uh oh...my dad wants to read my novel
What do you say when that happens?
Um...my book is for teen-aged girls, and the last time I checked, you were an old guy.
Um..my cat threw up on it. Do you still want it?
It's natural that your friends and family want to know why you spend so many hours a day holed up in a tiny room going clickety-clack instead of hanging out with them.
Still, I say: RESIST!
Or at least consider how you might feel if that friend or relative hates your WIP and tells you so.
Why? Because they have high expectations. They know how smart and funny you are in person and expect to be wowed. Chances are, though,your Pulitzer Prize winning novel won't see the light of day for a few more years. And your family and friends might be disappointed in your starter-novel.
It's much easier to dismiss the comments of an obnoxious critique group member than of someone we love. Besides, critique group members submit themselves to critique each week, too, so they tend to be more careful about how they phrase things.
IF YOU MUST show your work to someone you love, have them read the Critique Group Code of Conduct in advance, and sign it in blood.
Have I followed my own advice?
No. *goes to take her anti-crazy pill*
Don't be like me.
Um...my book is for teen-aged girls, and the last time I checked, you were an old guy.
Um..my cat threw up on it. Do you still want it?
It's natural that your friends and family want to know why you spend so many hours a day holed up in a tiny room going clickety-clack instead of hanging out with them.
Still, I say: RESIST!
Or at least consider how you might feel if that friend or relative hates your WIP and tells you so.
Why? Because they have high expectations. They know how smart and funny you are in person and expect to be wowed. Chances are, though,your Pulitzer Prize winning novel won't see the light of day for a few more years. And your family and friends might be disappointed in your starter-novel.
It's much easier to dismiss the comments of an obnoxious critique group member than of someone we love. Besides, critique group members submit themselves to critique each week, too, so they tend to be more careful about how they phrase things.
IF YOU MUST show your work to someone you love, have them read the Critique Group Code of Conduct in advance, and sign it in blood.
Have I followed my own advice?
No. *goes to take her anti-crazy pill*
Don't be like me.