tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post2687116091428438652..comments2023-10-25T03:45:03.077-04:00Comments on Confessions of a Watery Tart: Editing EpiphanyHart Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-44346683617636865572011-10-09T23:15:58.359-04:002011-10-09T23:15:58.359-04:00I'm pretty good with major feedback. Its the m...I'm pretty good with major feedback. Its the minor, niggling things I have problems with. This is perhaps because my husband (still my primary reader) tends to focus more on my grammar than story, which drives me a little batty. When others read my writing, I generally have little problem with "this simply doesn't work..." and I go back and find something that does.lizzyBathoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13240777768274838923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-26651520665105196862011-10-08T15:46:10.324-04:002011-10-08T15:46:10.324-04:00Hey, new follower and fellow insecure writer here....Hey, new follower and fellow insecure writer here. I HATE getting major feedback. It usually involves changing a lot of things, and that does NOT make me happy. But I do try to be open to it. Even the greatest writers needed help and editing - and I do too. So try to always keep an open mind when it comes to editing and critique. You never know when one change will make the perfect solution to a problem. <br /><br />Good luck with your work and great post!<br />- http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/S. L. Hennessyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06514651403542719387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-40175373747589058922011-10-07T22:00:24.511-04:002011-10-07T22:00:24.511-04:00Love that cartoon! That's exactly how I feel. ...Love that cartoon! That's exactly how I feel. Darn it. You'd think it would get easier...Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-21038196905785355392011-10-06T00:18:53.989-04:002011-10-06T00:18:53.989-04:00often wearing two hats, I have to say I have two a...often wearing two hats, I have to say I have two answers. As an editor, I try to be positive and reinforce the parts I really like so that writers aren't taking the criticisms the wrong way. And I cross my fingers that when I get the MS back, those changes will be made. I hate to harp on a subject which I have to do if a crucial change is being ignored.<br />As a writer, I like to see how others see my stuff. We can be so in our own heads and seeing the characters, but if a reader isn't then we haven't done our jobs and I love to learn what I need to do to make it better. That doesn't mean I don't look at the remarks initially and say, "but I DID that." :)Heather Savagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09978965489626420425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-29265274186055865622011-10-05T23:10:15.152-04:002011-10-05T23:10:15.152-04:00Oh wow. First of all. Walking and reading or editi...Oh wow. First of all. Walking and reading or editing? You are amazing. I would end up in the hospital. Second, I hate getting feedback, but I totally love how good the work feels after I've found a solution - because the work is almost always better for it. I can also totally relate to the too much going on thing. I routinely have to slash extraneous details/subplots.KM Nallehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06714392426676743868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-36315879367284199112011-10-05T22:54:43.431-04:002011-10-05T22:54:43.431-04:00When I first started submitting my work in my writ...When I first started submitting my work in my writers group, I wanted to die! One rule while receiving feedback, the writer is metaphorically dead. You can't talk, respond until everyone has spoken. Then you're revived and can respond. <br /><br />Now, I pretty much know the major things my critique group will point out, but being able to talk out possible solutions makes revisions easier. <br /><br />And we've gotten to know each other so well, that even when feedback punches ya hard in the gut, they genuinely want to help you improve your piece because they believe in you and your work.Laura M. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07118305776404765529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-22877439516970114022011-10-05T20:15:29.290-04:002011-10-05T20:15:29.290-04:00Barbara-I need to get over there! A very tricky d...Barbara-I need to get over there! A very tricky dance, you're right!<br /><br />Alex-that's a really good way to be--I'm sure it helps.<br /><br />Nate *snort* You must be a REAL nut to have Matt take out a restraining order.. he's pretty tolerant. teehee<br /><br />Beverly, oh, the trees have hit... usually after a rain because they hang low, so I end up soaked (as does my WiP)--have I mentioned I'm a slow learner?<br /><br />MPax-so NICE when you reach love!<br /><br />Green Monkey, welcome! Hey, you're wearing a pink cowboy hat--are you sure you aren't a clone of my friend Stacy? But seriously, WELCOME! And yeah... I can multi-task if one of them requires VERY LITTLE brain-wise...Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-71524156274521003322011-10-05T19:32:14.811-04:002011-10-05T19:32:14.811-04:00Such a great post! Love visiting your blog!
