Sorry for posting two times in one day, but I just found out that the first page of my WIP novel Fire in the Woods will be featured Sunday Night on Writer’s Chatroom for live critique. **GACK**
I’ve never done anything like this before, and I’m not sure what to expect. I think my first page will pop up on the screen, people will be able to read it, and then BAM they get the chance to start ripping away.
Nervous? Maybe a little. It sounds like a neat opportunity to have multiple critiques on the most important page of my novel, though.
Want to check it out? Tune in Sunday at 7:00 Eastern. My first page will be the sixth work featured.
Here are the details:
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Eastern USA Time…..7 PM
Not sure what time that is wherever in the world you are? http://www.worldtimeserver.com
WHERE?
The Writers Chatroom at: http://www.writerschatroom.com/Enter.htm
Scroll down to the Java box. It may take a moment to load. Type in the name you wish to be known by, and click Login. No password needed.
See you there!
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Jennifer M Eaton 
Hope it went well, Jennifer – very brave of you!
I’m gonna have to write up a post about this.
I’m late reading this so I missed the flogging, I mean the live critiquing. More power to you for growing a thick skin. I’m sure all went well?
Actually, it went great. I’m thinking of posting it so everyone can see what it looked like.
Jennifer you sound a lot more reserved that I would. I don’t mind when someone critiques my work. I like it actually. But I am not sure about allowing multiple people to hack at it with chainsaws simultaneously. Yikes!
It was actually a great experience. A bit more of a boost to my ego than I expected.
Everyone:
I’ve been through the beta process at least 100 times (Not with this novel) but it’s pretty much the same. I’ve learned to have a thick skin, and I can tell a genuine comment from someone who’s just ticked off about something else and taking it out on you.
I’ve definitely developed the ability to laugh at the critiquer, and even at myself when the need arises.
It should be an interesting experience, though.
Thanks!
Okay, *how* did you develop this thick skin? We all know that we need it (and I’m glad to learn that you’ve found it), but how does one develop it????
I guess it happened with my very first beta read. This guy was light years beyond my writing ability at the time. I went from thinking I was the best thing since sliced bread… to realizing that I stunk. I did not have time to cry over all the mistakes he found. I needed to make things BETTER because I thought I would lose him as a beta partner, and I knew there was so much he could teach me. Yes, I was frustrated at times, but I knew that he meant everything constructively. He pointed me in the right direction, and I was 50% better when he’d finished my novel. The remaining 50% I learned through blood and sweat and learning which comments to give thought to, and which to dismiss. I think having multiple partners helps. If one crit is horrible, and another constructive, it balances you out.
Good advice from mywithershins – and best of luck; enjoy the journey! I have open mic poetry readings on Thursday and Sunday evenings so I can’t be there, but will be thinking of you! 🙂 xox
Just to make it more nerve-wracking…
A comment that a person types in “live” might not mean what they say. In the rush to get their ideas up, they could fail to properly explain themselves… and end up saying something dreadful. Imagine how embarrassed they would be!
One of my favorite sayings is “never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.” I wish I knew who said that! So, along that theme, don’t assume that a commentator thinks that your writing sucks just because they spill their coffee while posting and hit 300 keys spontaneously which just happen to be the spelling of several devastating words…
🙂 We learn from our errors, and we maintain enthusiasm and focus from praise.
I’ve never heard of something like that! It sounds exciting and scary, more exciting…and a bit scary.
I totally have to agree with your other comment from “mywithershins.” Keep an open mind. Great opportunity for you though.
You’ll be fine … we’re a nice bunch … really! … just remember to breathe!
Sounds a little intimidating. Just keep in mind that not every criticism is negative and, more often than not, it is just one person’s opinion. You may get a lot of conflicting critiques so listen with an open mind. Ultimately, it is your decision to keep something in, take it out or change it completely. Good luck! 🙂
How did you get that gig? I’d love to participate in something like this. Fantastic!