We all need heartbreaking critiques
Writing is a tough journey. The path in a real writing to publishing journey must be long, treacherous and challenging. If it’s none of those things, you are on the wrong path.
After a bazillion revisions on my query, I needed critiques. And did I get some incredible feedback from other writers. They served me something raw, honest and organic. They pointed out the good and the bad. In fact, I needed the type of critiques that broke my heart.
I wallowed from their words and the idea of yet another revision. After a couple of days, I went back to soak in their thoughts, comments and suggestions. They spent so much time on me and I valued their feedback. Apparently, I had focused too much on plot (it read like a synopsis) and less on voice. So I got back to editing, it actually was easier.
We all need heartbreak because we get so wrapped up in our own work that we fail to see it anymore. Just like those agents and publishers looking for stories subjectively, we as writers are also subjective about our own stories. We need someone else to help us down the path and point out the beautiful things we failed to see before.
Heartbreak makes us wiser and stronger. And we must continue down our path no matter how long, treacherous and challenging it seems. Never give up!
Some random tips:
- Take advantage of feedback from others, but don’t oversaturate yourself.
- Learn what you can from the feedback, but always stick to your voice and your story.
- Seek out query critique giveaways or opportunities.
- Visit the Successful Queries page for examples.
- Check out the archives in Query Shark.
- Search Twitter hashtags for tips: #tenqueries | #10queries | #querytip
Feel free to comment with your links, tips and opportunities!