Hello Everyone,
It's time for another Insecure Writer's Group post. A few weeks ago I submitted a chapter from my work-in-progress to one of my writer's groups for review. During the critique, I received some mixed responses. While some enjoyed the piece, others were disturbed by it.
The conflict over my chapter got me to thinking about just how dangerous words can be. Some have argued that they are a tool used to persuade a reader into seeing the world from the writer's point of view. Although in theory this is true, the danger does not lie in the meaning of the words, but in how they are interpreted. In the case of my chapter, each reader honed in on certain elements of the story. In fact, a couple fixated on one of the smaller scenes, and in doing so, failed to see the big picture.
Since the majority ruled that my piece was well written and easy to read, I did not understand the reason a couple of readers could not see past a certain scene. Since the meeting, I find that I am overly concerned about the way my work-in-progress will be interpreted. These concerns are stifling my creative energy. Hopefully I'll get past this soon, otherwise, I'll never get anything written. Has anyone else had a similar experience-if so, how did you deal with it? I'd be interested to know.
This will be my last post for about three weeks. During my break I hope you all get lots of work done. Until next time, happy writing, my friends.
I think it's always worth remembering that you can't write for everyone. No matter how well you write, and how much or how many people enjoy it, there will always be some who don't like it, or just don't get it.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is to sift out the opinions that are useful to pay attention to, from those that may simply not be who you're writing for. That's not to say those people are wrong, just that their opinions don't fit with your vision for your writing.
Words to live by, Botanist. Though, I think it's easier than it looks.(:
DeleteSo long as you believe in the story (and aren't fixated on the small fry) I think that whatever you write will be clear enough. I would also say that from what I've observed, some of the best writing incites the strongest reactions (as it sounds like your chapter did).
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great break! :)
Well, I definitely got a response,Golden Eagle. In my case, I think the chapter was too dark and could use some cutting. I don't want to turn readers off either. It's a fine line knowing how much is too much.(; Thanks for stopping in.
DeleteI agree with the Golden Eagle; obviously you've written something original and emotional if readers are getting distracted by it. That could mean they won't give you a fair and through critique, or it could mean that your 'bigger picture' is being overpowered by the chapter in question. Hopefully you can decipher how relevant their reactions are, and what to extract from the critiques you've received. If you believe in the chapter and how it relates to the rest of your story, keep it. As Botanist said, you can't please everyone. If a million people read it you might get a million different reactions...but as long as they're reacting to it that's what counts, right?
ReplyDeleteHi Insomniac and thanks for stopping in. You've given some good advice here. I will definitely remember it next time I write.
DeleteI wouldn't let yourself get too distracted by minority opinions, no matter how much they might cause you to scratch your head. They will always be there, but as long as they remain in the minority, don't dwell too long on them!
ReplyDeleteAs always, sage advice, D.L. Sometimes there's a fine line between the minority and majority. Guess I'll just write the darned thing and worry about how it's received if and when it ever gets published. Thanks for stopping in.
DeleteCritters tend to focus on the little stuff and be overly picky sometimes. I have to fight the urge to do that when I crit. I don't think one can judge a book by a single chapter anyhow. Unless the passage in question is in the first chapter or two, and it's something that would make a reader put the book down and not read on, I wouldn't worry about it.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you.
IWSG# 288
Writing is like those ink-blot tests -- everyone sees different things in it; everyone brings their past, their beliefs, their preconceptions, and their own personal tastes into it. You cannot control others reactions. In this case, as long as the majority agree that it's good, trust them. Most of all trust yourself.
ReplyDeleteWe forget how important our reader is. Without having read your submission to your group, I'm going to guess that the group contains writers from all genres? That's why it's so vital to critique without bias. That's not always easy to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Andrea. Happy IWSG.