Face to face.

Critiques. I've spoken about them before and in the end they are supposed to do one thing. Help us become better writers. For the most part I like critiques. The bad ones hurt but I rather know things now then when I query. The good ones boost the confidence. I like them because this is my classroom-- I'm learning and it's the only way I know where I stand. I do follow some self help books, but to me, doing is the only way I learn.

Most of the critiques I've gotten are via email which is great. I have a few CPs who help me tremendously. Their feedback is priceless. In fact, I don't think I would have made it this far without them.  My one CP and I meet every so often face to face to go over our stuff and brainstorm. This is even more helpful because we are talking it through. I can hear her tone of voice and see her expressions. Since my other CPs are spread across the country, we Skype every so often to go over our work and brainstorm. You get to talk things out and really hear what they thought.

I have had one agent critique which at the time made me feel like hiding in some mountain near the black forest but I got over it. I'm glad I did it because I know more now. It was via email so I didn't have to see this person which to me was a good thing. Not that I didn't want to meet them or see their expression, I was just embarrassed they had to read my mountain of mess.

On Saturday, I'm attending the Philly SCBWI conference with fellow blogger buddy and CP, Kelly. I'm glad she's coming with me because I'm getting a critique by an agent or editor--face to face. Dun dun dun da.  Yeah you hear that scary music. I'll admit I'm scared. I'm sure whoever is critiquing my sorry 10 pages is scared too. This will be my first agent/editor critique face to face so--yeah--I have to make the best of it.

Painting by Kaitlyn McCane (she coming with me too.)

Here is my current tactic on trying to remain calm. I'm looking at this as a learning experience. I'm no literary genius (we all know this) so I must put in the time and work my butt off. I'm trying to keep in mind that they will tell me what needs improving and I will go from there. Of course, I've had a nightmare or two where they take their red pen and put a big X on my pages shaking their head no but-- hey, I'm human.

So, I have been trying to come up with questions to ask to make the most of my fifteen minutes. Here is where I look to you for advice.

Any advice on how to make the most of my fifteen minutes?

Any calming techniques?

Any questions I should avoid asking? Any questions that are a must?

Thanks guys. Friday, I'm taking part in the experiment that Elana, Jen, and Alex are conducting. It should be interesting and fun. Oh and check out this contest!! Angela Ackerman you rock! Have a great day!