Hit or Miss? Does It Exist?

I recently finished reading Cassandra Clare's City of Bones and have to admit that I really enjoyed it (besides the whole Jace and Clare being related thing . . .I thought they both accepted it too easily, especially since it came from The Bad Guy and also since they had the hots for one another, but I digress).

As I was reading some of the reviews on Goodreads.com, however, I discovered that, while some others absolutely loved it, there were an equal number that absolutely loathed it. Rarely did I come across someone who was in the middle of the road. Which got me thinking about something that happened to me recently in a critique group.

I had been getting rave reviews (or critiques, whatever) on my story. Most of the critters thought the MC was funny, charming and spunky. They thought the story was interesting, the plot solid. They couldn't wait to read more.

And then I had a reader who wasn't so thrilled. Whereas the other readers found my MC likable, this reader found her annoying, selfish and vapid. She didn't like the setting, the fact that she was a princess, and a whole grocery list of other things.

Now, I value each and every critique I receive and have learned through experience that sometimes the most negative critique can be the most helpful, but as the critter's critiques progressed in much the same manner, I realized that there was very little I could do to "fix it" without compromising the whole story.

So I gathered all the critiques I'd been given on the story and combed through them, wondering what I could do to make the character more likable for this one person without taking away what other readers had come to admire about her.

The conclusion: I couldn't. The very things that some readers admired about my MC, were the same things the one critter couldn't stand. I struggled with this for a while, because I am nothing but the queen of let's-make-everyone-happy, but it took reading City of Bones for me to realize that there is such a thing as a hit-or-miss book.

Want another example? How about Twilight by Stephenie Meyer? Hate it or love it? Usually readers feel one way or the other. I have yet to come across someone who read it who was merely indifferent. So, a hit-or-miss is possible. And, better yet, it's okay. It's okay for some people not to like your character or your book, for that matter, because others will. I think it boils down to audience--who the book was written for. When I mentioned that possibility to the critter, it was, of course, shot down and I was credited with being a "bad writer," but the more I think on it, the more I believe that it's true. My book wasn't written for that person, but it was for all those others. I just have to learn to be okay with that.

What about you? Have you read any hit or miss books lately? Had this same writing experience? Please share!

Beta Reader vs. Critique Partner

I've recently dived into the field of beta reader. I looked at this as a thrilling opportunity to read some highly polished work by authors wanting that finish spit-shine before sending their novel into the hell of Queryland. Apparently I should have specified that.

You see, I was under the impression that a critique partner comes before the beta reader. Critique partners are for the nitty-gritty basics of the novel. They help with technique, show vs. telling, passive vs. active, character quirks, plot pitfalls, etc. They, basically, help you learn how to write. (This has been my experience anyway. And, truthfully, I have become a MUCH better writer thanks to my critique group.)

Granted, joining a critique group is tough, yet it's a necessary step to becoming a better writer. We're often too kind to ourselves, or just blind to our flaws, and nothing shines a spotlight on them like a bunch of other writers. Receiving critiques can be one of the most soul-crushing things you've ever experienced (yes, I've had a few of those less than complimentary critiques), but without someone to highlight your errors, how are you ever going to grow from them? AND there will be times (more often than not, I've found) that you will actually have someone LIKE what you've written, and offer you suggestions on how you can make your good story, great.

There is also the sneaky benefit of giving critiques. Not because you've finally found your chance to bash that writer who hated your MC, but because when you critique other people's work, it's easier to see what DOESN'T work in writing, and then you can apply it to yours.

So, to sum it all up: A critique group/partner should be your first step with your newly fledged novel. THEN comes the beta reader.

The beta reader looks at the BIG PICTURE of the novel. They focus on character motivation, plot arc, themes, motifs, pace. Betas should not have to stumble over "weak" writing. You should have a good grasp on writing technique and an even stronger grasp on your voice before you submit your work to a beta.

But this is just how I look at it. What's your take?

Selling My Services for a Good Cause

I mentioned a few days ago that I was running in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure 5K. I also mentioned that I would like to raise $100 to donate to the foundation, 75% of which goes directly to local breast cancer education and prevention services. However, I know that in this economy everyone is struggling, and it's difficult to give which is why I would like to offer you something in return for a donation.

Donate $5 and I will critique the first 50 pages of your MS.

Donate $10 and I will draw/paint your MC (or any other character) and mail it to you. (Of course, you'll have to provide a description and also specify what you are looking for (action, pose, standing, etc.) To see examples of my artistic skill, go to my Deviant Art page.

