It's Not Personal, It's Constructive

I love criticism.

Mmmhmm. I do.

I really do, promise.

Why are you looking at me that way?

Okay, so I don't really love it.  In fact, I hate it. I hate it a lot. But I have to pretend to like it because it's important.  And it's useful. And it helps me to be a better writer.

I rarely share what I write with people I don't know and trust.  It scares the Dickens out of me. But this week, I participated in the amazing WriteOnCon conference, and I could not pass up the opportunity to have my work critiqued.

I posted my query letter (I was too chicken to post anything else) and waited.  And waited. And waited.  And I got a glimpse of what it must be like to wait for agents to respond.  I checked my email every five minutes. I drank some water.  Checked again.

Finally, three lovely individuals critiqued my query and very politely told me that it wasn't perfect.

WHAT?! I've spent hours on that thing! What do you mean it's not perfect?

Confession time: I threw a mental conniption fit worthy of an American Idol reject. Prideful Brain shouted, "But my friends all tell me it's good!" while Sensitive Brain cried, "Waaaah! I'm the worst writer in the world!! I'll never write again! I give up!"

And then the quiet little voice of Rational Brain got tired of being ignored and yelled, "HEY! Would you two please shut up and listen to me for a second?!"

Rational Brain rarely makes a big deal out of anything (I mean, come on, let's be practical...), so Prideful Brain and Sensitive Brain were quite shocked. They looked over at Rational Brain, who stood there with arms crossed, her foot tapping with annoyance.

"Look," she said. "You two are taking this way too seriously, and you need to grow up."

Prideful Brain took offense to that. "Hey!"

"Chill out," said Rational Brain. "These people are only trying to help you."

"They said I'm terrible," Sensitive Brain sniffed. "They said they hated it."

"Where?" said Rational Brain.  "Show me."

Sensitive Brain looked at the comments made by the Three Critiquers for a long time before giving a sad little shrug.

"See?" said Rational Brain. "They didn't say that you're terrible, and they didn't say that they hated it. They gave you some suggestions for things you can fix to make it better.  What did you expect? You wanted people to tell you how to make it better, didn't you?"

Prideful Brain shook her head. "I wanted them to tell me it was perfect and that I needed to send them my full RIGHT NOW and that they'd make sure the editors agreed to a $1,000,000 advance and--"

"Okay," Rational Brain said.  "Let's be realistic here.  If these people are telling you things need to be fixed, do you really think your future readers aren't going to say the same thing? And aren't you glad you're getting feedback that helps you address your query's issues before an agent sees it? Maybe if you'd actually listen to these people, your future agent will say it's perfect and they want your full. I mean, it's not probable, but it's more likely if you take the time to get some feedback and work things out."

Prideful Brain scuffed her shoe against the dirt. "I guess so."

"See? That's better. Constructive criticism is good for you.  Now, go take your vitamins."

Prideful Brain grinned.  "Fat chance!" she said, then skipped off to eat ice cream before dinner*.

The End. 

*True fact

Fame! I'm gonna live forever!

While we're on the fridge show-off kick, I'd like to add one of my own. Here is an article that came out this week in a community section of a local paper (the same day I was in a completely different paper for a completely different reason, that not only included a picture, but was on THE front page!):

[LDSJaneite], children’s librarian...is a bit of a sleuth. She’s been searching for a special program to attract young teens to the library. Thanks to her creativity and resourcefulness, she has a winner, probably in need of a quick copyright. The “Clue Did It?” library mystery program...was an original combination of “Clue” and “How to Host a Murder Mystery Party.” The victim is a Dead Book, and there are six likely suspects, including I. Ken Reed, Bess Sellers and Medda Fore, with prior offenses such as eating and running in the library, losing books or turning in books late. Among the six likely weapons are chewing gum, greasy fingers and the cruel and unusual scissors. After a 10-minute, very animated power-point orientation with [LDSJaneite] embellishing each character and weapon, the dozen participants formed four teams and were off with the riddled clues to solve the crime. Their casebooks and clues led them to the stacks, reference desk, the children’s room, periodicals, membership and circulation. Initially, the crime-solvers were a bit baffled, since they didn’t know what they were actually looking for; but once the first clue was discovered, the game was afoot! BoJangles and Subway coupons were the reward for using detective and deductive processes in this unlikely but likeable library crime. This would make a great educational birthday party event.

Now, I know it was not a Thursday that the original event took place.

And I know it was not a Thursday that the article came out.

But it was a Thursday--namely today--that a librarian from Nova Scotia contacted me, asking me for more details about my mystery program. Talk about unexpected fame and honor!!! I'm completely aghast! I don't know what to do with myself except eat brown rice with broccoli and fresh basil and then look for something in the not-too-sweet sweet side--for they can be rewards as well as stress-easers!

Fridge

I'm starting to feel like Thursday Chronicles is my virtual fridge.  I feel like a kid who comes home from school to show you what I made.  The fridge is getting a bit cluttered by now, but apparently Thursdays are my most creative day because I have another thing to show off.  Let's find another magnet to hold the ad I designed for the Kwahadi Dancer's brochure:

I'm just a wee bit proud of this one.

Thanksgiving

I know it's a little early to be busting out (the very, very few) Thanksgiving songs, but I've been craving turkey, cranberries, and family. I love Thanksgiving.

But more importantly, one line from one of my favorite songs has been running through my mind over and over this past week:

"Even though we could all do more, there's so much to be thankful for."

Amen, Josh.

PS Thanksgiving is on a Thursday! I can't wait!

I've Missed You

I've had to take a break from writing/revising lately, due to a few other projects I had on my plate. But as of today, all side projects are FINISHED, and I have returned to dote on my first love for the rest of forever.

Things have changed while I have been away. The name of MC for example--and just about everyone else in the book for that matter. The 2 first chapters are OUT, and I have to figure out a way to include all that information elsewhere. This is going to be a lot of work, but it's totally worth it.

And don't tell my book, but I think this time apart has been good for our relationship.

Oh hi, Book #2. How are you doing? *cough*

Oh man. That's not awkward at all...

P.S. I'm going to make some changes to the look of the blog. I never intended to leave it looking like this, but you know how life goes. Be excited! Be very excited! And to my lovely co-bloggers: if you have any ideas/suggestions, please send them my way. :)

Also, there is is currently a cat caterwauling outside my tent. I love Philmont.

It's All Fun and Games

I love my degree, and I love that I get to use it every day with my current job.

I am currently planning the 2010 PTC Philfiesta, and it is going to be an epic (if I do say so myself) Choose-Your-Own Adventure Capture The Fort at the Stockade.

It's okay to be jealous.  I would be if I were you. ;)

I got to make some fun posters for the event, too:

*Sigh* I love my job.

a little breather

For a week full of mental horrendousness, I'm glad that today was just a bit less on that than the other days. Thank you, Thursday.