#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 29: What is your editing process? How do you know it is done?
I try to gain some distance/perspective after writing, then go into editing mode. As much as possible, I try to read my writing w/ fresh eyes and ask questions of myself. I address those questions in revision. I know it's done when I'm satisfied.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 28: Do you make any of your work available for free? Would you?
I've had free-to-read blogs for 20 years. I consider them work. Some of my other work is archived on free-to-read sites, but that's the siteowners making it available, not me.
As an editor, I entered poems published on my site for Best of the Net consideration. None won, but the nominees got some recognition.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 26
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 26: Have you entered any contests? Which would you recommend?
I haven't. It seems to me contests attract a lot more entries than the usual magazine or book submission period, meaning my work has a better chance of acceptance as a regular submission, not one of many more contest entries.
@sysfrank Thanks.
On this point, I can say I dislike many of #JamesPatterson's bestsellers. The chapters are so short, I can only think he wants readers to zip through them. That style doesn't appear to be seeking a memorable connection. Why would you gear your writing to be forgettable? Yet I'm sure his fans say, "It was great to breeze through. I just wanted something I didn't have to think about."
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
The idea that writers dislike hearing criticism is another misconception. Having spent time and effort on creative writing, writers dream that readers notice every nuance of said finished work. That's the connection writing and all forms of communication naturally seek, nuance not found in "Cool," "Trash," "I loved it," or "I hated it."
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 25: How long is the shortest story you've ever written? Can you link to it?
Six words. From 2006-7, I wrote six six-word stories that @sjrozan published on a dedicated blog. Here are links to them: https://sosdesk.blogspot.com/search/label/Six%20Word%20Stories
Your criticism of a piece of writing need not involve telling the writer. Basically criticism is your thinking response to the text. I maintain you can't read w/o thinking.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
Further thoughts on criticism: To criticize someone's writing justly, you have to have read it closely. Being thought worthy of such a close read in the first place is a compliment to the writer, disproving the common misconception that criticism must be derogatory.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
And b/c writers have distanced themselves from their finished product, they can digest my criticism of the product in the professional manner I write it.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
It's most accurate to reply to this prompt I criticize other writing, not other writers. The writing is the finished product, from which writers have distanced themselves and which I then don't connect directly to writers' personal lives. I say, "Here are my thoughts on what's on the page, no more, no less."
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
True criticism is a thorough analysis of the text and of the critic's response. It defends rationally each point of praise and complaint. Mere cheering or bashing w/o defense does not qualify.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 24: Do you criticize other writers? Who and in what way?
First, the words "criticize" and "critical" aren't themselves pejorative. They denote reading standards each of us has developed, and I think it's wrong to try and turn off your standards. We all have reactions to text, say so or not, and we should express them. Again, it can be done w/o attacking the writer. As a reviewer, I do it regularly.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 23: How do you capture a character's unique voice in dialogue?
I avoid overthinking it. I let the characters talk w/ each other and jot down the best of what they say. I avoid special spellings/contractions; I think that's drawing undue attention to it.
<Or I could just remove the quotation marks. The phrase is in the public domain, I believe, it’s right there on Google. What do you think?>
I told a client to include the source for a quote in his book. This ⬆️ was his reply.
Remember: Just because something shows up in a Google search doesn't make it public domain. It only means it's available to the public. You still must indicate sources, get permission if extensive, and definitely put in quotation marks if you didn't write it.
Tom Baker, in the 1970s, asked about the idea of a woman playing the Doctor.
The answer (“a good idea”) to the question is then expanded to consider the culture of the BBC and then just men of 1970s Britain in general.
#WritersCoffeeClub Oct 20: Do you agree with Terry Pratchett, who said, "There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't write."
The quote seems to contradict itself. Writer's block is a thing b/c we invented it. I'm of the mind that writers create obstacles for themselves. It's only natural along w/ everything they create each day. It's also part of the job to solve such puzzles. If something isn't working, you have the choice to change entirely.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Oct. 17: What's the body count in your WIP? Is this typical for your work?
I don't expect it will be high. I'm not against killing characters, but I don't see that killing more characters improves my work whereas if I can make the point killing one character or none, I see that as better, most efficient, least wasteful.