Oh Jeannie. I'm sorry- those criticisms weren't at all generous. I think there is always something positive to offer, and growth is possible even when a particular project doesn't have legs. So many writers (myself included!) have projects that have languished, while others eventually see the light of day. As you say, it's not in our power to know which is which. Our job is simply to show up and have faith that we have something worth saying.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. I don't understand their need to be unkind in their feedback to you. How does that help? And even more so when you've put your whole life on the page for someone to criticize thoughtlessly. But your experience with the manuscript resonated with me. When I finished my third draft of my memoir manuscript, I thought it was "done" and I had some friends Beta Read it. One of them, whose opinion I very much respect, asked me "Why should we care about this story". Ugh. I thought I was ready to query agents! He was right and I thought that was helpful but I didn't touch it after that for five years. Those five years gave me an entire new perspective and I started at it again. When I did my fourth draft I decided to have a developmental editor look at it, I was given the name of someone highly recommended. When I spoke with them on the phone I knew that that person would NOT be right for me. I knew they thought more of their own self importance as a writer and "editor". My gut told me NO but I was swayed by the "recommendation". I went with my gut and I'm happy I did. I found a very kind but very helpful editor who gave me excellent feedback.
Doreen, I love your example of how this played out in your own experience! It's so reassuring to learn that other writers and creative people go through these similar peaks and valleys. May I ask what your book title is and what it is about?
Thank you Jeannie. Thank you for asking about my work in progress.The title is "Finding the Road Rebels" and it recounts my journey to uncover the truth about my birth father, who died in a dubious car accident when I was a year old. Except when he died, no one knew he had a daughter! In my quest for answers, I navigate the complexities of family grief, unravel long-buried secrets, and grapple with my own feelings of being unwanted and the stigma of illegitimacy. My search immerses me in the 1950s hot rod culture that my father cherished, ultimately leading to a profound sense of peace and closure. I explore themes of love, loss, identity and self worth. More importantly, I illustrate how the search for and discovery of truth leads to emotional freedom.
I'm still working through my developmental edits, it is taking me longer than I planned. Once I do that, then a technical edit, a beta read and then a copy edit before I attempt to query or send to a Indie publisher.
It took me seven years of rewrites and edits and tears to finally find a home for my memoir. The home for yours is out there, too, and I know you'll find it when the time is right. It's a beautiful story, and so many will benefit from it. XO
Please don’t let the negative talk get you down. If there are any nuggets to take from what they said, take them, leave the rest behind, and keep going. ❤️
Absolutely. I really appreciate the reminder, Katrina. It's just such hard inner work for me to build this confidence in myself and my abilities. I didn't grow up with a shred of self-confidence. So I'm learning now. And that's why I'm grateful for therapy!
Oh Jeannie. I'm sorry- those criticisms weren't at all generous. I think there is always something positive to offer, and growth is possible even when a particular project doesn't have legs. So many writers (myself included!) have projects that have languished, while others eventually see the light of day. As you say, it's not in our power to know which is which. Our job is simply to show up and have faith that we have something worth saying.
I appreciate that, Julie. It helps to know that other writers have experienced something similar. Thanks. 😊
I'm so sorry that happened to you. I don't understand their need to be unkind in their feedback to you. How does that help? And even more so when you've put your whole life on the page for someone to criticize thoughtlessly. But your experience with the manuscript resonated with me. When I finished my third draft of my memoir manuscript, I thought it was "done" and I had some friends Beta Read it. One of them, whose opinion I very much respect, asked me "Why should we care about this story". Ugh. I thought I was ready to query agents! He was right and I thought that was helpful but I didn't touch it after that for five years. Those five years gave me an entire new perspective and I started at it again. When I did my fourth draft I decided to have a developmental editor look at it, I was given the name of someone highly recommended. When I spoke with them on the phone I knew that that person would NOT be right for me. I knew they thought more of their own self importance as a writer and "editor". My gut told me NO but I was swayed by the "recommendation". I went with my gut and I'm happy I did. I found a very kind but very helpful editor who gave me excellent feedback.
Doreen, I love your example of how this played out in your own experience! It's so reassuring to learn that other writers and creative people go through these similar peaks and valleys. May I ask what your book title is and what it is about?
Thank you Jeannie. Thank you for asking about my work in progress.The title is "Finding the Road Rebels" and it recounts my journey to uncover the truth about my birth father, who died in a dubious car accident when I was a year old. Except when he died, no one knew he had a daughter! In my quest for answers, I navigate the complexities of family grief, unravel long-buried secrets, and grapple with my own feelings of being unwanted and the stigma of illegitimacy. My search immerses me in the 1950s hot rod culture that my father cherished, ultimately leading to a profound sense of peace and closure. I explore themes of love, loss, identity and self worth. More importantly, I illustrate how the search for and discovery of truth leads to emotional freedom.
So you wrote a memoir. Your story sounds fascinating! Might you provide a link for where I can find it?
I'm still working through my developmental edits, it is taking me longer than I planned. Once I do that, then a technical edit, a beta read and then a copy edit before I attempt to query or send to a Indie publisher.
I'm in a similar situation with my memoir, Doreen! Let's keep in touch about the process.
Absolutely, I would love that!
It took me seven years of rewrites and edits and tears to finally find a home for my memoir. The home for yours is out there, too, and I know you'll find it when the time is right. It's a beautiful story, and so many will benefit from it. XO
That means a lot, Katrina. Thank you for the encouragement.
Please don’t let the negative talk get you down. If there are any nuggets to take from what they said, take them, leave the rest behind, and keep going. ❤️
Absolutely. I really appreciate the reminder, Katrina. It's just such hard inner work for me to build this confidence in myself and my abilities. I didn't grow up with a shred of self-confidence. So I'm learning now. And that's why I'm grateful for therapy!