As we continue our challenge to write a Sci-fi novel in a little over a year, we've learnt that developmental feedback is only helpful if it is not completely demoralising.
After keeping our cards firmly against our chests, we have finally allowed out respective partners to read some (not all) of our masterpiece to gain useful feedback and insight from a couple of readers who aren't as close to the story as we now are. The results are in and were not as good as we had hoped.
Feedback from A's partner to A:
"I like it but some sections have too many things happening one after the other. Needs filling out."
Feedback from S's partner to S:
"Ooh yeah, thats really, really bad sci fi. But that's what you're going for right?"
"Not really"
"Oh.."
The friend who inspired our efforts in the first place has also been sending helpful emails such as this:
"This is what you two need for your 'book' -
http://fiverr.com/gigs/search?query=review+kindle&order "
Conclusion:Don't show other people your work unless you are mentally fit.
Progress report We recently had the conversation about writing a sex scene. It was bound to come up but we had successfully avoided it until now. Both of us have clearly declared ourselves unable to write such a thing and still maintain the ability to look each other in the eye. Our partners have suggested getting totally BBQ'd one night and writing it together; reading it once and never speaking of it again.
We could always get an outsider in.. maybe the 'friend' mentioned above or maybe you? Let us know if you're interested.
S
Hello fellow insecure writers! Your Blog title and subsequent post cracked me up! Lesson learned, I see, but never, never, NEVER show your work to anyone until it is done. I also don't suggest showing it to anyone who isn't also a writer until you're ready to send it out to agents or publishers. Yeah. That long. I've learned that getting feedback can be a double edged sword. I suggest a critique group. Critters (critters.org) is a great one, with a very systematic...system.
ReplyDeleteAs to the sex scene- that's the best part! Maybe I can write it for you....kidding. There are some great sources for how to write sex scenes out there ( I was surprised! Thought it was just natural, but hey, I would need a handbook for writing hard science fiction so...). My best advice (as if I know anything about it) is to just write it. Go with the flow (snorts) and see what happens. Think of it like writing a graphic fight scene. Sure, it can be uncomfortable, but you can do it!
Best of luck with your project!
Hey! Thanks for stopping by and for your feedback!! :) Are you sure we can't tempt you to write the sex scenes? ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're right too about not showing work until we're absolutely sure it's ready to be seen. Fortuntely we learned this now and not further down the line.. Imagine having 8 chapters completed but not quite perfect and having that sort of response. ERROR!
Come back soon! :)
S & A