ERMAGHERD! (Or: This Is Why Critique Partners Rock)
Check out my guest post entry on Indigo Grace's blog!
A little background: Indigo and I go way back from the beginnings of Ladies Who Critique; we started off as critique partners, and now we're frequent posters on each other's blogs. We bonded over our similar approaches to writing, especially when it comes to compiling visual cues for our characters and putting our protagonists through the Proust Questionnaire. I've also had the honor of reading the first few chapters of Proving Ground, which now comprises the first book of the Overwatch series. Similarly, she was able to critique the first (convoluted) chapters of Nominated, and her notes have played a huge part in my later decision to split the story into a screenplay (the Nominated reboot) and a second novel (the as-yet drafted Mabel Wilder) to keep things going. Working with her has also helped me overcome my hesitation about introducing romantic angles into my stories; as much as I try to write for the market, I have her to thank for reminding me that it's easier - nay, better - to just write the stories that I want to write, and worry about the details later.
Oh, and did I mention that we're both fans of In Plain Sight and original-flavor NCIS, too?
In any case, it's been my pleasure to guest-post for this blog, which has been a great inspiration for me to keep on writing. Thank you, Indigo, for being a great critique partner. :)
I just want to say thank you for all of your lovely words. It meant a lot to me that you wanted to do a guest post. You know that I've been a fan of your insight for a while now. And I love it that you linked to Nora Ephron and her celebration of being the woman you want to be. There is nothing more badass than that.
ReplyDeleteI think that critique partners are an invaluable part of the writing process. We spend so much time with our head buried in our words that we can't see what works and doesn't work anymore. We need fresh eyes and honesty and when you find someone who understands your style, genre and method it's like you've struck gold. You helped me a lot in those beginning phases. I've grown so much as a writer. When you read the completed manuscript and had such glowing praise, I was ecstatic and honored that you thought so much of it. So thank you, as well, for inspiring me.
Let's keep the dream alive and keep on writing!
You are so welcome, Indigo. I knew I had to write about Nora after reading the entire speech about being "the heroine of your life" - it's a message worth heeding, in every sense. Here's to more happy writing ahead :)
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