Who Should I Tell?

Sometimes when we write we love our work a little too much. I know when I first started writing I took offence when someone criticized my words or rejected a submitted manuscript. I soon realized that I would never grow as a writer unless I listened and paid attention to the responses of others - particularly those with a wealth of experience.

So who should we get to review our work? Wouldn't it be handy if our Mom or hubby or son, daughter, sister, brother would take on the role of editor. Unless any of your dear relatives are editors or fellow pursuers of the craft, they probably won't have the insight or impartiality to help make your writing better. Sure, they may have your best interest at hearts, but since you are emotionally involved, and then some, you are not likely to hear a lot of helpful criticism.

What's a writer to do then? How about finding a local writer's group and getting feedback from fellow scribes? Or join a writer's organization like The Word Guild (TWG) http://www.thewordguild.com/ or Inscribe Christian Writer's Fellowship (ICWF) http://inscribe.org/ . I am the Ontario Representative for ICWF so if you want further information about this great web based organization, let me know. They publish a great writer's newsletter/magazine for members.  TWG sponsors an incredible annual writer's conference - Write! Canada - in Guelph each year. Check out this link for further information:  http://www.writecanada.org/ . The next conference will take place June 16th-18th of this year.  

Keep an eye open for creative writing courses at local colleges, universities, through continuing education courses or online courses through reputable organizations. Because we have access via the world wide web, the possibilities are endless for getting someone to critique your work. Just a little caveat...make sure you have done your homework and checked for references or comments from past customers of potential editors or critiquers. Ask yourself if the fees include both line by line editing and overview and critique if that is what you want. Are follow-ups included? What are the qualifications of the provider? Do you feel the relationship is genuine?

Perhaps you are seeking a mentor. Some writing organizations love to set members up in a beginning writer/mentor relationships. Do some investigating but don't expect professional writers to be able to walk you through an entire book for free.

A good writer is an observer of details. Keep an eye open for notices at local libraries, art centres, and schools for information on upcoming writing events, author visits, writing contests and more. Writing magazines are available at bookstores and libraries.

Soak up any information you can get your hands (or eyes) on, plan to write. Start writing, then rewrite, then get an extra pair of eyes...