Saturday, May 28, 2011

Back on the Blog Chain: Thinking Positive

For this round, Michelle asks us to

Be positive! Name some of the positive aspects of your writing --- be it a compliment from a mentor, friend or crit partner to anything special you learned concerning your writing skills.

Link
As usual, Kat posted before me, and Kate comes next.


Sometimes it's hard to recognize the strengths in one's writing. Even if I feel an aspect of my writing works well in one story, I might immediately think of other parts of the story that don't work as well. We're so focused on improvement that sometimes we downplay the things that don't need improving. That's why I feel it's important to offer praise as well as suggestions whenever I critique a story.

Last month, one of my crit partners reviewed all of Twinned Universes for me. She said she really enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. She also felt my characters were complex and well drawn. I worked very hard on those parts of the story, and I'm pleased to see that my effort paid off, at least for one reader.

As for other writing strengths, my style isn't poetic, but it does the job. I know the mechanics of writing and try to make sure my work flows as well as possible before showing it to someone else.

Sometimes I feel that as I get closer to putting my work out in the world, the more critical of it I become. It's important to remind yourself that your words are worth sharing with others. While I can't expect all readers to enjoy every aspect of my stories, I hope that the overall experience will be positive. And to help us look on the bright side, here's a little song you may know:


6 comments:

L. Diane Wolfe said...

We just have to shine at what we do best!

And one of these years we're going to see Spamalot.

Su said...

I'm glad you got such good feedback! And what you say is true-- it's easy to focus on the not-as-good to the exclusion of the great. :(

Regina said...

Great feedback and supportive crit partners are so crucial to writing these days. I always get a rush of inspiration after a good critique.

Michelle H. said...

The positive feedback can only increase one's motivation. Great post!

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

Ha - great video and great song! And I agree - words are worth sharing:)

Eric said...

This is a great answer. And this has been an important question, one I do believe we need to ask ourselves all the time. Great post, and even better video choice LOL.

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