Donate $50 and I will mail you my autographed copy of Nicholas Spark's The Lucky One. (I only have one copy, so whoever donates $50 first will get it.)

I consider myself a more-than-adequate critter and a decent artist (working in watercolor, pencil and acrylic) and will spend a considerable amount of time on each (hence, you'll get your money's worth).

To donate, go to my Susan G. Komen Profile Page and click "Donate to Brandi!"

Once you've made your donation, email me at bguthrie17(at)yahoo(dot)com and let me know what name you donated under and what service you're requesting. (Yes, if you donate $15 you can get both the critique and the character drawing OR three critiques.)

Thank you ahead of time!

Monday Madness: What To Do When They Just Don't "Get It"

There have been times when I've written something that was simply on fire. I loved it. LOVED it. So I submit it for critique with bated breath, crossing my fingers and hoping they love it too. (For those of you out there further along in the publishing process, you might have experienced a similar feeling with submitting query letters.) But then the responses come back and you realize what you were so enthusiastic about has other people scratching their heads.

My first (and suppressed) reaction is always: What do you MEAN you don't get it? What don't you understand? He's a unicorn-dragon hybrid who breathes underwater! What's not to get??? (Ramble into incoherence.)

My second is: What don't you get?

It's always best to ask for specifics. If they can't be specific, you have my permission to stick your tongue out at them and move on (JOKING). But, seriously, if they can't pinpoint what's bugging them about your story then try to find someone who can. In most circumstances, once the first person puts a finger on what's bothering them, the others will usually chime in with "Yeah, that's what I meant!"

Third: How would you recommend fixing it?

Sometimes your critters will offer you suggestions on how to clear up what they "don't get." Maybe it's scene clarification or a more detailed description of the unfolding events, etc. Maybe it's just inserting one word. But usually you get an awesome brainstorm session from the don't-getters in the end and (who knows?) you might end up with an even more awesome story than before.

(Just a side note here: A reader who doesn't get it is NOT the same thing as a reader who doesn't LIKE it for whatever reason. But even for the latter, if they can't give you a reason for their dislike, it's best to just make a mental note "OK, so-and-so doesn't like it" and go on with the story. Not everyone is going to jive with your story, but they should all be able to at least "get it.")

Monday Madness: The Good, The Bad & The Tit-for-Tat

I’m a member of Critique Circle. While it’s not my most frequent haunt, there are things that it offers that appeals to me. One is the payment/point scale. For every story you critique you’re awarded a certain number of points (increasing as the story gets longer.) In order to earn the minimum points, you have to write at least 300 words (which prevents people from simply popping in and saying, “I hated/loved it” and not elaborating). Works are not limited to PG-13 ratings (they’re simply required to have a warning and, I believe, younger authors/readers aren’t able to access them). They even have an erotica forum. Plus, they implement a tit-for-tat policy when it comes to critiques. Basically, if you crit someone’s work, they should crit yours. Tit-for-tat. Sounds reasonable to me. (Sometimes there’s nothing more frustrating than a writer who won’t return the favor.)

But there are things that make me not like that so much. One reason is that not the best critters are the best writers, and I feel like I’m cheating someone who gave me an excellent critique if their writing is less than promising. (Time to break out the red pen!)

Another problem that arises in the tit-for-tat is the Genre Snob. There are genres we just don’t like to read (admit it). I’m comfortable and content in my fantasy/romance niche, but I do sometimes stray into other genres. Often it’s an exercise in helping me stretch my own writerly muscles (can I look beyond the content and focus on the technical and vice versa?), but sometimes it can lead to a problem.

With tit-for-tat, if I critiqued, say, a hardcore thriller, that author might not be so thrilled (har har) to crit my romantic fantasy. And if they “don’t normally read this kind of stuff” it might befuddle their critting skills. So, instead of focusing on plot holes or stilted dialogue, they might instead focus on how it’s ridiculous for a unicorn to be a prince (or some such completely unbeneficial nonsense) and make suggestions instead to change my story.

Tsk. Tsk. Bad critter.

However, on the flip side of that is that they notice things that other readers familiar with the genre might overlook (i.e. if she discovers a magic sword that won’t break in scene one, then how come it breaks in scene three?) since they might be more skeptical and less forgiving. I like that.

