I have been reaching out so much to my writing peers lately. Needing their opinions, their wisdom, and, because no one is immune from insecurity, their approval.
I love this essay. I have my writing group today--a group that's been going now for more than a year, and is comprised of people who mostly hate writing groups. This one works -- different writers at different points in our careers but all very good & careful readers who offer deeply useful types of feedback. But reading this piece also helps me to think about a statement I have to write about myself as a writer, for a residency--something I've never applied for, ever--and so the questions here at the end: who are my characters, why these people and these stories . . . those are the questions that will move me forward. So that's marvelous.
Fascinating. I had never thought to ask myself "who I like to write about", only 'what' I like to write about. For me characters are challenging, as is dialogue. I like to write about physicality, detail, events, but people are difficult in all their softness. This post will definitely challenge my writing moving forward.
Thank you for sharing Kristin’s story of love and commitment. I loved our visit to old St Pete in December and the 4th street shrimp shack that has endured hurricanes and will surely endure that man. Our governor Jared Polis said if the Nuggets win the series we get Disney!!
Your comments about proportion about characters is just the thing I needed to hear to revise that chapter. Henry’s got something else to say so give him a soapbox!
Jami, it is most encouraging to know you suffer from writer-insecurity. It’s not just me! Thank you for showing us your vulnerability. As I get ready to leave for a novel retreat with thirty other writers, I will face my insecurities full on.
Also you hit the nail on the head with your advice about going deeper into secondary characters. I have spent the last two weeks researching a character who showed me he is more complex. I will rewrite and entire section of my novel to expand his character. I can’t wait!
I love this essay. I have my writing group today--a group that's been going now for more than a year, and is comprised of people who mostly hate writing groups. This one works -- different writers at different points in our careers but all very good & careful readers who offer deeply useful types of feedback. But reading this piece also helps me to think about a statement I have to write about myself as a writer, for a residency--something I've never applied for, ever--and so the questions here at the end: who are my characters, why these people and these stories . . . those are the questions that will move me forward. So that's marvelous.
Fascinating. I had never thought to ask myself "who I like to write about", only 'what' I like to write about. For me characters are challenging, as is dialogue. I like to write about physicality, detail, events, but people are difficult in all their softness. This post will definitely challenge my writing moving forward.
Thank you, Jami, lovely exploration of feedback's many uses.
Thank you for sharing Kristin’s story of love and commitment. I loved our visit to old St Pete in December and the 4th street shrimp shack that has endured hurricanes and will surely endure that man. Our governor Jared Polis said if the Nuggets win the series we get Disney!!
Your comments about proportion about characters is just the thing I needed to hear to revise that chapter. Henry’s got something else to say so give him a soapbox!
Jami, it is most encouraging to know you suffer from writer-insecurity. It’s not just me! Thank you for showing us your vulnerability. As I get ready to leave for a novel retreat with thirty other writers, I will face my insecurities full on.
Also you hit the nail on the head with your advice about going deeper into secondary characters. I have spent the last two weeks researching a character who showed me he is more complex. I will rewrite and entire section of my novel to expand his character. I can’t wait!