Are you part of a critique group? I am, and sometimes I feel I need to pull a Wayne and Garth - you know, bow down and exclaim, "I'm not worthy!"
My group is loaded with talented writers, including Lisa Green. They're so great that I read their pages and think, no way is this their first draft (between you and me, I think Lisa submits her 10th draft...just sayin'). Meanwhile, I'm submitting my clunky first draft (shudder) and gobbling up their feedback.
I love learning from other writers. If part of my job includes dissecting the words of Suzanne Collins or Jodi Picoult, then I'm a lucky girl. If you missed it, there was a great post on Query Tracker about learning from the masters.
I'm thankful I'm surrounded by amazing critique partners, and that they're willing to improve my work. We each bring something unique to the table, and are worthy of some writerly give and take.
How about you? When you read someone else's awesome words, do you feel like jumping off a bridge, or are you inspired to sharpen your skills? And in your opinion, who is a master storyteller?
Just for smiles, check out this video by author Jen Hayley. It'll make your day!
photo credit: cinegeek.com
What a great post! I've read books by fellow bloggers and have thought 'wow, they're so talented!' and yes, my critiques group has blown me away before. You're lucky to have such a great group of writers there for feedback.
ReplyDeleteTerrific writing and amazing stories always inspires me to hone my craft! Reading great novels is what made me want to be a writer in the first place. :)
ReplyDeleteMaster storyteller? Too many fantastic ones to name!
Yes! LOL, but it helps me to see where I've gone wrong. I also want to go home and type. I've just barely joined a critique group where I live and SCBWI and am looking for other partners to push me on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteMaster storyteller...? I think Jane Austen for now
That's so wonderful that you have such a great critique group. I', jealous! ;o) Reading better work than mine just inspires me to do better!
ReplyDeleteCreepy, that's happened to me too with online contests. I'm in awe of what's out there!
ReplyDeleteLaura, reading great novels is truly inspiring. Never thought I'd write one myself, though!
Bekah, LOVE Austen. Great pick!
Alliterative, same with me about reading better work. Gives me a roadmap of where I need to go.
Julie, just a note about my contest. You don't have to write anything. You just have to donate, comment and plug it a little :o) Thanks for stopping by!!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes I have the exact same feelings with my crit group. I always feel my writing isn't as amazing as theirs, but, like you said, we all bring something to the table.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is thank God for my crit partners kicking my butt to focus on what needs work. :)
I'm off to check out the links now...
My 2 crit buddies are amazing! I'm constantly wowed by their work, their creativity & their support!
ReplyDeleteNo jumping off a bridge for me. I'm inspired to become my own best when I see other's best. To me, one of the best is C.S. Lewis. I love his Chronicles of Narnia.
ReplyDeleteOh JULIE!!! Cut that out! Though I appreciate the thought and the mention. You are an awesome writer and an awesome person. I think you are being to harsh on yourself. Your first draft isn't that different from mine. I mean in quality, not story. He he. I always feel lucky to have you!!
ReplyDeleteLindsay, so true. We do bring something to the table...I'm sure you're helping your crit parters just as much as they're helping you.
ReplyDeleteJemi, it's nice that you're surrounded by awesomeness!
MT, reading great work does propel us forward, which is great. And C.S. Lewis? Great pick.
Lisa, my dear Lisa...your first drafts blow me away. I can't believe how amazing they are. It's definitely something to strive for and learn from.
ReplyDeleteUnless they're really not your first drafts....maybe your 8th. LOL!
Are you positive it always is the first entry? I have yet to even give my critique partner my first draft. I want the story fresh for them down the line so only my husband really reads my first drafts.
ReplyDeletei love my crit partners. the best part - i antcipate and expect different things from each of them. one will always point out spelling and grammar while another will find plot holes and sub-par characterizations.
ReplyDeletei've learned, however, that i can't please everyone and when crits turn to opinions i have to be very careful to use what improves my manuscript, not what changes it.
Julie... I find practically every writer on Earth more talented than me. But instead of jumping from a bridge I resolve to emulate them. Thats the reason I read a lot and try to learn from other writers. And I try to work harder on my manuscripts.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Julie - I feel a little bit of both, equally! I think when I get discouraged, I'm reading work that is simply unattainable *for me.*
ReplyDeleteTo explain: it'd be like comparing my drawing (cartoons) to someone who paints beautiful and realistic landscapes. I look at it and think, "Oh wow, I am such a hack! I could never do that!" But they may think the same thing when they see my little cartoon moose.