Lola...Such a great post! Love visiting your blog! <br /><br />Lola x<br /><a href="http://lola-x.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://lola-x.blogspot.com</a>Lola Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17119026965576969019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-50227218440099030872011-10-05T19:28:45.875-04:002011-10-05T19:28:45.875-04:00I can't get over how efficient you are - walki...I can't get over how efficient you are - walking and editing or walking and reading (I'm new here). I don't respond well to feedback of any kind this is one of my problems.Green Monkeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18427381976705069464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-240065767023921612011-10-05T19:09:18.377-04:002011-10-05T19:09:18.377-04:00It's definitely a love-hate thing. In the end,...It's definitely a love-hate thing. In the end, it makes me better so I end up loving it.<br /><br />Glad you figured out a solution. yea!M Paxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14096697282530998519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-70064946563739499532011-10-05T19:06:10.132-04:002011-10-05T19:06:10.132-04:00When you had written about editing while walking, ...When you had written about editing while walking, and then wrote this "so I was walking and editing and something HIT ME..." I was ready for a tree branch, lol!<br /><br />Obviously, you are way more coordinated - or have less trees - than I do.<br /><br />Yes, hating feedback, and then, later, when the dust settles, when I have taken pen in hand and made changes, when I have updated and printed new pages... love love love all the way, baby. Tighter, cleaner, better - I just need to get past the first squirmy miserable phase.Beverly Diehlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288953821757887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-18634727168678656042011-10-05T17:30:49.785-04:002011-10-05T17:30:49.785-04:00I'm with Matt on this one. Okay I'm not ac...I'm with Matt on this one. Okay I'm not actually <i>near</i> him, on account of the restraining order and everything, but I'm in complete agreement with him: I receive feedback well, only use what resonates with the story, and I'm damn lazy.<br /><br />But I do love when one change solves two problems. Best of luck with your edits!Nate Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690171790664252309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-20187433932342913312011-10-05T17:18:24.889-04:002011-10-05T17:18:24.889-04:00I like it because they see things I don't, but...I like it because they see things I don't, but even better, my critique partners suggest better ways to make things work.<br />Guess I'm just really open to feedback.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-84026940672180977362011-10-05T15:37:05.896-04:002011-10-05T15:37:05.896-04:00So funny, Hart, I know you write more about writin...So funny, Hart, I know you write more about writing than we do, but this is exactly what we're talking about today. Feedback and then going overboard (or not overboard enough). It's a dance, isn't it? And a good one to do on the move as you do.<br />Good luck!!!! BDeb and Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04444390852070865517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-34449780885893910032011-10-05T15:06:53.932-04:002011-10-05T15:06:53.932-04:00Michael-possibly (in fact probably) among regular ...Michael-possibly (in fact probably) among regular readers i'd have a similar reaction, but agents and editors all get higher standing on this front, being the pros and all...<br /><br />Susan-that's true--some of those little ones make a HUGE difference!<br /><br />CaH-They're great, aren't they?!<br /><br />RaShelle-Awww, princess, don't be afraid!Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-34585597083001248652011-10-05T14:07:15.584-04:002011-10-05T14:07:15.584-04:00Hey Hart - Yaya for feedback, she says as she crin...Hey Hart - Yaya for feedback, she says as she cringes in a corner rocking back and forth. LOLRaShelle Workmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17582252557500502186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-60952910470764770902011-10-05T13:14:30.908-04:002011-10-05T13:14:30.908-04:00Gingers are cute. I have one in a main role in my ...Gingers are cute. I have one in a main role in my crime novel >:)<br /><br /><a href="http://cold-as-heaven.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Cold As Heaven</a>CA Heavenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07558100567878233142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-30429291168423006242011-10-05T12:04:22.647-04:002011-10-05T12:04:22.647-04:00Congrats, Hart, on your editgasm! :-) Love it whe...Congrats, Hart, on your editgasm! :-) Love it when you can kill to birds with one stone.