Have you ever been shocked and disappointed by a big-name author’s book and thought, I wish I could have critiqued that for them first? If seasoned authors still need trusted critique partners to say, “this is boring”, I certainly do. And I’m happy to say I have. While working on my fourth book in the …
C. S. Lakin: Professional Help
While in the process of writing my first novel, I followed an agent’s blog who warned those wishing to query her not to, unless the manuscript had been professionally edited. She offered a list of recommended copy editors. From this list, I chose C. S. Lakin. From her website, Live, Write, Thrive, Lakin offers a …
My Group Therapy
Joining a critique group brings an end to the arrogant delusion of, "I have written a great story." In fact, I'm discovering some hard, and down right scary, things about myself. Scary fact one: My main character lacks emotional responses to events and family members. Should I be in intense therapy? Why is this so …
The Downside of Critiques
There is a downside to receiving critiques from multiple writers/readers. For example, ten people will have ten different opinions on grammar and views of the story which, although helpful to catch minor issues, also adds discouraging doubts into the mix. I end up revising the story and characters so much I hear my main character screaming, "Leave me alone." …
Phyllis A. Still 