A tip for critiques

As you know, I like feedback, even though my stomach knots and nerves frazzle. Feedback is the way I learn, and a critique is the best way to get that feedback. I have a few CPs and I love them. They are awesome. Once I found them, we started sending our precious manuscripts back and forth in chunks.
But what do you say in your email back? Sure you state what you thought works and what might not work with possible solutions, but can you really say what you want to say in an email?

Tone of voice is hard in your writing, but what about an email? Sure, it should be just as easy to not sound mean or flat. I think I'm okay at doing this, but sometimes things are hard to explain in a simple email. I know you're laughing at me. Is she serious? Why can't she express herself in an email of a critique? She thinks she's a writer? Okay, stop please. Here's my point.

With critque parters all over the world, email is the easiest, but in some instances when I want to talk to them to really understand what they meant when they gave certain advice, I turn to Skype, yes, Skype. Some of you may use this already, and I think it works great. I started using this when my husband would travel and the kids wanted to see him. Then, one of my critique groups used it. Four gals from all over the country discussing our little loves. Now, you don't have to use video, so if you want to sit in your PJs or without makeup then shut the camera off.

Just recently I used it with my CP, Kelly. She's local and we usually meet up at the local B & N to discuss our stuff, but when a frickin' monsoon hit that flooded out streets, we were stuck. We decided to use the Skype and it worked great (as long as the power stays on.) To me Skyping helps to see the person's expression and to hear their tone of voice, even brainstorming is a lot easier. So, If you haven't tried it, I would recommend Skyping. It works for me.

Anyone use Skype?

Any other tips for CPs?

I'm hoping to get some writing in today. I'm super tired so sorry for the babble.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

What? You're right, that's the problem.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I think I ate too much but that's a whole other issue. Anyway, I did relax a little--getting to the beach (my favorite place) and letting my WiP sit.

Well, I can't let it sit. I thought  about it a lot. I can't help it--I think about it everyday. I did some work on it on Saturday--mainly because I have way too may things I want to do with it. You see, my chapter 1 has bothered the hell out of me--that's right I said hell. Sorry. I think I've been trying so hard at trying to make it right I'm missing the point and it's lacking flow. So here's what happened:

1. I've know for quite a while something is missing. What that was I had no idea and I don't like feeling that way. My Critique group (the lovely talented Jen, Summer and Crystal) helped in pointing some things out. So I did make changes but something wasn't right. My CP ( the amazingly talented and awesome Kelly) looked at and well I think she hit the nail on the head. I finally saw it. Yes, it took four people to basically slam it in my face but I got it. I hope. My story worthy problem was missing. I had everything else--inciting incident, initial surface problem but that story worthy problem was not there.  It's pretty important considering it pretty much sums up the whole reason your character is taking the reader on their journey. So I did write some things that should complete my chapter 1. I do need to add a little fluff but I'm happy with what I'm coming up with. For now. Ask me next week that may be a different story. BTW--I love my CPs--Thanks guys.

2. I was very excited to receive a comment from the author Les Edgerton.  If you missed it please read it here. Read in the comments. It's a great lesson on adjectives/adverbs. Once you finished reading that go to Les's blog and read this. All about the premise of your story. This made me think hard this weekend and I'm still trying to make sure what mine is. It discouraged me at first but I'm back on track. It's making me work harder. Oh and if you haven't bought Hooked by Les Edgerton, please do you self a favor and get it.  It's great.

3. WiP #3 is talking again and WiP #1 is not happy. They are literally fighting in my head. All the characters arguing back and forth. They're fighting for my attention like my kids. I feel like I have a litter. Yikes. Either that or another version of West Side Story is developing. WiP #2 is quiet mainly because it's just a continuation of WiP #1 (Yes, book 2). I shouldn't complain I'm glad that all the ideas are flooding my brain but I can't breathe. Wait. I'm back.

4. I also saw a minor detail that--well--is really dumb in WiP #1.  It makes me feel sort of stupid that I missed it but I'm sure it's not the first. I realized at a stop light. My MC breaks her arm in Chapter 2 but in chapter 3 she can amazingly (I seem to like this word today) use crutches. I really wonder how that would work. Oh well, back to figuring that out too.

Anything interesting happen to you over the weekend?

How do deal with fighitng WiPs?

How is your chapter 1 coming along?

Don't you love your CPs?

Do you think about your WiP everyday or am I the only one?

Have a great day!

Critiques...Therapy?

Here is a subject I have posted about before but I felt like expanding on it.
I met with my critique partner last night and realized how important it is to have someone really look at what you are writing.  I was not sure if having someone critique a first draft was a great idea because it is in no shape to be read but now I think it has helped me in more ways than one.  I have learned so much in the past few months that I already know what to change and how to change my WIP--yes Kelly I know finish it first :)
Having a critique partner(s) helps in more ways than just making sure your I's are dotted and your T's crossed.  I know this is CP's job --to make sure your WIP is the best it can be but I have learned that a CP helps in getting to the heart and soul of your story --

Does it make sense?

Is it consistant?

What do you want the reader to feel?

What is the family tree of your chracters?

and the list goes on (endless questions are discussed and answered)


Having a CP is great for getting feedback whether it is good or bad.  I believe this is helping me become better at what I am trying to achieve.  Accepting the good is easy and the bad --well--sometimes strikes the ego but I take it for all it is worth.  I find the negative feedback (not hurting someone's feeling here--more on the stuff that needs work) helps me really look at my WIP and really try to figure out how to make it better.  I am sure this is all common knowledge to someone who is more of an expert than I am but I thought I needed to share.

My tip--Get feedback no matter where you are in you WIP.

Another helpful tip I have learned is that having a CP is like having a therapist.  Writing is an emotional rollercoaster. Finishing your novel, trying to get an agent, and getting your baby published can break even the most strong hearted down to tears but having support and someone who can listen and understand where you are coming from is priceless. I have been dabbling in writing for over ten years and never had the guts to let anyone read anything I have written but here I am putting myself out there. My family supports me too and they are pretty critical but it is also nice to talk to others apart from my personal life who cheer me on and teach me how to be a better writer.  So thank you Kelly, and my loyal fellow bloggers. 

So that is it--my son is rising from his nap and my time is up.

What characteristics do you look for in a critique partner? How has your critique partner helped you? How has blogging helped you? And a question out of the blue--how have you gained more followers on your blog?