Post by Lady A on Jan 23, 2008 10:13:30 GMT -5
Friends,
I know that my con crit can sometimes be brutal with those I know well, particularly Sulriel and Gwynnyd. What some of the rest of you may not understand is the level of trust that I have developed with them over the years that we have known each other. And, the fact that they know I am nearly always busy and don't have time to be gentle and that they are free to take it or leave it. I'm okay with being 'wrong' - the stories are theirs, after all.
The things that I try never to touch, no matter how hard I wield the blade, is their premise or style. They do the same for me.
Wordcrafting is very personal. I welcome ideas, suggestions, arguments on almost anything, but I don't want to debate if the basic concept of the tale I'm trying to tell is 'wrong'.
For instance, when asking for a Beta on my story, The Captain's Last Gift, I do not want anyone to argue with me that Legolas would never visit a courtesan. That's my premise and my story and I won't argue that point. And I don't ask anyone to beta that either doesn't like the story, can't see it's believability or can't separate that from beta'ing grammar and other issues that I need help with.
Also, my style tends to the purple and overly descriptive... I'm okay with that. I'm okay with someone saying, "er... that's a little purple or maybe you could... etc..." but I like my style and I'm not going to change it completely to suit anyone. I do think that some style comments are good, especially for new writers, but I don't expect my style of writing to be attacked or for me to feel that it has been attacked (because I know that no one here is malicious in any way, yet, sometimes people can feel they have been attacked, even if we didn't mean it.) I think a gentle push is better than a machete when working with issues of style.
Now, mind you, there is sometimes a period of 'nursing my wounds' or, as Gwynnyd says, "kicking the cat", where I can be really angry at the beta (not the person, but the edits) I have received. I can say, 100% of the time, that once I calm down and re-read the beta in a less emotional and more analytical way, there is more good to be considered than bad.
So, what am I saying here?
I hope this is helpful. Please know this is not directed at anyone in particular, I just felt we all might need a little reminder of what we already know. I want to add a tiny caveat to this... if you ask for ripping and shredding here, you are sure to get it. So, be careful what you ask for!!!!
Now, go write!!!
;D
I know that my con crit can sometimes be brutal with those I know well, particularly Sulriel and Gwynnyd. What some of the rest of you may not understand is the level of trust that I have developed with them over the years that we have known each other. And, the fact that they know I am nearly always busy and don't have time to be gentle and that they are free to take it or leave it. I'm okay with being 'wrong' - the stories are theirs, after all.
The things that I try never to touch, no matter how hard I wield the blade, is their premise or style. They do the same for me.
Wordcrafting is very personal. I welcome ideas, suggestions, arguments on almost anything, but I don't want to debate if the basic concept of the tale I'm trying to tell is 'wrong'.
For instance, when asking for a Beta on my story, The Captain's Last Gift, I do not want anyone to argue with me that Legolas would never visit a courtesan. That's my premise and my story and I won't argue that point. And I don't ask anyone to beta that either doesn't like the story, can't see it's believability or can't separate that from beta'ing grammar and other issues that I need help with.
Also, my style tends to the purple and overly descriptive... I'm okay with that. I'm okay with someone saying, "er... that's a little purple or maybe you could... etc..." but I like my style and I'm not going to change it completely to suit anyone. I do think that some style comments are good, especially for new writers, but I don't expect my style of writing to be attacked or for me to feel that it has been attacked (because I know that no one here is malicious in any way, yet, sometimes people can feel they have been attacked, even if we didn't mean it.) I think a gentle push is better than a machete when working with issues of style.
Now, mind you, there is sometimes a period of 'nursing my wounds' or, as Gwynnyd says, "kicking the cat", where I can be really angry at the beta (not the person, but the edits) I have received. I can say, 100% of the time, that once I calm down and re-read the beta in a less emotional and more analytical way, there is more good to be considered than bad.
So, what am I saying here?
- Please wield your knife kindly. Keep in mind the level of beta asked for, your relationship with the writer and how well they know your beta style.
- Please don't argue un-changable issues such as basic story premise and be gentle with someone's personal style. Sometimes we need to agree to disagree.
- Please be mindful when you receive a beta that seems harsh. No one is out to attack you. Calm down. Re-read after a break. You might see they are right, which is a good thing, because now you can begin to re-write.
- You never have to take anyone's beta as written in stone. These are suggestions, not demands.
I hope this is helpful. Please know this is not directed at anyone in particular, I just felt we all might need a little reminder of what we already know. I want to add a tiny caveat to this... if you ask for ripping and shredding here, you are sure to get it. So, be careful what you ask for!!!!
Now, go write!!!
;D