<br /><br />What's always amazing to me with edits is how sometimes the simplest of tweaks can make the biggest differences, especially cumulative!S.P. Sipalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17943968424012034217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-15205957233984431642011-10-05T11:08:45.441-04:002011-10-05T11:08:45.441-04:00I don't like major feedback after I think I...I don't like major feedback after I think I'm finished. When I solicit for feedback on something is when I want it. I hate people that come along after something is finished and want to offer their opinions. My response is, "You should have offered those when the glue wasn't set. Now I could care less."Michael Offutt, Phantom Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10557969104886174930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-23742439749914725012011-10-05T10:57:24.124-04:002011-10-05T10:57:24.124-04:00Trisha-you'll get there... and taking off the ...Trisha-you'll get there... and taking off the front 7K is BIG! But yeah, when you hear it form several, you need to heed...<br /><br />Matt-yeah, i've been working at a snail's pace--I think because of other stuff, but this was also standing as a mental block, so hopefully I'm good now...<br /><br />Liz-I had to look up TSTL--thankfully I've never hit that--I probably err the other way and make characters too smart because the stupid ones make me NUTS. YAY for big editor feedback though--that's excellent!<br /><br />VR *snort* Yeah, feedback that changes genre is bad... I try to keep that in mind--people asking for more description, for instance... I gotta ask 'will it help solve the mystery?'<br /><br />Jenny--hopefully headed for Naked, anyway!<br /><br />Alisia-yeah, those can be difficult. I really strongly prefer comments saying 'I don't get this' or 'expand this' instead of someone trying to put the actual words there for me. Too much would make me nuts, too. (though honestly, I have to temper myself a little there GIVING feedback--I so often see 'perfect fixes' but it's MY perfect fix)<br /><br />Holly-for me it sort of depends on the round--BIG stuff is great early, but I get less and less happy about it the farther I dive in.<br /><br />Terry-that's great to have a long term relationship like that.Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-15020380698394174732011-10-05T10:32:53.756-04:002011-10-05T10:32:53.756-04:00I've been with my CPs for years, and we have t...I've been with my CPs for years, and we have this basic trust. Yesterday I was the one giving that 'major feedback' because I thought a scene wasn't pulling its weight in one of my CPs submissions. <br /><br />I'm also judging 3 manuscripts for a contest, and here, I have to hold back; no point in shattering someone's dreams, although so far, the two entries I've skimmed are well written enough so I have plenty of positives to accompany my "constructive" feedback.<br /><br />Terry <br /><a href="http://terryodell.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Terry's Place</a><br /><a href="http://www.terryodell.com" rel="nofollow">Romance with a Twist--of Mystery</a>Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-74975701168347340092011-10-05T10:31:39.075-04:002011-10-05T10:31:39.075-04:00I haven't had major feedback yet, but I can sy...I haven't had major feedback yet, but I can sympathized with the too much/not enough information game. It is such a delicate balance.Southpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16539290964546504171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-30001120388952280342011-10-05T09:48:08.121-04:002011-10-05T09:48:08.121-04:00Major feedback can be good and bad. Sometimes CPs...Major feedback can be good and bad. Sometimes CPs will think they can tell your story better than you can. For example, I was mulling over an idea I had for a new novel and talking to her on the phone about it. She gives great advice, but she just started telling the story for me. "You should do this, and this." Really off base, and then she said this, <br />"See, I am great for ideas. I can give you all the ideas, tell you the story and then you write it."<br />It was like nails down a chalk board, and a really negative experience for me. We talked about it, or rather I set her straight. <br />But, I think major feedback from agents/editors/publishers is all part of the deal. I may love it because it would tell me I'm getting somewhere. Congrats on that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-86944491851670511772011-10-05T09:37:16.383-04:002011-10-05T09:37:16.383-04:00Yay for a most NAKED response to your feedback!! I...Yay for a most NAKED response to your feedback!! I think good feedback should always make the person being given the feedback lots and lots of positive and constructive food for thought! Take care<br />xOld Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13185547869183611159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7127677169344207651.post-20576423824176706432011-10-05T09:16:40.456-04:002011-10-05T09:16:40.456-04:00I revel in all feedback, major or minor, as long a...I revel in <i>all</i> feedback, major or minor, as long as it's from someone who understands the story I'm trying to tell. I'm a people pleaser and tend to heed all critiques, regardless of source. The result? My psychological thriller suddenly veers toward women's fiction; my literary mystery is pummeled into a formulaic procedural. Not good.<br /><br />It's important to be open to critiques, but as my CP recently said to me, "Never take advice from someone who has never been where you want to go."VR Barkowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927993233682731113noreply@blogger.com