I've been stabbed in the hubris!
Ok, maybe it's not that bad, but it does smart a bit. I just read at the critique group for the first time and I've got to say, it was hard. I already knew most of the things they mentioned: Don't use an -ly words just choose better verbs, stay away from 'was', create more tension, and get to the main action quickly (yeah, I know I just used an -ly word- $@#$ ).
Before I began reading, I thought I'd receive at least a few more 'I liked xxx part' or the humor kept me reading. Of course, I hated the whole thing myself by the end. Nervousness made my voice pitchy, I fumbled words and ruined the tone/pace by speeding through it. I stopped reading before the timer to save us all from the agony.
Whew. It's done though. It'll never be my first public reading again. I'm a bit daunted, but ready to work on making my story something people would want to keep listening to or reading.
Now the hard part...more writing!
~Cinnamon
Wow I'm impressed! Congrats on your first public speaking and sharing session! How bold of you *walks away jealous* I am in awe of you!
ReplyDeleteMy first critique was online and it was AWFUL! I hated myself and the piece I'd written after three people had butchered it to pieces, I originally hated them as well, but after three days (a period of time to relax and the advice my crit partners gave me) I realized I'd done the right thing, they helped me, gave me the advice I needed and now I have thicker skin!