Today, my guest blogger is Norma Jean Lutz and she's talking about a topic that all writers encounter in their career, especially early on - should you let others read your writing? Is it helpful or hurtful?
Should You Let Others Read Your Writing?
It All Depends
Letting other people read your creative writing –
good idea or bad idea?
That question constantly plagues beginning
novelists. It is, in truth, a sticky wicket. There are no easy, pat answers. My
reply – when asked this question – is to say, “It all depends...”
In my many years as an instructor for a writing
correspondence school, as a speaker and instructor at various writers’
conferences, and when I had my own critique service as part of my writing
business, this question often came up.
Newbie novelists are much like fragile little
flowers that have popped their heads up with the warmth of spring. All it takes
is one sharp dip in the temperature and that bud is a goner. And one cold
remark from the wrong source can do the same thing to you and your writing
aspirations.
What State is Your Story In?
So do you lay your musings out for all to see and
read?
Here’s why I answer “It all depends…”
It all depends on what state your story is in. In
the idea stage? Barely started? Half finished? Rough draft? Polished?
One rule that I’ve set for myself and have stuck
with this since the outset of my career – I never
discuss a novel while it’s in the idea stage. I have two reasons for this.
1. It’s still too weak and fragile to put into the head or hands of someone
else. Their input could derail the project. (Now I know you’re thinking that
perhaps their input could be valuable. True. But I’m not willing to take that
chance!)
2. I don’t want to expend the creative energy by talking out my ideas. I would much rather expend that energy into writing out the idea.
Who is Doing the Reading?
It all depends on who is reading your work. Does
this reader have any knowledge of
fiction structure and novel-writing techniques? Or is it a close friend or
relative who would never want to hurt
your feelings? Ask yourself – what are you looking for, upward strokes or
constructive criticism? Be honest!
Your Inner Resolve
It all depends on your own inner resolve. If you are
still weak and shaky in your own writing confidence, I would be very cautious about letting just anyone
read your work. It could derail you forever. If you have a measure of
confidence under your belt and know you can’t be swayed, then it’s not quite such
a colossal risk.
It all depends on whether you can trust this reader
to be honest with you.
The Best Advice
The best advice is:
·
Enter a legitimate
writing contest and let the judge give feedback
·
Find a trustworthy critique service and allow that
professional to give feedback
·
Join a writers’ group or club and let these trusted
folk give feedback
·
Send the work out and get the thoughts and
reactions from a real live editor
True story: During the fourteen years that I served
as coordinator for the annual Professionalism in Writing School, there would
inevitably be one or two attendees who chased after guest editors with a large
stationary box in their hands. (We all knew there was a manuscript in that box!
Hello.) They wanted someone to “look over their work” and give feedback. Of
course no one had that kind of time at a busy writers’ conference.
The saddest part of the story is that we would see
those same people return the next year with the same box and the same
manuscript. It was pretty clear, they were never going to send the work out -
they were just looking for upward strokes!
Don’t let that be said of you! If your deepest
desire is to be a novelist, your path will ascend above that kind of nonsense.
Stop Spinning Your Wheels
The key is to study your craft and then write, and write,
and keep on writing. Don’t spin your wheels running around trying to find
someone outside yourself to slap some kind of instant blessing on your work.
Examine your motives and then use great caution and
wisdom when letting others read your novel-in-progress.
Thank you, Norma, for giving us your thoughts on this important topic.
Do you have your work read by others? If so, who and at what stages of writing?
Norma Jean Lutz
Oklahoman
Norma Jean Lutz, is an author, speaker, writing instructor, and novel critique
consultant. Author of more than 50 published books, she’s been in the
writing/publishing industry for more than 30 years. http://www.beanovelist.com/index.html
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