I’ve had an equal number of good and bad critters, all of them attempting to be helpful. Surprisingly, I think I benefit from both the people who are fluent in my genre and those who aren’t, and I’ll gladly wade through the unhelpful sludge. But I’m curious, which side do you think gives the best crits: those familiar with your genre or those who aren’t? 

Monday Madness: Take It Like a (Wo)Man

Giving critiques is hard. But, sometimes, it's even harder to get them.

Critiquing requires a certain level of maturity, and the same goes with being on the receiving end. It's easy to bask in the glow of people saying, "OMG, you are AWESOME...when can I buy your book???" But not so easy when people are like, "Meh. It was okay. Didn't really do it for me though." Or, even worse, "Your book sucks. Please go burn it now." I've experienced all three types. And, sometimes it's hard to not take it personally. But, remember, in most cases it's not about YOU, it's about the story.

What's the difference? Sometimes it's hard to tell. Stories can be like babies...really ugly babies that only you could love. But you still love them and when someone is like, "Whoa, what an ugly baby!" you can't help but be offended.

Sometimes, I've even cried. Sometimes, I've REALLY disliked the critter. Sometimes, I mutter profanities to their avatars. Because it's hard to look at the ugly, naked truth of your story. But don't take it out on the critters. Most of the time, they're just trying to be helpful. And, usually, when I'm finally able to distance myself enough from my story (and my ego) to digest what they're saying, they are right.

It's all about building a thick skin. About learning to recognize credible critiques from the not so credible. And learning to go with what feels right to YOU in the end.

And, if you feel like you're being attacked, the best course of action is to ignore that person. Even if you want to paste angry emoticons all over the screen, DON'T. Simply thank them for their suggestions (or, if you can't even do that, for their time).

It's okay to disagree with what a critter says.

Repeat that: It's okay to disagree with what a critter says.

And remember: When it comes to critiques, be the bigger person, both in giving critiques and receiving them.

Monday Madness: Honest Crit

Good Monday, everyone! I'm going to have a "Monday Madness" feature every Monday starting this week, featuring things that I have learned/hope to learn about the writing world. This will include every stage of writing, from the sentence to submission. I don't pretend to be an expert on anything, but I hope my insights will help some of my fellow writers out.

And, now, to the first installment of Monday Madness: Honest Crit!

In one of my critique groups, there is a tit-for-tat policy. So much so, in fact, that it even highlights people's stories who have critted yours. Pretty neat if you're like me and like to return favors, but not so much if you're (also like me) and a bit limited on time.

I believe in honesty. Not the cruel "haha, you're writing sucks" kind but in the kind that is constructive and well-placed. But sometimes I will come across a work that demands not so much my input on the story itself, but on how the story is delivered, i.e, technique.

I believe that everyone has a story in them, but not everyone has the ability to tell it. What is ability? Sound grammar, correct spelling, and varied sentence structure, in my opinion. When I come across a story that does not have these things, I get a bit exasperated. Even if the story itself is intriguing, I'm so distracted by its delivery that I can't enjoy it. And then the grammar monster comes out flashing its red quill of death and I start telling them everything that they need to fix before I could read this story for the story itself. I've even gone so far as to rewrite a sentence to show them what I mean (which, I will admit, is pretty pathetic of me). And, in case you're wondering, I don't do this to show my superiority or whatever, I do it because I honestly want to help the writer improve.

But correcting grammar and syntax shouldn't be a critter's job. AT ALL. Now, nobody is perfect. Occasionally there will be errors that slip under our editor-radar, but the majority of the work that you have submitted for critique should be free from error. WHY? Because if you're serious about writing, you need to have the technique down. I think of every submission for critique as a professional piece of writing, even those that I want just an opinion on. So I try to make it as legible and readable as possible, because I DON'T want people to be hung up on my technical errors. I want them to focus on the story.

Critters are not grammar teachers (though I sometimes forget that). They are there to offer their opinion on your STORY. So do them a favor and make sure it's as polished as possible. Not only will your critique group thank you for it, but you will also receive the feedback you're REALLY looking for.  

Dude, what's with the 'tude?

So, I think I'm sick, but I'm not really sure. My eye keeps doing this random twinging/stinging/watering thing and my head hurts. Not a good sign. But I'm still functioning and if I keep myself distracted I feel OK, so...here's me keeping myself distracted.

I've had an attitude lately. Which is weird for me. I'm usually a pretty passive person. If I can make someone else happy at my own expense, that's fine by me. And when people give me their opinion regarding anything, I take it to heart.

