New Schedule, light blogging this week

3/8/2011

Sorry about yesterday...and today...and frankly this week in general. I just started my new job at Amazon testing the Kindle application. It is all kinds of awesome but it means a new work schedule and a different rhythm to my writing.
This week I'm going to focus on reading some books on writing. I should have some thoughts and comments on them as time allows. Next week I should be back at it, writing after work. I may even try to do some writing on the bus, if that is possible.
So, bear with me and I'll keep you informed.
Oh, one tidbit of news: I have my appointment scheduled for a panel critique of my first chapter of Angel Odyssey. At Norwescon, there is a writer's workshop. This year I submitted something for critique.
There are four people giving me feedback, not all are professional writers but most are. This is my chance to hear what people who've done this for a living (mostly) think about my first 20 or so pages.
So I have that to look forward to next month.
I do plan on listening to them but at the same time, I kind of want to send my work out before I hear what they have to say. Might be foolish, who knows, but I have to trust my own writing instincts first and foremost. That said, I'll be interested to hear if they have any suggestions for improvement.

5 Comments

Tiyana link

3/8/2011 01:44:50 pm

Hey, Mark. Congratulations with the new job! I know it takes a little time to settle into a change like that, so by all means...take your time!

Sounds scary, submitting your work to professionals (eek!), but hopefully you get some good (useful) remarks back. You sure don't wanna hear what they've gotta say before sending it out? :D (I mean there's no rush, right? And since you had the guts to submit it to them in the first place...)

J. Noel link

3/9/2011 07:12:05 pm

Wow! Sounds like a great job. So...do you know how to prepare a Word.doc for upload onto the Kindle publishing platform? I hear that's a skill highly sought after.

I just stuck a portion of my prologue, and I underestimated how scary it is to put a WIP out there like that. Feel naked. But I did that so I could overcome my newbie fear.

I've thought about joining other writer's workshops and critique groups, but they just seem to be full of zealots out to validate their own work by making you feel inferior. For once, I'd like to be surrounded by writers that really care.

Mark Andrew Edwards link

3/10/2011 08:48:53 am

Hey Tiyana, thank you. It is a bit scary but the worst they can say is 'no'. I suppose I've gotten to the point where I 'no' doesn't bother me. And if I don't try, I'll never hear that 'yes'.

Jay, good to see you, too. I'm going to be learning that soon. I figure that's a skill I can use no matter what. Where did you submit your prologue to? Don't be afraid of criticism. Consider the source for any feedback you get. Yes, some writer's groups are full of petty people, or worse, people who can't teach you anything. It may take a few tries to find a group that fits. But they're also the best way to find your trusted readers. Keep trying, writers who care are out there.

J. Noel link

3/10/2011 09:43:36 pm

Oops...I meant to say that I just posted a little excerpt of my prologue on my own website. I feel accountability is important for me, and forcing myself to feel vulnerable is a good thing. It's not like me to put a rough draft out there, as I'm a perfectionist.

I'm having a tough time finding trustworthy writers out there, but I hope to collaborate with even just a few in the near future.

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New Schedule, light blogging this week

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