I finished my writing class a few weeks ago.  On the whole I found Fiction 2 very helpful.  I thought my teacher did a really great job at teaching us how to move a story forward.  I think it was a good decision for my to take this class, though I am opting to not take a class this semester. I may take one again in the fall, but I know my free time is lacking over the next few months, and I am loving working with my informal writing group consisting of women I met in class.

I’m working on rewrites of my novel.  I’m about halfway through, and the biggest thing I’ve realized is that I need to listen to my gut feelings about things.  Getting feedback from readers is extremely valuable, but sometimes it’s not always advisable to make the corrections they think you need.  Sometimes, their opinion is based on their particular life circumstances.  When receiving feedback you need to really disseminate the helpful form the not so helpful.  For example, when I presented work to Fiction 1 class, they gave me suggestions.  When I incorporated the suggestions and presented it to Fiction 2, their critique was that I should have done it differently (more like the way I originally did it)  Maybe my first draft wasn’t well written, but the idea behind it was solid.  I just needed to rework my idea.

I have learned that I have a very macro approach to work.  It’s most noticeable when I critique my writing group works.  I’m finding that I’m clearly focusing on the arc of a work- looking for the beginning, middle and end.  I’m more focused on making sure the characters have credible growth or non growth throughout the work.  I am less focused on the micro aspects when I’m first reading.  In my mind, the outline has to be solid before you start focusing on sentences and word choice.  I’ve seen people write beautiful sequences, but they have no rhyme or reason as a whole work.  I’ve become to think of it as a writer writes things, an author tells a story.  I don’t know if this is right or wrong, I only know it’s how I feel.

My next bit of self discovery deals with emotions.  Remember a few weeks ago I talked about how I’m a numbers girl trying to be a writing girl?  Well, I notice that when  I write I am stingy with emotion.  I think that’s part of my analytic, logical gene poking through.  I know I can be emotionless in many situations: I have to get past this when I’m writing, especially as I’m writing a love story.  Love stories should include some sort of emotion.

On the advice of my writing teacher, I am waiting to look for an agent.  He thinks I should have a solid second draft that includes all the plot holes I have discovered.  I think he’s right, so that gets pushed off for at least two months.

And then there’s my blog, which I still love writing, and look forward to writing every day!

So get out there and write!!

 

 

35 thoughts on “March Writing Update”

  1. Good luck figuring out how to write emotionally! I’ve no advice about that, but I agree with you that you have to figure out the outline first. Kind of like when you decorate your home– big picture/plan, then colors/details. It’s a process.

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  4. Although I’ve been thinking about this. You talk about being unemotional and love stories ‘should’ be emotional. That got me thinking about actually, that would make a very interesting love story if written unemotionally. Made me think of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time‘. And maybe there should be no ‘should’s? If that’s your voice…? Just a thought!

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    1. I guess you’re right…there is no should, just what you can write, and write well. But, I do know that I need to give my character a little more dimension. She’s charming, but I don’t want her to come across as glib, or shallow

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  5. Great job! Emotions are tough. I tend to give my characters the same emotions I have. I’ve learned to broaden my horizons. I don’t always remember this though.Can’t wait to read your love story. I’ll be one if the first people to order a copy!

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  6. I’m glad to hear I am not the only one who has difficulty with emotion. I’ll look forward to hearing any tips you come up with.

    I have had the same experience about changing some based on a critique and then being told it should be the way I did it originally. You’re right about being careful to selectively use feedback.

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    1. I think you need feedback. Its the only way to progress and grow. But distinguishing the helpful from the not so helpful is important. It’s a skill I need to learn

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  7. This is very interesting. I think I can relate too in the fact that it’s hard to get feedback sometimes. The feedback I get is either people causing drama (which is ridiculous), or it’s people who want to critique my writing styles. I have one person who constantly says I don’t write cohesively. They keep offering to help edit my work. I am not comfortable with it because their argument is they took an AP writing class in high school. I think you write gracefully. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Everyone should have their own style. Who wants to write like someone else? Keep writing your way, and just think logically about the feedback. I’m going to try!!

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  9. “Love stories should include some sort of emotion.” 😀 The dry humor works, of course; but, yes, I think you’re going to have to make the dialogue very clear that they like each other -even subtly- or no one’s going to pick up on affection.

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  14. It sounds like you’re making great progress. I think criticism is very valuable as long as it’s constructive. The lesson I learned in writing group is that everyone’s voice and style is unique, and you can’t compare yourself to others. Your blogging voice is fantastic. If you bring that to your novel, it’s going to be a home run.

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      1. You’ve got to. The best thing I ever heard Tom Petty quoted as saying is that he had to write what he wanted, and hoped others would like it too. If I’ve told you this before, I apologize. But I love that concept. You’ve got to believe in your own voice.

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