I was looking for comps for older writers and found that a new one has just been launched by the same people who launched the Orange Prize.
I am tired of reading about the marvellous beautiful young women who are top of the best sellers. Sourgrapes? Perhaps. Even though older people have much more to write about which seems logical to me publishers want someone who is going to be a professional writer for years and provide them with many bestsellers. and why oh why does a very famous Writers’ mag publish huge photos of young beautiful writers? Sometimes two of the same person in the same issue.
dimanche 28 novembre 2010
Crushing Critics
In recent issues of WF there has been a great deal of praise for critics. This has surprised me because my experience has mostly been negative. I do agree with hdbzu (July )
I hate to be criticised. I know, I know as a writer I should be open to it - take it on the chin and all that. But I can’t. It hurts. It depresses me and what’s more it does not improve my writing. In fact it paralyses me so that I can’t write at all. I write short stories and used to fork out the fiver for the critique but I can’t take it so I have stopped.
So whose fault is it? I know my work isn’t perfect and could be improved. But I want kind, helpful advice that I can take on board, not a damning, destructive axe job. The most irritating and unhelpful comments are those which reveal the critics personal baggage and have nothing to do with the work.
‘How to’ books, articles and courses abound on topics like ‘How to write a novel’, ‘How to publish your book’, ‘How to write a synopsis’ and ‘How to learn to proof read’ but I have never seen one with the title ‘How to be an Effective Critic’. So can anyone tell me where do these critics spring from? What is their back ground? How old are they? What is their experience? These are all the things I want to know before I pay.
Who are the people who set themselves up to critique other writers work? Surely most readers judge a novel or a short story from the point of view of, was it well written, was it easy to read, was it enjoyable, was it a good plot, and was it an interesting story. I found that I was not even getting these basic assessments. More and more frequently the critic seemed to have personal issues or problems which resonated with the story line. For example one story which was about a mother and daughter relationship the critic said, ‘I don’t understand why daughters are horrible to good mothers’. In another story about an abused woman the comment was, ‘Why didn’t she get her self off to a women’s refuge?’
I want answers to the following questions from a critic who is qualified to make these judgments and not someone who wants to make a quick buck:
a) Is the writing of a good standard? b) Does the story line work?
c) Are the characters well drawn? e) Are the scenes well drawn?
f) Are there any howlers? g) Is the story well paced?
h) Is the dialogue realistic/appropriate?
It seems to me that some people set themselves up as writing critics without the necessary abilities. If I ever pay for a critique again I shall want to know their credentials.
So can we have an open discussion about this and perhaps some articles. And dare I say some criticism of the critics but better still recommendations with explicit reasons for the recommendation. Who are the Critics?
PS I was able to take advice from one critic and one only. She helped me to write my book. Vanda Inman www.writespace.co.uk
I hate to be criticised. I know, I know as a writer I should be open to it - take it on the chin and all that. But I can’t. It hurts. It depresses me and what’s more it does not improve my writing. In fact it paralyses me so that I can’t write at all. I write short stories and used to fork out the fiver for the critique but I can’t take it so I have stopped.
So whose fault is it? I know my work isn’t perfect and could be improved. But I want kind, helpful advice that I can take on board, not a damning, destructive axe job. The most irritating and unhelpful comments are those which reveal the critics personal baggage and have nothing to do with the work.
‘How to’ books, articles and courses abound on topics like ‘How to write a novel’, ‘How to publish your book’, ‘How to write a synopsis’ and ‘How to learn to proof read’ but I have never seen one with the title ‘How to be an Effective Critic’. So can anyone tell me where do these critics spring from? What is their back ground? How old are they? What is their experience? These are all the things I want to know before I pay.
Who are the people who set themselves up to critique other writers work? Surely most readers judge a novel or a short story from the point of view of, was it well written, was it easy to read, was it enjoyable, was it a good plot, and was it an interesting story. I found that I was not even getting these basic assessments. More and more frequently the critic seemed to have personal issues or problems which resonated with the story line. For example one story which was about a mother and daughter relationship the critic said, ‘I don’t understand why daughters are horrible to good mothers’. In another story about an abused woman the comment was, ‘Why didn’t she get her self off to a women’s refuge?’
