Monday, February 13, 2012

Kindness Works

Lately, I've been feeling like my writing is lackluster. That feeling started when I was editing one of my works with an editor that made me feel like I will never be a good author. That feeling has been haunting me for a while now.

This weekend, I got my first round of edits from Evernight Publisher's editor for my short story "Be My First" (part of the Virgins Behaving Badly Anthology). The comments made me feel like not only is my story good, but that I have a future in publishing. This editor chased all my doubts away with just a few comments.

Funny how a few words can make all the difference.

Have you ever have anyone put you down or lift you up?

11 comments:

  1. Oh yes. Most definitely! I love constructive criticism, but sometimes the way it's done can tear you down again.

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    1. So true, Talli. Some people push constructive criticism until it's downright abusive.

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  2. My very first editor gave me that high. I didn't even open the email right away when I saw it--thinking it was another rejection. Instead it was a love letter on how much she loved my work. I couldn't sign on the dotted line fast enough. :)

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    1. Aww, that's sweet, Maria. My first editor made me feel good about my work too. My second made me hate my writing, and the third made me love it again.

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  3. I've been blessed enough to only encounter people who have built me up, including a very patient editor who critiqued my work for me. You rock for keeping with it despite that mean editor - many people would have given up. That shows how strong you are, how much you want it -- and look at what you were rewarded with! Kind words that you can believe!!! You DO have a future. I don't want you to ever stop writing. :-)

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    1. Thanks, Jennie. You're very lucky to only have people who built you up. However, if you ever do find someone who tears you down instead, please ignore that person. The nay-sayers just aren't worth it.

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  4. Writing is in your heart. I can tell immediately when I arrive here. No, never give up. It's your dream. :)

    I believe if you haven't got something nice to say, don't say anything. Oh, besides construtive critism within the writing circle. :)

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    1. Hi Suzanne. No, I'm never giving up. There are too many stories in my head, begging to be written. I'll go insane if I give up writing.

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  5. I can promise you, Angelina, that you have a future in writing. Your work is compelling and I hate to admit it (because it ruins my evil reputation), but when I read "Intimate Healing" I cried. It really tugged at my heart strings.

    PS - NEVER work with that naysayer again if you can help it.

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    1. Aww, you just made my day DF. My goal with that book was to pull at peoples heartstrings and make them cry. (am I evil or what?)

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  6. Oy. I can relate. We have our good days and our bad days. But I truly believe that all writers doubt their writing at some point or another. If we were all perfect, where would be the challenge to continue?

    P.S. On a personal note, thank you for your kind comments on my blog the last few weeks. I really appreciate them.

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