I mentioned a while back that I was seeking CPs, as only two people had read THE ACCIDENTAL WARLOCK and that wasn't enough, especially with all the revisions. But I was hesitating like crazy in finding some more people to read the thing. I'm no stranger to having my stuff critiqued, but it's always been by people I know. The thought of handing the book to someone I didn't know and waiting to see what they thought turned my guts into knots. Yes, I know that in theory a whole bunch of people I don't know will read this someday, but that's a long way off, and that will be different, because it'll be a finished product.
Even though I knew I was being irrational, and even though I knew my fear made no sense, I was still scared. No matter how stupid I knew it was. And I knew there was no way I'd get TAW into publishable shape without getting more feedback from more people.
I found the answer I needed to get past this in the best possible place for such things: 80s movies.
Amazing how relevant that is, eh? I don't know why I remembered that scene last week, but I took it to heart, and headed out to CPseek this weekend. A few days later, I have two new critique partners. Not only am I going to make my book better, I'm helping others to make theirs better. I'm not sure which of those makes me smile more. It's bizarre how easy it was once I just went ahead and did it, and if that's not how to handle just about anything scary, I don't know what is.
Next entry: holy sheet!
Congratulations on taking this step. In my experience, I've seen two different kinds of critique partners: those who recognize your book's full potential and want to help you achieve it, and those who desperately want to prove that they're smarter than you. Beware those of that second category.
ReplyDelete-James.
Thank you. ^_^ I've heard nightmare stories about critique partners as well, and I'm hoping I don't run into anyone who's in it for their own ego trip. But of the three CPs I'm working with, I don't think any of them are like that. So far so good.
DeleteSome CPs work out and some don't. (Testing a new CP *IS* scary.) When you find a good one, hang on to him/her. Glad you got the nerve up to try. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. ^_^ I'm really hoping that I can help my CPs out as well.
DeleteIf you choose wisely, even critique partners you don't know can be so beneficial. You made the leap - awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome to the IWSG.
Yeah, it's just strange to hand the book to people I don't know. But I'll have to get used to it.
DeleteAnd thanks. ^_^ No idea what I'll write for IWSG next month, but I'm sure something will come up between now and then. Eh heh heh.
It's hard to go out there and find Crit partners on the interwebs, but it's the biggest help there is. Seriously, they are like gold. What I find is that they become my friends and that's really awesome too. Good luck and keep trucking.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm hoping for. ^_^ Though my heart still thuds every time I get an e-mail from one of them, I'm so nervous about what they'll say. Carrying on regardless.
DeleteWow, good for you - that IS terrifying! I do mean that, even though I know I sort of fit into this category!! I dunno, somehow I feel like I know you, a little bit :) Don't worry - I will take good care of TAW! I'm seriously enjoying it. I sent you an update - hope you got it!
ReplyDeleteYou weren't really in that category because we'd commented back and forth on our blogs, so I too feel like I know you a little bit. ^_^ It's seeking people out blind that's kind of terrifying. And yes, I got your e-mail this morning, about to reply...
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