I want answers to the following questions from a critic who is qualified to make these judgments and not someone who wants to make a quick buck:
a) Is the writing of a good standard? b) Does the story line work?
c) Are the characters well drawn? e) Are the scenes well drawn?
f) Are there any howlers? g) Is the story well paced?
h) Is the dialogue realistic/appropriate?
It seems to me that some people set themselves up as writing critics without the necessary abilities. If I ever pay for a critique again I shall want to know their credentials.
So can we have an open discussion about this and perhaps some articles. And dare I say some criticism of the critics but better still recommendations with explicit reasons for the recommendation. Who are the Critics?
PS I was able to take advice from one critic and one only. She helped me to write my book. Vanda Inman www.writespace.co.uk
Editing and Proof Reading was the Biggest Problem when I Self Published
I am Immensely Proud But Partly Ashamed of My Book. If you thought it was difficult writing the book then try self publishing.
For me the three most problematic aspects of the process were:
1) Editing
2) Proof Reading
3) Marketing/distribution
I had some experience in these areas as I was a desk top publisher for some years albeit on a very small scale. I know how difficult it is to proof one’s own writing so before I committed myself to the deal I paid for a professional edit which I thought would also cover the proof reading. I thought it would be money well spent. I received my edited book on a CD corrective programme which I found very confusing. However I persevered and went through the whole book many times accepting and refusing the corrections. I copied the final version onto a new CD, chose a publishing option and sent it off with my cheque and waited.
Whose fault was it that it took two years? Each galley I received contained errors. (A galley is an on line proof of book. No I didn’t know the term either before I began the process.) Sometimes they were my errors and sometimes the publishers.
On top of this frustration I had ongoing problems with internet access and not to mention that some correction letters went missing in the post.
I was entirely satisfied and delighted with the very first galley of the cover. In fact it was the vision of this being on sale with my work inside that kept me going.
Finally, after five edits, I received a proof copy of my actual book. Nothing compares with that initial thrill. It felt good, it looked good but, oh dear, it still contained mistakes. I took a deep breath and dived into my diminishing bank account yet again and resubmitted.
I then received six copies of the final version. I gave copies to friends. They were complimentary, that is, all except one, who was reluctant to tell me, that yes, it still contains a mistake. And no it is not buried deep in the text, it is on page one. I missed it, all my other friends missed it and most of all the editor to whom I paid a fairly large sum missed it and it is a real clanger. What shall I do?
I still have the third difficulty to deal with - promotion. The book is now on Amazon and on display in Waterstones. I feel ashamed to be advertising it but I am not sure that I can afford a resubmission.
I could run a competition and award a prize to any reader who spots the mistake. What do you think?
For me the three most problematic aspects of the process were:
1) Editing
2) Proof Reading
3) Marketing/distribution
I had some experience in these areas as I was a desk top publisher for some years albeit on a very small scale. I know how difficult it is to proof one’s own writing so before I committed myself to the deal I paid for a professional edit which I thought would also cover the proof reading. I thought it would be money well spent. I received my edited book on a CD corrective programme which I found very confusing. However I persevered and went through the whole book many times accepting and refusing the corrections. I copied the final version onto a new CD, chose a publishing option and sent it off with my cheque and waited.
Whose fault was it that it took two years? Each galley I received contained errors. (A galley is an on line proof of book. No I didn’t know the term either before I began the process.) Sometimes they were my errors and sometimes the publishers.
On top of this frustration I had ongoing problems with internet access and not to mention that some correction letters went missing in the post.
I was entirely satisfied and delighted with the very first galley of the cover. In fact it was the vision of this being on sale with my work inside that kept me going.
Finally, after five edits, I received a proof copy of my actual book. Nothing compares with that initial thrill. It felt good, it looked good but, oh dear, it still contained mistakes. I took a deep breath and dived into my diminishing bank account yet again and resubmitted.
