Today is July's contribution to Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group.
Why am I an Insecure Writer this month?
Because I still haven't heard the one compliment that I yearn to hear about my writing.
As part of a new feature at IWSG, we've all been asked to share the best thing someone has said about our writing. I had to reflect on this for a while, but after much thought I've come up with several possible candidates.
1. Lately, several members of my crit group have told me they enjoy my dialogue, especially the banter between my MC and her new sidekick. Considering how terrible my first attempts at dialogue were, that's a real achievement.
2. After complaining to one of my crit partners that she wasn't suggesting as many changes to my manuscript as she used to, she replied that my writing had improved so much, she didn't feel the need to make as many changes. I'll have to admit, that felt pretty good.
3. After reading one of my submissions out loud during a critique group meeting, one of the members announced to the group that I'd grown so much as a writer these last couple of years. A statement like that can leave a person feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, even if deep down I know that I used to be so bad at writing it wouldn't have taken much to have grown as a writer.
So that's my list. Which do you think is best? I'm thinking #1.
So what's the one compliment I'm still waiting to hear? That my story sounds as if a real, published writer had written it. That's when I'll know I've arrived.
ChemistKen
Dialogue accomplishment and recognition is cool, and growth is good but that blurb on the cover of a book by a trusted reader will make your day! Go for it!
ReplyDeleteSee? You did come up with several awesome compliments. That they can see your growth is awesome.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that I'm getting better is what keeps me going.
DeleteThey're all fantastic compliments, Ken. Congratulations!! It's great to be told our writing has improved and the more we do, the better we get :) What a lovely thought.
ReplyDeleteYou know, that first one is the best and I'll tell you why. It's the things we work hardest at that matter most. Can I tell you that there are many published authors whose work may not receive the compliment you're waiting for? But I'm certain you will hear it. Soon.
ReplyDeleteYou've continued to practice and write and you're improving. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteGreat compliments, Ken! Congratulations on making your dialogue fun to read...that's great!
ReplyDeleteThose are great compliments! Congrats on your growth as a writer! No one has ever told me my work sounds like a real, published writer either . . . But I have been told that my Sherlock Holmes stories really sound like Doyle's originals. So that's kind of the same thing?
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Ken! I'd say they are all winners.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Dialogue is a toughy. I know many people have issues with some of my dialogue, due to the fact several characters don't use contractions. Good job with getting producing words people want to hear.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anna, they are all winners! Congratulations on making so much progress. :)
ReplyDeleteThose are all good, Ken. And from the people who know your writing best--hold those close.
ReplyDeleteI struggled with this question and ultimately passed on it. Nothing stood out. But, I do like the idea of answering a question. I've shared most of my insecurities (well, maybe not. Every month I do seem to find new ones) so a focused answer might work better for a while.
It's hard to pick just one. They're all pretty kewl. As for your dream of being told your work sounds like that of a real published writer... honestly, Ken, your writing is better than a lot of published writers I've read.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like that second one, but maybe that means I'm just lazy.
ReplyDeleteI think they are all great. Growing and getting better is something we all want to do. Kudos to you for achieving it.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG day
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
I think they are all great. Growing and getting better is something we all want to do. Kudos to you for achieving it.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG day
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Based on all the compliments you've received already, I'm sure you will hear that one special one soon.
ReplyDeleteThose are great compliments!! As writers we're always growing and learning and improving, and you're doing just that! Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI think you should be hearing that one soon! I think these are all encouraging compliments. I actually liked #2 best, but I understand that if you've been working hard on your dialogue then #1 is awesome!
ReplyDeleteHi Ken,
ReplyDeleteI think all three are good compliments but the second one I like the best. And the one you're waiting for? Well, I think a lot of us are waiting on the one that says Sir or Ms. Your manuscript has been accepted.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
If your critique partner is seeing so much improvement she can't find something to suggest you change, that's a darned good compliment.
ReplyDeleteI like the second comment. It shows you have greatly improved over the years. From time to time I go back over past things I've written and have to laugh how horrible some of it is.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's good to laugh at ourselves, especially when we know we've improved.
Those are excellent compliments, and I would be very proud of them, if I were you!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to one day reading your masterpiece.
ReplyDelete