Yesterday I discovered something disconcerting about myself. I need a cheerleader. Not just any ol' cheerleader to yell "Rah, rah!" and tell me I'm a fabulous writer. Nope. I need some poor devil who's stuck reading every word of my deathless prose--and yelling, "Rah, rah!"It was a pitiful realization. I like to think that I'm independent and mature enough to write without constant encouragement, but apparently that is not the case. Yesterday all the usual suspects who get stuck reading my work were busy so I had to loaf along all on my own. I kept itching to send the bit I was slaving over to SOMEONE but everyone was gone! How dare they all desert me?
Sigh...
It's very lowering to admit that I'm addicted to instant input. In much the same way a singer or dancer performs for the crowd, I suppose I am performing for the vocal few who are willing to provide feedback.
My apologies to those individuals (you all know who you are!) whose good natures I've taken advantage of, especially in the last couple of weeks. I promise to cease and desist and get a life. Or at least pretend that I have a life. Or perhaps I'll go take a nap until the urge to post my latest three pages of brilliance finally passes.
anny
I'm exactly the opposite. I solicit no feedback at all until I've written everything, edited it, and let it sit and re-read it later. Then I hand it to my CP and let her look at it. Then it's off to my editor.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost superstitious about letting anyone read any work in progress. I have to write the entire thing, start to finish, before I'll even really TALK about it. I do hash over the occasional plot point, but usually I'm working in obscurity.
I suspect there's as many ways to approach writing as there are people who write ....
I'm the same way. I need to know how I'm doing as I'm writing. Thank goodness for my critique partner.
ReplyDelete*waving hands in the air*
ReplyDelete(I'm breaking my own rule about commenting from home on this one)
I guess your email was lost in cyberspace???
And here I thought I was Head Cheerleader...
All kidding aside, I frequently trap my hubby in whatever room he's in and read whatever scene I'm working on.
Of course, he doesn't really pay close attention and mutters a 'Sounds great' just to shut me up! But once in a while, something will actually grab his attention and he'll tell me if it's not working, or I've left out a detail.
WV for the day: Patism
Personally, I love getting the scenes and pages from friends and I'll happily send mine too. Writing is a lonely business and to me, it's a little LESS lonely when we can share what we're doing. Don't think it's insecurity at ALL. Just an act of sharing yourself and what you're up to. The encouragment keeps me motivated to write more.
ReplyDeleteLast time I checked, writing was not something anyone 'had' to do - it's a choice. No one has to cheer your choices. I think we all need to be more self reliant. Be your own cheerleader.
ReplyDeleteHey, I was home! Pick me, pick me!
ReplyDelete