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The Writer's Compass » Critiques and Feedback

You Might Be a Writer if…

You might want to be a writer if… Your dinner conversation is about your latest plot. Your characters are your best friends. You pitch to three agents who all want the completed manuscript–that you haven’t written yet. You insist all your family and friends read this draft, even though they’ve already read the last three drafts–so they can compare and tell you how much better it is. You have a quote for every occasion from the brilliant dialogue of your characters. You have a million story ideas until you sit down to write. You are working on your 27th draft and still don’t know how to fill in the middle You have 38 rejections and counting. The only people who understand you are others who want to be writers. One criticism wipes out a dozen praises. You measure time by the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life, Critiques and Feedback

When to Ask for Feedback

For some people, never is a good time to ask for feedback. Some writers don’t feel the need for input from others or at the most only one or two selected and trusted writers. Some writers feel that by sharing their work with others prematurely, they dispel the energy of writing. Other writers are anxious to get feedback, sharing their stories with critique groups, family, friends, anybody they can get to listen. The best time to ask for feedback is when you understand what you need to know to improve your work. Let’s face it, we all want to hear how someone loved our story. We want an adoring group listening as we read the lines we’ve sweated over. I used to drive my younger daughters crazy reading drafts of stories to them. … Read entire article »

Filed under: The 7 Stage Process, About Writing, Critiques and Feedback

Coming Soon – Private Consultations

As per popular request, in May opportunities will be available for private video consulting on a fee ($50) per hour basis. Prior to that I will schedule free 15-minute sessions (1 free session only). Sessions will be available from 7:00-10:00 pm PST, Monday thru Thursdays, If one of these sessions interests you, please email me at nancy {at} nancyellendodd {dot} com to let me know which session you are interested in and a preferred time. … Read entire article »

Filed under: FREEBIES & PURCHASE, Becoming A Writer, About Writing, Critiques and Feedback

Writers Lost in Need of Finding

Yesterday I spent time with a friend, who is a writer, helping him rewrite an article. The problem was that a national magazine had asked him for an article about an ordeal he had faced with his health. When the magazine editor got the article from him, they reassigned it to another writer to rewrite according to the magazine’s “style.” My friend hated the rewritten article. It no longer had his voice, although written in first person, and because the person the magazine assigned didn’t know my friend or talk to him for more details, the new writer had made up dialogue and events to serve the story’s theme rather than using the facts. My friend felt he had two choices. Rewrite the article or pull it and refuse to allow the magazine to publish it. He had already analyzed what … Read entire article »

Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, Critiques and Feedback

Interview, Blog on Critiquing, Upcoming Seminar

Interview, Blog on Critiquing, Upcoming Seminar

1 Kris Wampler, author of Love Train, interviewed me on his indie writer’s blog on January 12 covering a variety of topics indie writers may be interested in reading. In the interview we discuss: the 3 most common mistakes writers make, the 3 things a writer should do first, what are the signs of a well-written article or story, getting criticism, and marketing techniques, 2 On January 12, 2012, Morgen Bailey posted my guest blog on “How Do You Handle … Read entire article »

Filed under: About Writing, The Writer's Life, Critiques and Feedback

LOOK HERE for FREEBIES and eBOOKS to PURCHASE

LOOK HERE for FREEBIES and eBOOKS to PURCHASE

  Guidelines for Getting & Giving Feedback DOWNLOAD FOR FREE Updated February 2012, Guidelines for Getting & Giving Feedback offers information on The Big C – Criticism. This ebook includes 10 Guidelines for Giving Feedback, 10 Guidelines for Getting Feedback, and 10 Tips for Moderating Critique Groups. Sample Writers’ Group Agreement and Writer’s Critique forms are also included.   The Hero Short Story Purchase for 99 CENTS on Amazon Kindle In the heat of the Vietnam War, two American soldiers, morally polar opposites, find themselves … Read entire article »

Filed under: FREEBIES & PURCHASE, Critiques and Feedback, Featured