Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Contest Critique Rant



I was going to talk about Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear tonight, but I've decided to change topics. I will get back to SJFU tomorrow.

I received contest scores for the second book I am subbing (not my baby, no way) -- Guillermo's List (GL). Guillermo's List is the story of two sisters who must deal with the aftermath of a medical error. The first chapter takes place in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a bereavement room.

Let me preface this by saying I am extremely critical of my writing and I listen to and try to take criticism effectively. But, when the critique tries to tell me something that I experienced and put into words couldn't happen or questions the feasibility of it happening, then I get a little upset.

I've been in a bereavement room. I know how many people are there to talk to the family. I know under what situations medical errors can occur. I know how people react. And, if a person reacts contrary to how you think someone should react, why is that a problem? Each situation is different for each person. We have to take that into effect when we judge entries.

The good news is people seem to like my writing. I just seemed to get marked down for things that have nothing to do with my writing. How can you write about what you know when no one believes it can happen?

I just might post my first chap tomorrow. Or, we can talk about SJFU. Any votes?

Putting up my happy picture.




Abbi :-)

Monday, July 12, 2010

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part I

So there was this discussion on Twitter-- prompted from a discussion at RomCon -- about how you should treat your book. It's not your baby and it shouldn't be treated as such. Writing/publishing is a business.

I've decided to take that approach with two stories that are important to me: Guillermo's List and Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear. Now this doesn't mean that I am just going to throw them willy-nilly out to the world for everyone to see. But, I am going not hold onto them so much anymore.

First step, Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear goes out today. I will tell you more about that story and Guillermo's List tomorrow night. (Will be at Boy Scouts tomorrow.)

Abbi :-)