Depressing - and yet somehow - inspirational
I tend to come a bit late to the popular internet news trends (except those relating to web design). Videos that go viral and celebrity mishaps are things that I'm aware of, because they flit past on my news page or my Twitter feed. However they tend to be fleeting and I prefer not to emotionally invest.
However, I will admit that, as an (occasionally) aspiring author, I got sucked into the furor surrounding this post.
I'm not going to get into what I thought of BigAl's review, nor Jacqueline Howett's response to the criticism. I'm not even going to get into my thoughts on how a writer should learn early to handle critiques.
The most curious thing to me, at the end of the day, was that in a way the combination of reactions was encouraging. It told me that there are people out there that are still reading. That there are people out there who care about reading things that are WELL written. And in a terribly self-centered way, it told me that maybe my own writing, once out there, will not stand out like an unsightly pile of decay in a rose garden.
Yes, there is inspiration to be had here. Think of all the short stories out there, published simply to be read by friends, which the authors ran through multiple editors. These should be the people to whom we now turn our focus - showing our appreciation for their care and respect for the writer's craft. As writers, be thankful for your trusted editors, the ones who tell you what they really think (or go forth and find an editor you can trust). As readers - show your appreciation for the authors who have paved and lined the way into their worlds of story with well-chosen, well-crafted, well-edited words. They deserve your accolades.
However, I will admit that, as an (occasionally) aspiring author, I got sucked into the furor surrounding this post.
I'm not going to get into what I thought of BigAl's review, nor Jacqueline Howett's response to the criticism. I'm not even going to get into my thoughts on how a writer should learn early to handle critiques.
The most curious thing to me, at the end of the day, was that in a way the combination of reactions was encouraging. It told me that there are people out there that are still reading. That there are people out there who care about reading things that are WELL written. And in a terribly self-centered way, it told me that maybe my own writing, once out there, will not stand out like an unsightly pile of decay in a rose garden.
Yes, there is inspiration to be had here. Think of all the short stories out there, published simply to be read by friends, which the authors ran through multiple editors. These should be the people to whom we now turn our focus - showing our appreciation for their care and respect for the writer's craft. As writers, be thankful for your trusted editors, the ones who tell you what they really think (or go forth and find an editor you can trust). As readers - show your appreciation for the authors who have paved and lined the way into their worlds of story with well-chosen, well-crafted, well-edited words. They deserve your accolades.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my mother and father for always correcting and editing my work and speech. I would also like to thank my book editor, Becky Aiken, who is a Goddess among editors. Aprille, please pass that message on to Becky ;)
ReplyDeleteThe message has been duly relayed. :)
ReplyDelete