Incidentally
(And I'm not entirely sure I should be putting this up here, but I will anyway)...Chapter One of one of my books is up at the Crapometer. (crapomenter.blogspot.com) It's today's entry, the historical romance.
It's got two comments so far, which is encouraging, and if any of my buds who read here want to stop over there and check it out I'd be grateful for any comments.
Is it wierd that I feel like a grown-up when I accept criticism like a man (OK, WOman? :-)) I can't take it in my personal life at all. I'm one of those people who feels hurt and lonely all day if one of my friends says something remotely criticl to me (well, maybe not that bad. But I'm not good with criticism.) But comments about my work are totally different. In fact, if you read back into the C-O-M's archives, there's one or two people who were very hurt by harsh critiques. Not me. If what I wrote is crap, I'd rather somebody say so. "Gee, December, I didn't realize you were so untalented," or "Are you kidding me? Cuz this stinks," even.
No, deep down I would be surprised to get such comments, because I do have some confidence. But I do hope it's a good sign for me that I'm managing to separate my personal feelings from my professional ones-i.e. recognizing that my book is not my self; criticism of my words is not criticism of me. Which should bode well when the inevitable rejections come (I'm hoping there won't be too many of them, but I'm also no longer naive enough to think the first person who sees it is going to snap it right up. Hope, sure, but don't expect.)
Goodness, I am rambling, aren't I? I think I'm overtired.
And for some reason, in the last three days, my chin has broken out. WTF? I'm THIRTY-TWO YEARS OLD. And I look like The Walking Blemish. It's especially nice because I'm so pale.
6 comments:
Oops! Doc, I was the medieval, not the bug thing. I hope you posted these comments on the COM, as they're very detailed and I'm sure would be a big help to the writer!
It's a very good sign, and thanks. I admit I was a little hurt and upset by the comments about my research (especially when there were a few who didn't seem to know anything about the period at all telling me I had things wrong), because I've studied the medieval period in general and this period in particular for so long.
But it was nice to have my suspicions about that first chapter confirmed-it's not really ready yet. As I said in the comments, I've extensively edited the rest of the book, but nt that chapter because I just wasn't sure what to do with it.
Of course, my biggest problem is the way they meet is totally in character for both of them...coming up with something else, that will have the same ramifications for the rest of the story (with regards to their personal relationships) will be really hard.
But I did write it a few years ago. So it's good to know that my work has improved, and good to know the basic story is still one people want to read. So thanks. Much appreciated!
December, it IS a good story. I like the way they meet. I specifically like the sword at jerk's throat.I like your hero.I like his dialogue.
Yes, the dumb comments irritated me too. I've done research for the 12th century.
Wastelands? They never heard of scorched earth, fire and sword, rebellions and retribution?
A few more specific details, here and there, a few cliches avoided.
There's damn-all wrong with it.
Well, I liked the chapter and would read more. I was off on the cloth. Bad me. And I should have known too.
We should be a bit more forgiving of our Crapometer host though. She's very young, isn't she?
The criticisms that bothered me most were the comments on the role of Women in the period. Those making them never read of Rosemond Clifford? Eleanor of Aquitaine? They were tough and beautiful and smart women, though very different personalities. They had smart daddies too. William of Aquitaine raised a very independent and intelligent young woman, but I have a soft spot in my heart from Isabella of Angouleme, and I think she is underrated by most historians. She was as much a moderating force on King John as Philipa was on Edward, and she had a harder job. Edward was smart. John, well, he wasn't stupid, but he wasn't Edward either.
Ok, I'm rambling. I liked your chapter. Post more. Ignore the silly comments. I always take the silly as intended. Usually they’re trying to be helpful, and just don’t get it.
Oh, no, I wasn't referring to anyone in particular-just my general surprise that my research was such a big deal. Truly, I think what upset me was why people thought it was wrong, because I inferred from it that if my writing hadn't been amatuerish they wouldn't have been focusing on my accuracy. Make sense?
I was asked if I'd like to put the next chapter up, and I think I will, but with a note explaining the one big historical liberty I do take! I'll head them off at the pass.
Thanks so much, guys.
I'll have to take a look. FB might be doing e-book reviews on a rating scale soon.
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