I then received six copies of the final version. I gave copies to friends. They were complimentary, that is, all except one, who was reluctant to tell me, that yes, it still contains a mistake. And no it is not buried deep in the text, it is on page one. I missed it, all my other friends missed it and most of all the editor to whom I paid a fairly large sum missed it and it is a real clanger. What shall I do?
I still have the third difficulty to deal with - promotion. The book is now on Amazon and on display in Waterstones. I feel ashamed to be advertising it but I am not sure that I can afford a resubmission.
I could run a competition and award a prize to any reader who spots the mistake. What do you think?
Why I Self Published
I was thrilled to find a proof copy of my self published book and a copy of Writers’ Forum on my return from a weeks holiday in Tunisia. The WF contained a number of articles about self publishing which were very pertinent to my experience. Firstly I had ticked all the boxes as laid out in Alison Bavistocks Quiz in WF.
I did want to get it out of the way. I had been writing and editing it for years. I dare not say how many but I have moved house 3 times and my grandchildren are now adults. It was taking up far too much of my time and head space. I wanted to at least spend more time in my garden.
I knew that it did not fit into a genre and certainly would not make mega bucks for a publisher.
I did know however that some people would be interested in my experiences of adoption, depression and caring for an elderly parent. I know this sounds dire and I hate the category Misery Memoirs that has been created. Writing it helped me to see the funny side of what can be depressing circumstances.
I am almost 70 so obviously I would not be a new talent so submitting to a publisher would just be a waste of my time and theirs.
I know something about sales distribution and promoting a book. I was a desk top publisher for a decade. I published a very small book on local history every year. I knew the sales would be limited. The clue was in the title ‘local’. I became the promoter, distributor and sales person. It was time consuming and involved much foot slogging. I only did this because the author historian was passionate about our town as was I.
I sold them mainly through newsagents on sale or return and two of the large book stores agreed to buy a few. The books sold well but we always made a loss. This was for two reasons. Local history meant that sales were limited to the locality.
The second reason astounded me and still leaves me open mouthed. This will apply to all books published even if distributed nationally. It is this.
I approached a national chain with a request that they stock it in their local store on a sale or return basis. They agreed but wanted to take 50 per cent of the sale price. This left the other 50 per cent for the writer, the publisher, the proof reader, the printer and the distributor.
So yes I know that I shall not make any money even if I get to the end of this long journey. As I said at the beginning I received a proof copy. I have already made five galley edits. This is the first proof copy and it contains some real clangers. It has taken 2 years since I first contacted the self publishers and I dare not tot up the finances.
I shall persevere. Why? Because believe me I can’t describe the thrill (and as a writer I should be able to) I felt when I held that printed copy in my hands.
I did want to get it out of the way. I had been writing and editing it for years. I dare not say how many but I have moved house 3 times and my grandchildren are now adults. It was taking up far too much of my time and head space. I wanted to at least spend more time in my garden.
I knew that it did not fit into a genre and certainly would not make mega bucks for a publisher.
I did know however that some people would be interested in my experiences of adoption, depression and caring for an elderly parent. I know this sounds dire and I hate the category Misery Memoirs that has been created. Writing it helped me to see the funny side of what can be depressing circumstances.
I am almost 70 so obviously I would not be a new talent so submitting to a publisher would just be a waste of my time and theirs.
I know something about sales distribution and promoting a book. I was a desk top publisher for a decade. I published a very small book on local history every year. I knew the sales would be limited. The clue was in the title ‘local’. I became the promoter, distributor and sales person. It was time consuming and involved much foot slogging. I only did this because the author historian was passionate about our town as was I.
I sold them mainly through newsagents on sale or return and two of the large book stores agreed to buy a few. The books sold well but we always made a loss. This was for two reasons. Local history meant that sales were limited to the locality.
The second reason astounded me and still leaves me open mouthed. This will apply to all books published even if distributed nationally. It is this.
I approached a national chain with a request that they stock it in their local store on a sale or return basis. They agreed but wanted to take 50 per cent of the sale price. This left the other 50 per cent for the writer, the publisher, the proof reader, the printer and the distributor.
