But enough about our weather woes, I wanted to touch on a few writers I know and their writing woes, or should I say challenges.
Two friends of mine have asked me for help in writing their books. Not that I have all the answers, so good thing they are only logistic type problems. Although, I do not mind helping, it is a frustrating toll. Not for me so much, but for them. I do feel bad when I have to reiterate, but I guess that's what happens when you're learning. One of my friends had issues with grammar and punctuation mainly, the other, scene setting. Both have issues with description. One wants to give to much, the other, not enough.
Luckily I was blessed with a wonderful writing coach, Janet Roots. She taught me a lot and I tend to retain well. But, not before over 2 yrs of classes and a private writing coach and a lot of trial and error. Oh, and of course. quite a few critique partners.
People don't realize how tough writing a novel can be. Not to mention, time consuming. It's almost been 4 yrs since I began my writing endeavor, and even though I am so glad I experienced it, it doesn't make it any easier. There are no short cuts to writing a good book, no matter how hard one tries.
One of the hardest things I have had to experience though, besides patience, is teaching what I have learned. The funny thing is, both of these writers are writing in 'first' person, and I have never written that way. Another weird experience. But, since one of my critique partners writes in that, I have learned a lot about it. My critique partner, Robin, is also helping me with one of these writers, but I'm on my own with the other. So far so good.
So bear with me ladies, I hope that I don't steer you wrong. I know I can be a tough critique, but it should pay off in the long run.
Back to the weekend. I am turning older this one, on Saturday. Not really sure how I feel about birthday's any more, but it sure beats the alternative, right!
See you on Monday with my guest Shah Husain. I'm looking forward to it!
Love, Lisa
Happy Birthday! Personally I find birthdays to be overrated at my age. Not the same fun as when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you are providing help to your writing friends. Critique partners are essential to finding the errors that the writers miss themselves.
Which incidentally, I think you might have been in quite a hurry getting this blog post off as there are quite a number of errors throughout. I rarely catch errors, but here they were so blatant that they were hard to miss.
I especially was amused with "bare with me ladies". Sounds intriguing, but I think you might have meant "bear with me".
Sorry, I don't mean to come across as negatively critical, but I was hoping to help. And considering the context of this post...
As your quote indicates, none of us are perfect. I welcome proofreading and editorial suggestions for any of my blog posts as well. I'm sure I miss plenty of errors that I am very rarely told about--and I have asked.
Lee
A Faraway View
That sounds about right Arlee! And that's what i get writing this 5:30 in the morning. I knew i should have gone back to bed first! I will fix it when o get back to my computer.
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DeleteLol! I caught that too.
ReplyDeleteBear as in the animal or to bear a burden.
Bare as in naked. (Hee:)) As Arlee said, intriguing. ;)
Anyway, it's your birthday week, you do whatever you want to!
Besides, age is relative. It's all a matter of the mind, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
I think anything you pass on to a writer starting out is a step in the right direction for them. It's a learning process, one you and I are still going through, we're just a little farther along. Critique groups/partners, beta readers, etc. are imperative although, as we well know, some don't take that initiative. If you truly want to publish your best effort, you need to do this.
If you don't care, well, you still might be published (especially self or e-pub), but you're doing yourself and your readers a disservice.
Love ya,
Robin
Yeah, yeah, Arlee already rubbed it in! I guess I wasn't awake yet, but I did fix it lol!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have nominated your blog for the blog of the year 2012. If you want to participate, please go to http://garciaandwalkon.me and follow the instructions on the blog of the year 2012 award.
Have a great second Advent's Sunday.
Ciao,
Patricia
Wow Pat, that is so nice! I will check it out! I would hardly consider my blog to rate anything but ramblings, but I do appreciate your nomination! Thanks!
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