Some of my longer-term readers may recall that Fatty's brother is a writer. He has written four books, all of which were sold in mainstream bookstores. He regularly writes for several newspapers and magazines, is also on radio and occasionally does interviews on TV. He is our family's only claim to fame! So it seemed to make sense for me to seek his advice about an entry I have been working on for a medical writing competition.
I say it seemed to make sense, because now I am obsessively checking my e-mail every 3 minutes, looking to see if Writer has sent back his critique of my prose. I'm nervous, I'm antsy, oh my goodness, what was I THINKING??!
I asked Writer to help me with some awkward phrasing, and to tell me what might be better cut out; what might be best more padded-out. I told him I wouldn't take offence, and that part is certainly true. I won't be snooty or miffed by any suggestions for improvement. I can't promise I won't be hurt, though, if he tells me that what I have written is beyond salvaging, for instance. Or if he kindly suggests I might be better learning the ukelele. I can't believe I have shown a published writer my half-baked, half-assed short story. What was I thinking?!
I dreamt last night that Writer told me my piece was offensive to Canadians. There is not a single mention of Canadians in the story. Perhaps the dream ended before Writer was able to list all the other nationalities in the world as well.
I hope you are all enjoying your day. I'm going now, to check my e-mail......
18 comments:
hahah! offensive to Canadians???
I hope writer BIL will have some constructive and helpful suggestions if necessary (as if you needed any assistance in writing anything but a well-written, meaningful piece of prose). It's terrible waiting and waiting, but I'm sure he's taking his time so he can say just the "right" things to you.
I know that whatever you have written is excellent. You're gonna win, you're gonna win!
Jelly, You are over thinking this. You don't need Writer's advice on this. Follow your heart and submit the writing. You are really such a good writer; all your blog buddies know it. Just "go for it".
*gulp* I would be stressing too.
Let us know how it turns out....I will be checking your blog feverishly until you do:)
Jelly,
I'm laughing so hard I'm having a hard time typing! Not only do you write well, you're terrifically witty also.
Seriously, I know where you're coming from. Surely BIL is taking his time so as to not take YOU out of the piece.
Have a great day.
rel
The woods are full of people who offer ways to "improve" your writing.
Ignore them all. Unless...
The person with the suggestion is the same person who is paying cash money to buy your piece. That is the only person whose opinion counts. If that editor likes your writing, it is sold.
If other people want improved writing, then let them write their own book.
Perhaps mine is a myoptic view but over the years I have made a lot of changes to manuscripts based on the opinions of people who had no vested interest in the project.
Writing is not a group project. Only one person on the keyboard at a time.
Your heart knows what you are trying to do better than anyone else. Follow your own heart. It will tell you when its time to pick up the ukelele.
I can understand your trepidation. It is one thing to write on your blog, where most of us don't know you in real life, and another thing to show your writing to a published writer who does actually know you. It sounds like a pretty daunting thing to do, especially with such a personal piece. Just to remind you what everyone else is saying too; we love to read your writing, and come back often for that.
Jelly, I'm sure you're very anxious to hear from your BIL and I hope that he has the news that you want to hear...But as John Cowart said, it's your writing and you know exactly what you want to say and you can say it best.
If your medical writing is as funny as your blog then it will be a sure fire winner. Good luck.
we know you can do it!
Jelly, don't you know that we Canucks are a hard lot to offend?
We're too damn passive to get upset about anything?
I wouldn't worry about your writing, chicky. You've got talent.
Try to remember, he's just a man. Not a writing God.
Don't tell him I said that!
Hope it all goes well ;)
I'm sure Writer will have only kind and constructive comments for you - I'm sure he won't suggest that you might be better learning to play the ukelele.Glad you said it though because that really made me laugh and will go on doing so every time I think of it! Hope you do well in the competition.
Gosh you will be fine!!! Writer is probably thinking, this is so great and do I tell her it is great or really great.
have a great day too...i think great is my word of the day!!
Writer's email response I'm sure eased your mind about your manuscript. That sounded like good news to me.
Excellent job Jelly!
I'm so pleased you're still going ahead with the piece. Everyone loves your writing Jelly, and now you see, so does Writer!
Keep singing the Julie Andrew's 'I have Confidence' song (Sound of Music), and off you go and mail your entry. You'll do fine!
Do you doubt the critique of your fellow bloggers girl?????????
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