Writing and Reading and Critique Group
I love my critique group! We've been together going on ten years now, although I'm the only original member. (Several people left for different reasons and one moved. But each time we've found a new member. Now there are six of us, which means there are at least four at any monthly meeting. I've been bringing in revisions to my completed manuscript and the suggestions have been great--easily fixable things like, "This chapter seemed to drag a bit. Maybe you could cut a paragraph or two of the soccer" (My MC is a goalie) or "This chapter needs more of the MC's reactions to what is going on."
I took care of the first problem a couple weeks ago. At the same time I had an O-for-duh! moment, where I got to tie a plot point into something that I'd already said and tighten the plot a bit. It's so funny how the brain does that--puts the idea out there and then waits for you, the writer to recognize it. Does anyone else ever have that happen?
After working on suggestion number two today, I'm generally feeling good about this one. Of course, after working on it for 6 years, I think I should. I'm hoping to have this ready to send out after the holidays. This time for sure, she says....
Luckily for me, I do have some other things I'm working on so when I can't stand to think about this another minute I can plot novels 2, 3, 4, or 5. I just wish I'd have time to work on them more.
But the paying work has to take precedence. Besides, not only does it bring in money, but there is tremendous satisfaction in writing for people who want your words--no rejection! Plenty of revision, but no rejection. Sometimes I feel like Sally Field--"They like me, they really like me."
The paying work is also practice, practice, practice. And that, my friends, provides me with the perfect segue (in a crooked kind of way) into the book I just finished reading that I have to recommend to anyone who reads middle grade fiction.
A Crooked Kind of Perfect, by Linda Urban is marvelous! (Visit www.lindaurbanbooks to see what it's all about.) Zoe, the MC, has a wonderful voice and is one of those kids you just want to hug because they do you so proud. The novel also has a great form, with lots of short chapters and very rhythmic language that reinforce one of its themes. There's something in Zoe that reminds me of Calvin, from Calvin & Hobbes. One of my favorite of those strips is the one where Calvin says something to the effect: "When life hands you lemons, I say, zing 'em right back and add a few of your own." Zoe's not as snarky as Calvin, but she puts her own spin on whatever life hands her.
I can't wait to see what Linda Urban comes up with next!
Happy Reading, everyone! Happy Writing!