Not lately.

Lately I've been all like, "Get outta my face!" And, "Nah Nah Nah. Not listening."

And, to be honest, I kind of like it.

When I first started writing, I didn't show ANYONE. No one. Not even my best friend. And never ever my mom. The first time I ever submitted a piece of fiction was for my creative writing class in college. And if it hadn't been a part of the grade I don't think I would have ever submitted anything. I would have happily sat by and critiqued other people's works and left mine to gather dust. Which is why, of course, I wanted to be an editor. (I still kind of do, but I'd rather be a writer now.)

So, I submitted... whatever it was. (Sad that I can't even remember, eh?) And most people liked it. My professor said that I had a natural "voice" and, of course, I beamed and started scribbling more. I was addicted to sharing, addicted to feedback (OK, I still am), but I did it all wrong without even realizing it. I was in it for the adulation, of course, but when I received a negative critique all my confidence in my writing would go plummeting. I would mope and shove stories into their dark nests. Only after the hurt had passed would I pull it back out. (Yes, I KNOW I'm too sensitive.)

But then my skin got thicker. Critiques, even those that practically screamed, "YOU SUCK" on them, were taken into account and suggestions were noted. But I still had a bad habit of trying to make everybody happy. I would stress and strain over ONE LITTLE PARAGRAPH for hours trying to make it fit into everyone's mold.

And then...

Something changed.

I'm not sure what, even. But now, I have this attitude where if I don't like what the critter is suggesting, I ignore it. (Gasp!) Sometimes, I've ignored whole critiques because I realized that these people "just don't get it." And it's not my fault or their fault, it's just a lack of a meeting of the minds. My story wasn't written for these people, so of course they're not going to get it! And I can never make my story be what everyone wants. I've finally accepted that.

It only took me... six years.

Wow, sad.

But I'm glad that I've reached this point. Now, I can just go with my instinct and take or leave critiques. Take the ones that steer me in the right direction and ignore the ones that don't. It's so liberating.

Here's hoping that you develop  your own 'tude!

Voices in My Head

The first critique group I ever had was in college Creative Writing class. And, I will be perfectly honest here, I didn't benefit much. Don't get me wrong, there were some people who knew what to critique and what to leave alone and then there were people who didn't have a clue.

There were more in the latter category.

Like any other writer, I like to hear people praise my work, but that does nothing for me if I KNOW there is something wrong with it and they won't point it out to me. Even if THEY know there is something wrong with it. Most of the time, my most helpful critiques came from my professors (imagine that).

Once I left college behind, I decided that I still needed/craved feedback on my work. I had my doubts and reserves about my work. I knew that it wasn't perfect, but I also didn't think that it was so bad that I should just abandon it. But I needed improvement. So, I joined Writer's Digest Sci-Fi/Fantasy Forum.

These people helped me in so many ways. And, amazingly, they helped me grow as a writer more than any of my college critique groups. I learned the weaknesses in my writing. I learned the value of voice and style. I could actually put a name to character viewpoint and on and on. They've seen both FURY and DRAGON QUEEN and have helped me immeasurably on both.

But...

There comes a time when they can't help me anymore. Because, like me, they know the story too well, and it becomes easier to overlook those plot holes, those POV drifts, etc. And they definitely can't help me with my query.

So I've joined another critique group. One with fresh eyes and fresh voices and they have helped me see the flaws (minor and major) in my writing that some of my previous critters might have missed.

I'm not saying that I'm abandoning Writer's Digest. Not at all. But I won't be frequenting it as much since my main focus is on those two stories. However, new projects will go up in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Forum like always, and I will be sure to pop in and see how everyone is doing, because, besides from being my first critique group, I consider a lot of them my friends.

I also like this new crit group because you have to give crits to receive crits. So what goes around comes around. And that always makes me happy. :)

Advice: To Take or Not to Take

I love my critique group. Really, I do. There's so many different opinions and skills and styles coming together to make a wonderful blend of talent. And their advice has really helped me strengthen my writing.

But where do you draw the line?

Critiquing and being critiqued is a delicate dance. As the critter, you want to be helpful and honest even when that two year old inside of you is blowing raspberries (very naughtily, I might add). When your work is critiqued, there is a part of you that wants to use all the advice being given. There's another part that wants to blow raspberries (again). Of course, you have to find balance. You have to know which advice to take and which to ignore (but appreciate).

