First Feedback

by Allen Arnold

As writers, we receive no shortage of feedback. Editorial critiques. On-line reviews. Compliments from mom. And a grab bag of reader comments–
many helpful, a few bizarre, and one that couldn’t get past your grammar glitch on page 74.

We tend to base our art's worth on the reaction or reviews of others. But do you regularly ask God what he thinks of your writing?

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Tenacity

by DiAnn Mills

How vested are you in your writing goals?

Some writers view their work as a hobby. If it works and they sell, great. If the market rejects their writing, no problem. Nothing’s vested for them. They can always try something new.

Some writers are afraid to grasp onto their dreams. They are commonly referred to as closet-writers. If they fail, they haven’t lost anything. Or have they?

Other writers are doggedly determined to make it. Doesn’t matter how long it takes to learn the craft. Doesn’t matter how many rejections. Doesn’t matter how many rewrites. Doesn’t matter the intricate nuances of marketing and promotion. They are persistent. Just try to tell them they don’t have what it takes to succeed, and their tenacity raises another notch. Those are my kind of writers. Because I’m one of them.

I believe the cost of doing everything to reach writing goals far outweighs the cost of doing nothing. Failure is not an option.

Below is a acronym for tenacity. Take a look. Can you incorporate these tips into your writing life?

T is for Thick Skin. A writer needs Rhino Skin to survive the publishing world. We must learn the craft, a continuing process. We toughen up to accept constructive criticism and move forward to write

Do you have Rhino Skin when you receive a critique?

a quality story that honors God and entertains the reader.  

E is for Entertain. Whether plot driven or character driven, story’s foremost purpose is to entertain the reader with unforgettable characters and a unique plot. Stretch yourself to create a memorable experience.

N is for Never Give Up. When a critique points out flaws and weaknesses in our manuscript; or when a friend or family member believes you’re wasting your time; or when an agent or editor rejects a manuscript; it’s easy to walk away. But a successful writer never gives up. I treasure Winston Churchill’s statement, “Never, never, never give up.” I also value his quote, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” In fact, that is how we writers often feel when we’re struggling with our stories.

A is for Active. An active writer understands her career is not spent behind a desk. She  becomes involved in a writer’s group and attends writer conferences. Networking within the industry is necessary for professional contacts and friendships. An active writer keeps her body in shape. An unhealthy body means an unhealthy mind, and that means creativity crashes.

C is for Characters. Characters are the lifeblood of a novel. Their roles live in the hearts of our readers. We have a responsibility to fully develop our characters physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Characters reveal themselves in every aspect of our novels, so the reader never forgets them. 

I is for Inspire. One of our goals is to inspire readers to grow and change, and become better people. We accomplish this by showing a character who walked through fire and survived. We want readers to be inspired by our stories and discover ways for them to live triumphantly

T is for Truth. Story is a vehicle to show truth. It’s revealed in our premise and theme, surfacing in our protagonists attitudes and motivation. God may not be mentioned in our novels, but His truth reigns in characterization and plot.

Y is for You. Each writer has been given a gift. The writer can choose to ignore it, play with it, give it back, or develop the gift into a beautiful story. I can’t do it for you. It’s your seed to nurture and grow.

Success starts with you!

Tenacity. What does it mean to you? Can you grip it firmly and never let go? I believe you can. A professional writer works hard and weaves determination into every word.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than fifty-five books published.

Her titles have appared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and 2011.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America, Faith, Hope & Love, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

Website: www.diannmills.com

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Avoiding the Fetal Position

What do you do when you receive a review or critique that stings? Kick the chihuahua? Cry for your mommy? Reach for a quart of Ben & Jerry’s?

Sometimes it’s hard not to take critiques personally, especially if you’ve knocked yourself out to begin with on a particular piece of writing. It’s a double whammy when that criticism comes at an exceptionally bad time (which could be something as huge as contracting Dengue Fever or as simple as you just burnt the toast and your house stinks).

I understand that holy-cow-whatever-made-me-think-I-could-write feeling. But before you take that feeling and run with it to the bad place, here are some ideas to help you cope with a tough review and/or critique…

SHELVE IT

Though your instinct may be to ball up the wretched critique and toss it in the circular file, don’t. And I probably don’t need to remind you that stalking is a felon, right? So revenge is not an option. Try the forget-about-it method, instead. Don’t re-read the scathing remarks for at least a week or two. Set it aside and come back to it later. Time really is the great elixir. You might be surprised that you’ll find a truth nugget or two when you do glean over it later on.

FIND A SHOULDER

Writers are an emotional lot. Yes, even those with stoic Scandinavian backgrounds. As a writer, it’s important for you to find a network of 2 or 3 buddies who are there for you to give you a pat on the back and listen to your sniffles. Often a good venting will clear out the gunk in your head so that you can see the critique way more objectively.

PRAY

Seriously. I know this sounds like a cheap answer, but in the economy of life, this is where you’ll find wealth. Go to God and give Him all your insecurities. When you get your eyeballs off yourself and turn your view upward instead, all that insecure nausea will disappear. Tough critique/review or not, He’s in charge of your writing or He isn’t. Which is it?

Newsflash: scorching remarks are going to come your way. It’s part of the writing game…so put on your knee pads and helmet, and get out there and play!

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas…professionally, however, for the past 10 years. Her latest release, UNDERCURRENT, is available by Risen Books. You can find her at: Writer Off the Leash, www.mmgriep.com or on Twitter, Facebook, or 

Pinterest.

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