So yes I know that I shall not make any money even if I get to the end of this long journey. As I said at the beginning I received a proof copy. I have already made five galley edits. This is the first proof copy and it contains some real clangers. It has taken 2 years since I first contacted the self publishers and I dare not tot up the finances.
I shall persevere. Why? Because believe me I can’t describe the thrill (and as a writer I should be able to) I felt when I held that printed copy in my hands.
Party Behaviour
I completely disgraced myself at a friend's birthday party by sounding off about the bankers, capitalism, and then challenging someone who made a throw away remark about people with learning difficulties.It's not the first time I have 'been serious' at a dinner party when people just want to have a 'good time'. I refused invitations for a long time because I couldn't trust myself to keep my big mouth shut.
I am pretty sure I won't get invited again for a long time if ever.
I do feel guilty about my life style. I am lucky. Do I have to learn not to judge other people?
But I really can't bear to let people get away with being misogynist, racist or homophobic.
And I will always stand up for socialism especially when I am faced with millionaires.
I haven't decided about computers. They do enable communications. But isn't there something about the manufacture that is iffy?
I have tried to be an ostrich but you know what they say, 'When you know, you can't not know'.
Now I have to negotiated xmas without compromising my principals and without offending friends.
I am pretty sure I won't get invited again for a long time if ever.
I do feel guilty about my life style. I am lucky. Do I have to learn not to judge other people?
But I really can't bear to let people get away with being misogynist, racist or homophobic.
And I will always stand up for socialism especially when I am faced with millionaires.
I haven't decided about computers. They do enable communications. But isn't there something about the manufacture that is iffy?
I have tried to be an ostrich but you know what they say, 'When you know, you can't not know'.
Now I have to negotiated xmas without compromising my principals and without offending friends.
jeudi 11 novembre 2010
Is the blog working?
I don't seem to have any problem with ideas at the moment. In fact I am really enjoying writing my novel. Ideas come as I write and it feels as though someone else is writing it. I am surprised daily at the turns it takes. I hope the writing group takes off because I want to read it out at the meetings as I write it.
If not I should like to find someone else to work with.
BUT I don't have time to write my blog.
If not I should like to find someone else to work with.
BUT I don't have time to write my blog.
Writing Group
Today was the first meeting. I didn't expect anyone to come as I had messages and phone calls from five people to say that they would come next time.
I had an interesting morning talking to Penny. I even read the beginning of my new novel.
I decided to have a book signing in January. So I shall have to buy some books.
I also thought that an article in the Hebdo would be a good idea.
I had an interesting morning talking to Penny. I even read the beginning of my new novel.
I decided to have a book signing in January. So I shall have to buy some books.
I also thought that an article in the Hebdo would be a good idea.
jeudi 4 novembre 2010
Grief
I am weighed down by grief. How heavy it is. I can barely move. Will it ever go away?
I have two grandchildren approaching thirty. I have a new grandchild of a few months. I put the baby photo on the office of my laptop. It was so pleasant at first. Each time I logged on I felt close to this baby that I had not met.
Then he became the likeness of my son who was adopted and died aged twenty seven years ago.
Now I have removed the photo because I can't bear the memories. What am I doing to myself I ask. Erasing the photo hasn't helped. I tried to putting up a photo of him with his a parents. In the only photo I have of him with his parents he is crying. That was even worse. The photos have gone but the image is in my head and I can't stop crying. Will it ever get better? I think not. If only I could take time out and grieve. But there is always something pressing to be done and I have no energy to do it because grief is heavy. It really is a burden.
I have two grandchildren approaching thirty. I have a new grandchild of a few months. I put the baby photo on the office of my laptop. It was so pleasant at first. Each time I logged on I felt close to this baby that I had not met.
Then he became the likeness of my son who was adopted and died aged twenty seven years ago.
Now I have removed the photo because I can't bear the memories. What am I doing to myself I ask. Erasing the photo hasn't helped. I tried to putting up a photo of him with his a parents. In the only photo I have of him with his parents he is crying. That was even worse. The photos have gone but the image is in my head and I can't stop crying. Will it ever get better? I think not. If only I could take time out and grieve. But there is always something pressing to be done and I have no energy to do it because grief is heavy. It really is a burden.
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