It’s the first Wednesday of the month, which means it’s time for our writing insecurities to pop their little heads out, just in time to get whacked back down into the depths of our subconscious by multiple author-hammers. GET BACK IN YOUR PLACE, INSECURITIES!
Ahem. Anyway. The optional question for May 1: What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
The co-hosts for the month of May are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin! Thanks to all of you for moderating/hosting today.
To answer the question, I don’t remember an early experience where I learned that language had power. But this quote from Seanan McGuire really resonated on this topic and it came to my attention just in time for this month’s IWSG, so I call that fate.
“Words can be whispered bullet-quick when no one’s looking, and words don’t leave blood or bruises behind. Words disappear without a trace. That’s what makes them so powerful. That’s what makes them so important.
That’s what makes them hurt so much.”
–Seanan McGuire, Middlegame
As authors, we know that the words from any of our book reviews or critiques have an IMMENSE amount of power. I’ve been extremely lucky to have reviewers/critique partners who use that power responsibly. (Thank you, if you’re reading. Especially George, and author SA Healey. You are angels in my personal headcanon.)
Recently I received feedback from an RWA chapter contest.
*non-romance writers: that’s the Romance Writers of America, nearly every state in the US has its own chapter and those chapters host contests which judge both published and unpublished romance. SUPER USEFUL and I totally recommend submitting to them.*
I always submit my unpublished manuscripts to RWA contests because the judging is incredibly helpful. Most of it comes from fellow authors, who are published, and therefore have plenty of useful things to point out.
One piece of critique from this round, in particular, really struck me. I also laughed until I snorted when I read it. Which doesn’t often happen with feedback.
“The concept is great and the writing is solid. I like the fact that grammatical and spelling errors are not making me want to quit reading.”
How perfect is that? My judge pointed out in the most gentle way that I could really benefit from some extra grammar checking. Instead of feeling crushed, or sad, or defensive I’m actually feeling empowered. The way she phrased it makes me chuckle, and then feel the urge to plug in my manuscript into Grammarly (which I should have done before submitting, anyway). (I use the free version.) (So 50K words is A LOT to shove into Grammarly.) (Like, I have to do it paragraph by paragraph) (That’s no excuse, SE.) (Do or do not.) (There is no try.)
This month there aren’t a ton of insecurities for me to air, but I’m grateful to have this fresh reminder of how much power language can have over my writing experience. The feedback from all three judges in this particular contest was positive and I go forth from here feeling pretty damn confident and happy with my writing.
I loved that quote my McGuire. I read her too. She is one of my favorites.
She’s fabulous! I came into her world from the Feed universe.
Creative feedback (critique) is always helpful. However, isn’t grammar overrated. No? Okay.
Thanks for visiting me. -Teresa
I 100% think it’s overrated, but then, it’s my weakest link. Haha!
It’s great that they loved your story that much — despite the errors 😉
Ronel visiting for #IWSG day: Help Me, Please!
So true!
If you’re going to get negative feedback, getting it with a laugh is the way to go!
I can’t think of any better way! 🙂
That’s a great quote. And glad you could laugh about the critiquer’s suggestions. We need to take it all in stride.
It’s not always this easy, so I appreciated her 🙂
What an amazing piece of feedback. Oh that all constructive criticsm could be so pithy. I have used Grammerly and ProWriteAid free versions and am seriously considering the paid version of ProWriteAid. Sometimes the investment is worth the cost.
” . . . there is no try. There is only do, or do not.” I tell myself that whenever my internal whiner shows up. 🙂 Thank you, Yoda.
Part of my problem is that I forget PrWriteAid exists, I need to get over and give it a try!
You could try prowritingaid. It has an online editor that takes about a page at a time—it’s free too. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Now that’s a good idea! Especially if it’s free. Thank you!
Words can soothe or destroy, for sure. They are powerful and often misunderstood.
Teresa
So very true. Thanks for stopping by today, Teresa!
That’s awesome that you’re brave enough to enter those contests. It sounds like you get great (albeit amusing) feedback. Have you ever considered an editor? Sometimes Grammerly creates more problems than it solves.
I have definitely considered an editor, and I’m lining up prospects for when I go back to work full time and can afford them! Haha. Ideally I would love to finish a manuscript, polish it, and then send it straight to an editor before anything else. For now, the contests provide some cost-effective editing of the first 5,000 words or so 🙂
That’s great! I’m happy to hear you’re at least considering an editor. They’re worth their weight in gold. No writer can go it alone.
A more budget-friendly option is a beta reader with a good eye. I know the IWSG used to match beta readers on their Facebook page. Not sure if they still do or not.