Another writing group update (I think I'm entrenched).
I've been enjoying these meetings. There has been four so far, though they have been meeting for over twelve years. Some are regulars and it seems to be a rotating thing. And they've warmed to me being a regular as well. We joke and laugh; they don't feel reserved when I am around. It feels good.
Last night was especially good. LaShawn writes sci-fi and was running late last night. On seeing me she exclaimed, "Oh, I didn't miss yours, did I!" And that felt great. So much so that I hugged her right off. I was giddy to know that she was looking forward to hearing my work and would have been disappointed if she missed it. We get along well and usually chat afterward a little bit. Or until B&N toss us, whichever. It's been good to develop writer/artist friends.
On the other hand, we had a new person show. She didn't bring any work, but did explain a number of things about her work in progress. It's a London story about druggies. It's the most I got out of it. I'm afraid that I didn't pay much attention. She knows that it needs work but "can't" quite figure out why. In her explanation, she says it's because she's not a celebrity, or in jail. 'Cause, agents are only interested in those people. Her evidence is that she's had 140-some rejections. My theory is that at over 300K words, maybe it's because her story needs some pruning--with the chainsaw . Interjections were always about what the industry does or does not do. She claimed authority on publishing, newspapers, writing classes (of which she attended and related how she was constantly at odds with classmates). It's not surprising that she got along well with the resident conspiracy theorist who just returned after a year of "studies". It should be interesting to see what she brings in.
But I am trying to keep an open mind. It may be the most riveting thing I ever read. I also am aware that a balance needs to be kept. There are limitations to the publishing world. There is a way to write what you love and still get in a form that the industry is willing to take. I don't claim to know all (although, I suspect I sound like it). I did feel out another writer last night to see if I was alone in my assessment. I wasn't. It takes all kinds. Maybe we can be of some use. All I can do is work on my own writing, which last night was well received and with some small edits, should be able to be shopped out.
Comments (5)
x.g.
But that is because I am a terrible person, apparently.
hee hee.
Good luck with the marketing . . .
It's nice to get positive feedback [especially before the class starts! ;o) but I prefer the scale to be weighted more towards criticism. I can learn more and compare critiques with a broader mind. Of course I prefer that such criticism be even-handed and coming from multiple sources; otherwise, it feels like a regular verbal attack from a relative