It's kind of nice to know I'm not the only one. When I was writing my first novel I submitted the first 25 or so pages for a critique from a university professor. The notes I got back started with the admonition that I had to introduce my heroine in the first chapter. I didn't know anything about writing fiction at that point, but I'd read many dozens of successful novels that violated the professor's dictates...and I've been suspicious of editors and educators ever since (present company excepted, along with some of your past NU colleagues).
I've often hired professionals to do substantive edits of my work before I submit it to an agent. It's not cheap--I think my last tab was around $3,000 for a 90,000 word mss--but my biggest concern is that it's hard to get input on the big picture stuff, especially plot, character arc, etc. I've had more luck getting that kind of feedback on screenplays, though in one hilarious instance, the notes I got back were obviously written by a semi-literate intern who scrambled character names.
Well, thanks for planting the thought about Story Studio. Maybe it's time. Meanwhile, thanks for everything and please stay clear of the fires.
The writing workshops on offer, far and wide, are a severely mixed bag (as you already know)!
Basically, especially if you're an experienced writer like you are, it's probably best to work with a developmental editor or a friend or two who are very sharp critics and whose tastes and advice you trust. Maybe you do an exchange or maybe you're married to this person.
Thanks for your kind wishes, Renee - fortunately, we're okay here in L.A. but friends have lost their homes. It's been a nightmare start to the new year. Let us hope somehow things improve.
It's kind of nice to know I'm not the only one. When I was writing my first novel I submitted the first 25 or so pages for a critique from a university professor. The notes I got back started with the admonition that I had to introduce my heroine in the first chapter. I didn't know anything about writing fiction at that point, but I'd read many dozens of successful novels that violated the professor's dictates...and I've been suspicious of editors and educators ever since (present company excepted, along with some of your past NU colleagues).
I've often hired professionals to do substantive edits of my work before I submit it to an agent. It's not cheap--I think my last tab was around $3,000 for a 90,000 word mss--but my biggest concern is that it's hard to get input on the big picture stuff, especially plot, character arc, etc. I've had more luck getting that kind of feedback on screenplays, though in one hilarious instance, the notes I got back were obviously written by a semi-literate intern who scrambled character names.
Well, thanks for planting the thought about Story Studio. Maybe it's time. Meanwhile, thanks for everything and please stay clear of the fires.
Renee
The writing workshops on offer, far and wide, are a severely mixed bag (as you already know)!
Basically, especially if you're an experienced writer like you are, it's probably best to work with a developmental editor or a friend or two who are very sharp critics and whose tastes and advice you trust. Maybe you do an exchange or maybe you're married to this person.
Thanks for your kind wishes, Renee - fortunately, we're okay here in L.A. but friends have lost their homes. It's been a nightmare start to the new year. Let us hope somehow things improve.
This frustrates me to no end and speaks to that “seasoned” writer’s ego. Infuriating and plain wrong to use a class to promote oneself!
I know - it's so, so frustrating - teach the friggin' class!
Thanks for this reminder about signing up for a course.