassy, thank you very much. We are enjoying ridiculously beautiful weather. I’m sure it will come to an end so I’m soaking up as much sun as possible and storing it for the spring rains that will surely come.
You’ll laugh at this piece of news: I’m still not done with “Shadows Kill.” I thought I was but the ending is still leaving me wanting more, so back to the drawing board this week. No biggie; it’s all part of the process. The book will be done when it is done and not a moment before. When I finish this book I want it to be my best writing to date, and I’ll feel the same way when I finish the next book, and the one after that.
And the most wonderful thing happened to me Sunday……I received a review on “Resurrecting Tobias” that was not a perfect five stars. That review was a wonderful gift because I value honesty greatly, and I need to know that what I’m doing is not perfect. The reviewer was right on with her summation….I can do better, and I will do better.
How about you? Do you value honesty in critiques of your work? Do you really want to know that your poop stinks at times?
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Tucker Max
Now I can’t be as brutal about feedback as Tucker is, because I greatly appreciate any feedback I get about my writing, but I understand what he is saying.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Back in my teaching days, twice a year we would have parent/student/teacher conferences. These were dreaded by many but I actually enjoyed them. When I was holding a conference, I would make sure I did two things for every student: I would point out the good work they had done, and I would point out what they needed to improve. I owed them the most sincere and helpful feedback I could give them.
TIP OF THE DAY
Are you getting “good feedback?” I’m not talking about constant words of praise but rather about feedback that will help you grow as a writer? If you aren’t receiving that kind of feedback you need to go find someone who can give it to you….if being a better writer is your goal, of course.
Where do you find that feedback? Different strokes for different folks. I offer a service as a writing coach where I give constructive feedback of your writing…for a fee of course. There are others who do it as well, or if you can find a trusted friend who is willing to be honest with you, then go that route.
I’m currently helping a fellow writer to write her first book. It is an exciting process. Slow-going for sure, and at times frustrating for her, but she trusts my suggestions and guidance, and she knows I want the best for her. And I want the same for you!
BUSY WEEK AHEAD
That’s my way of saying I have to cut this one short. I hope I’ve given you something to think about. The bottom line is I want you all to grow in your craft, and that means receiving valuable feedback about your writing skills.
Have a super week and I’ll do the same.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 