Viable Paradise, day 2
Sep. 23rd, 2008 01:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ljgeoffI missed posting about day one because I was so tired. My manuscript was one of the first one that was critiqued, and folks really didn't have too much to say about it.
1) The scene in the hospital is probably not necessary.
2) Overusage of some words, bookisms and adjectives.
3) Good use of dialog; the scene with the Big Heads is especially good.
Every single critter said "this isn't the type of book I'd pick up." I wonder what folks who actually like this type of story might say?
I had my one-on-one with Elizabeth Bear, who suggested that I rewrite the beginning of the book. I agree, but I'm having trouble figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go in order for the plot to work right and not to confuse and piss off the readers.
I'm having a one-on-one with Debra Doyle tonight, and a one-on-one with Jim Macdonald tomorrow morning.
The first night, I got teary-eyed with TNH, blurting out, "I'm not smart enough to do this!" God, I feel like such a schmuck. Bear suggested that I set the novel aside and finish one of my other projects, and come back to it after it has time to rest. I will most probably do this, but I can't help but feel defensive. I'm not sure how to get past it. Bleh.
I feel like such a wannabe and hanger-on. And yet, I'm in the midst of writing a really lovely short. The goal of being a better writer is not quite the same as the goal of getting published. If I can be happy with the first and willing to wait for the second, my life may well be easier.
1) The scene in the hospital is probably not necessary.
2) Overusage of some words, bookisms and adjectives.
3) Good use of dialog; the scene with the Big Heads is especially good.
Every single critter said "this isn't the type of book I'd pick up." I wonder what folks who actually like this type of story might say?
I had my one-on-one with Elizabeth Bear, who suggested that I rewrite the beginning of the book. I agree, but I'm having trouble figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go in order for the plot to work right and not to confuse and piss off the readers.
I'm having a one-on-one with Debra Doyle tonight, and a one-on-one with Jim Macdonald tomorrow morning.
The first night, I got teary-eyed with TNH, blurting out, "I'm not smart enough to do this!" God, I feel like such a schmuck. Bear suggested that I set the novel aside and finish one of my other projects, and come back to it after it has time to rest. I will most probably do this, but I can't help but feel defensive. I'm not sure how to get past it. Bleh.
I feel like such a wannabe and hanger-on. And yet, I'm in the midst of writing a really lovely short. The goal of being a better writer is not quite the same as the goal of getting published. If I can be happy with the first and willing to wait for the second, my life may well be easier.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-24 05:48 am (UTC)Keep going. Do what works. Rest when you need to. Keep your ears open. Let things simmer.
Keep going. And don't forget to have fun.
P.S. If you get to walk down by the beach, say hi to it for me, please?
(no subject)
Date: 2008-09-24 07:34 pm (UTC)