So while I love to read Karina Bliss, her voice is so different from mine, it's not something I could (or should try to) live up to. Conversely, when I read Sarah Mayberry, I think, "If I keep honing my skills and practice, practice, practice, I could be this good someday."
Oh, all the time. I read stuff, and then I'm all depressed. By the time I come out of that, I'm like, "Time to get better." And then I try. I usually fail miserably, but I'm still trying.
ReplyDeleteI might stand on the edge of the bridge and look at the water for a few dramatic moments, but in the end (I hope) I'll go back and sharpen my skill sets.
ReplyDeleteI figure everyone has their strengths, though and there is probably someone, somewhere who thinks I'm a Master at something even if it's just making grilled cheese samiches. (yes I know I misspelled that). We can all learn from each other.
I am very unworthy of my crit peeps. I'm still not sure why they haven't gotten rid of me yet.
ReplyDeleteThey do inspire me to write better though, and for that, I'm eternally grateful.
I'm reading a book right now that makes me feel like jumping off a bridge when I compare my own writing to her polished brilliance. It's "The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned Jodi Picoult! My fav writer:)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I feel like I am drowning this month since I just got back some critiques from an editor and I think I won't ever get it!!
I love reading great writers...it always inspires me (after I get over the Ughh, I'll never be this good feeling)....
ReplyDeleteI admire people with thick skins. I belong to a crit group for a couple of years and learned so much. I had to quit so I could finish my novel. I kept changing everything and the thing ended up unidentifiable. But the lessons I took away from that experience was priceless. Good to know you have a positive attitude.
ReplyDeleteJulie- Also, am I Wayne or Garth? What about Lucy and Ethel? LOL
ReplyDeleteProbably both. I am inspired but also feel like, how can I ever match that?
ReplyDeletejulie - you're very lucky (and very smart!) to have such a great critique group. I've not got one, so for now, the feedback on stories i post on my blog sort of serves that purpose~
ReplyDeleteWhen I read other people's work I too almost feel like jumping off a bridge. I mean, it can be so good, you know? I was actually just saying on my blog that reading Bourne Objective is almost tragic because it is so amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired as well, though because it's these people who started out just like us that made it with their books.
So just keep on trying, Julie. And remember, those people whose first drafts look too good to be true probably struggled just as much as you and I with our first draft.
Happy writing,
Lindsey
I'm the same way. Both people in my crit group have degrees in English and I don't so I make "dumb" mistakes all the time. I don't feel worth but I guess what I lack in knowledge I make up for in creepiness? Wait...
ReplyDeleteI think every writer fights feelings of being inadequate. It's the nature of the beast. Writing is a craft we learn. Everything we write and read helps to make us stronger. Remember if you surround yourself with greatness that increases your chances of writing great things. Just know you're not alone.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted about this!! I, for one, have not even read Mockingjay, exactly for that reason. Because when I read Suzanne Collins work, I'm flabbergasted and intimidated because she has tension on every page...Every single page!!!Ugh!
ReplyDeleteThen I read my little dinky manuscript and think OMG! I have to redo the whole thing....But in a way it's a good thing because I just keep striving...Great post Julie :)
It's funny how we let our inner insecurities get the best of us! Like Kathi Peterson said, everything we write and read makes us stronger, and we learn along the way. We ARE worthy!
ReplyDeleteThat was such a fun video - totally smile-worthy! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJ.K. Rowling has my vote as a master storyteller... although there are sooo many other great ones to choose from too.
Hey, great blog! I'm here from KarenG's bbq. Glad I stopped by. Now following your tweets & blog. Write on!
ReplyDeleteAmy, glad you checked out that video. I thought it was lots of fun. Rowling...great pick!
ReplyDeleteAngie, so glad to see you! Karen's bbq idea is so fun, and I'm looking forward to checking out new blogs too.
Lincoln and Child are masters. And yes, they make me want to jump off a bridge. I'll work on my own writing after I go splat.
ReplyDeleteAlex, good luck with your post-splat writing. And thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI honestly wish I could find a critique group nearby! I sometimes feel in a vacuum, which is why parties like Karen's are so awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am NOT a member of a great crit group, but I HAVE managed to pick up some awesome critters blogging. that doesn't read quite right...
ReplyDeleteSo hey, you. Lucky duck. Need some ice? That's the fun thing about Karen's BBQ... I've been seeing your face around for a while. Nice to finally meet~
Great blog! I am not a member of a crit group, but sure could use one. I am writing a cookbook, which is a bit different from fiction, but still requires a lot of editing. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for following!
ReplyDeleteLTM and Marguerite, thanks for stopping by! Karen's bbq has been lots of fun.
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ReplyDeleteBanned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)
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