I'm at that point where I think there are some things that maybe I should ignore. The thing is: the advice I was offered was not bad advice. It was very good advice, actually. But when I tried to use it, things just went wrong. My voice disappeared. Things felt disjointed and awkward. And I was (and am) unhappy with the result.

So, what did I do?

I went back to the original work. (Note: Always, ALWAYS keep your original.) And I liked it better. It carried the voice of the story. Yes, it was wordier. No, it wasn't as professional. But it was ME. And that, I think, is what my work should always show: me.

So, I'm trying to spit-shine the original using some of the good advice, but I'm taking and leaving what I do or do not want this time. In the end, I might regret this (remember, it was GOOD advice), but I'd rather fail sounding like myself, than succeed sounding like someone else.

What Goes Around Comes Around

I'm being a bit snippy today. Probably because I had a nightmare last night about anacondas trying to eat everyone (and, no, I didn't watch the movie last night) and then, once I woke up (right before they ate my dog) I couldn't go back to sleep because my stupid cat wouldn't shut up. We had a battle of wills. He's been meowing at ungodly hours in the night wanting outside and I've been dragging my butt out of bed to accommodate him. But I refused to give in this morning. The result: Unable to sleep for the hour and 15 minutes before my alarm clock goes off. HE NEVER STOPPED.

Result: Zorro 1, Brandi 0.

And on the writing side of things, my desire to write FURY's synopsis dwindled to nothing today. I tried. Really, I did. But it just didn't work out. Once again, I thought of just abandoning FURY altogether. Stopped myself from trashing it just in time. Instead, I've been researching agents and decided which ones are going to be on my A-list (AKA Break-My-Heart-List). Which, for some reason, I also found exhausting. At this point, I have three. THREE. Only 17 more to go, folks. (To start with.)

So I tried to distract myself with other writer's works, but that made me pissy, too, because (call me crazy) but I believe that if I take the time to critique your work, you should do the same to mine. The majority of the people on the WD Sci-Fi/Fantasy forum are really good about returning the favor. But some... don't. So, I'm being petty and I am not going to comment on these people's work. Too bad for you, writer. (I'll probably get over this by tomorrow, but, for now, I'm crossing my arms and sticking out my lower lip like a truculent two-year-old.)

Don't get me wrong, I know people can get busy. But if you're going to post a piece for review (and therefore asking others to sacrifice their time to critique it) then you damned well better return the favor. Even if it's just to say "Hey, I liked this!"

Gah.

End rant.

WTF: The Wrong Way to Critique

So, I've been needing a bit of a fantasy/sci-fi break and have strayed to the other forums in Writer's Digest Critique Central. I really need to stop doing this. The main reason being that there is a certain critiquer out there who needs to be smacked upside the head.

 I'm sorry, but there is a correct way to critique things--even things that you do not like--that will spare the writer's feelings and offer encouragement, even if the overall review was not complimentary. This person has no ability/desire to do that. He/She comes off spiteful, not helpful, excusing themselves with the phrase "I'm brutally honest." Writers want honesty, yes, but they don't want brutality (at least, I don't).

 But what really gets my goat is when this person has the nerve to be offended/insulted when a writer does not respond to his/her critique. Perhaps it's just me, but when someone offends me or trashes my work, I keep silent because there are just so many things that I could say that would lower me to their level. Right? Right.

Now, I am not saying this critiquer did not have some valid points. He/She did. But they came off the wrong way. That being snotty and demeaning. This person was NOT critiquing MY work, by the way, but someone else's, and I was still offended on behalf of the other writer. And when the critiquer brought in a "friend" to slam the author for not responding, that's beyond inexcusable. Critique forums are to offer help and encouragement to other aspiring authors, people, not to demean them for whatever reason.

The sad thing is, this sorry excuse for a critiquer probably scared that writer off. And that writer's work was GOOD. Rough, yes, but there was a lot of potential there. (And I am blissfully happy that this person stays away from the forum I frequent, because I can only bite my tongue for so long.)

So let me pass along a tip to anyone who has decided to offer their opinion on the piece. Look for the positive as well as the negative. Just saying something like "I liked this description here" or "Your character is intriguing" can turn a frown upside down, even if you follow it with the pitfalls of the writing.

Frame the negative, please. Begin with what you liked/appreciated and then delve into what you weren't impressed with. Sign off with another positive. Do this, and you will give the writer a feeling like they're not the nasty stuff on the bottom of your shoe, but also a dose of much-needed honesty.