I can really relate to this piece. It’s almost like writing in a bubble, being on cloud nine for a great turn of words, thinking the book will become a bestseller, creating an acceptance speech in our heads for the awards we’ll win and all the people we’ll thank. And then the decision is made to let someone else into the land of make-believe. Reality certainly kicks in. They read the story while beads of sweat form on our brow and we bite our nails wondering if our work is really any good.
There’s a quote about writing what you like to read. And I can agree with that. But most of us that write want others to like it too. I think writing groups are a good way of helping to find that balance and also helping improve our talents. So far, I’ve only joined online groups, but will look for at least one locally. You gave some good insight on types of groups to avoid and also on feedback. Thanks for sharing and good luck. 🙂
The first time I read something I had written out loud I was a physical wreck. My mouth was dry and my hands shook as I clutched my sheets of paper, painfully aware that every single eye in the room was looking in my direction. If I’d listened to what every nerve in my body was screaming at me to do, I would have run out of the door and never come back – it was only that good ol’ British ‘you have to go through with this even if it kills you’ stiff upper lip that kept me standing there. And I got through it. And it wasn’t as bad as I expected. And by the end of the meeting I couldn’t wait to come back to the next one because my head was buzzing with writerly talk, ideas and encouragement. Such was my introduction to the world of…
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Melanie V. Logan 