Eeek! Tonight I am going to a writers critique group for the first time. There will be a professional editor there too. I have already commited to bringing in the first few pages of my new novel. I seriously think I might throw up. This will be the first time I will be on the recieving feedback from people who arent friends or family. It's hard to let a stranger read what you have spent hours pouring over. Which is really ironic because that is actually my goal, for a bunch of strangers to read my work. Maybe it's the face to face that's getting me.
What do you mama's do to soothe your nerves?
thanks all! The class was great, and though we didn't have time for the editor to read what we brought, we did get to peer review our work. I am happy to say that what I wrote was well received.
How scary and exciting at the same time! Honestly, its good to get a professional opinion, good or bad, because either way it can only help you. =) Honestly, I haven't found anything to soothe my nerves! But I hope you get some good advice and good luck tonight. =)
Don't be nervous. Even the most experienced writer had a 'first time'. Even if the group as a whole does not like your work they should have some constructive criticism. They should have helpful suggestions on improving your work. I would rather have someone who knows what they are talking about read my work then someone who simply enjoys a good story read my work.
I write screenplays. Screen writing involves a certain form that all writers must use. If you submit a screenplay to an agent if it isn't in the correct form they won't even read it and you get no feedback. So your work gets tossed on a slush pile and then in a recyle bin. You could have a story that will sell and become a major money making film but if no one will read it and give you positive feedback, how would you know.
This is a big step -- but one in the right direction. Even if the feedback is not positive you will learn how to improve your writing and become a published novelist. Hopefully you will also get a line on agents and other ways to submit your work.
Good luck --- have fun.
I have no tips but just a note to say how incredibly cool that you're writing a novel! I don't blame you for being nervous but how exciting for you! I'm sure you will do great! good luck !
My favorite phraseof my husband's: Don't freak out about freaking out.
In other words, of course you are nervous, it's absolutely OK and natural to be nervous. You don't have to talk yourself out of it, acknowledge and announce that you feel nervous. Then take lots of deep breaths, remind yourself why you are doing it (to get honest feedback, no matter how flattering or harsh) and move forward.
I'm very impressed that you are doing it, congratulations for taking that first step!
Have a stiff drink.
No, not really.
Sometimes the anticipation is worse than the actual event. The editor will be kind, even if he doesn't like it, which he might really love it and then give you some really good pointers on moving forward.
Wear something you are comfortable in and that makes you look nice. Even if it's just pants and a sweater.
Don't do anything different to your hair or makeup.
Take a deep breath and just give him your copy and listen to his advice.
And let us now what you hear.
This is so exciting! I wrote a book years ago. Sort of an Erma Bombeck style about family and the humor of kids. Good luck! I'm sure they will tell you how brilliant you are!!!
Congrats!! You will be fine tonight! Deep breaths...you are doing a great job working towards your goal! Enjoy and have fun. :-)
R.
I know it's late, but I just wanted to say that I AM a professional editor and you've never met anyone you should be less nervous around. Some can be drunk on power, but that's their problem, not yours. I aim to teach my clients the skills they need to tell their story effectively. I'm a teacher, a coach, and a friend--as well as a grammar geek and really detail-oriented reviewer. That's the way I think it should be!
Good luck! That is so exciting!!! I used to write too. I started as soon as I learned to write and continued through college. I would love to again someday. I always feel like I'm so tired at the end of the day, and have no creativity left. My kids have zapped it all!
To soothe your nerves, try closing your eyes, and imagine you're somewhere peaceful (the ocean, the forest...) and breathe deeply. To make it even better, eat some good quality chocolate while you do that....and have a glass of wine.... Wow, I feel calm just thinking about that!
I know you are nervous, but what an awesome thing to do!
I've been looking for a critique group since I moved to Georgia... but the writer's group here doesn't critique. They are strictly a clapping group, and that is really hard for me.
You inspire me to start one here now! And the nerves are hard, but it gets easier, especially once you see what feedback you can get (that family and friends usually won't give you). I moved here from Seattle, and I was part of a playwrights' group that was infinitely helpful. I just wish I had that again, and some place for my prose writing, too.
