Comments on: Manuscript-Under-The-Mattress Syndrome

By: June

June — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:13:41 +0000

I was in the lucky position to be able to ask a professor of mine to read something I wrote (short novella), and he had a lot to say about inconsistencies and where the story was going–how I should change the POV–lots of things a writer can overlook w/out even realizing. And he was positive, so the criticism was HELPFUL. It didn’t hurt my feelings, or crush me – but it really made me feel good about where the story was going, even while I knew it still needed a lot of work. Haven’t published it yet, but its on the way. Its different if you have people you know looking at it, like friends and/or family. They’re going to be naturally biased, so unless you have friends who aren’t afraid to give it to you straight, I don’t think showing it to friends is the best way to get “help.” If you have writer friends though, it might be different. Plus, you can swap work and help each other out.

By: Meryl K. WcNa

Meryl K. WcNa — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:57:29 +0000

Absolutely, Jamie! Talking is key. I love talking to my husband. We talk about all topics, not just about the kids and our schedule. It seems we both have a working brain

By: Jamie Grove

Jamie Grove — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:37:47 +0000

@Meryl As my wife is a regular reader of this site, I am contractually obligated to note that she is always right in all things.

As an aside, I was at the cafe yesterday and listening to some young folks talking about the keys to a successful marriage. When asked my opinion I said, marry someone you can talk to. There is (or should be) more talking in a marriage than anything else.

By: Meryl K. WcNa

Meryl K. WcNa — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:29:58 +0000

lol!!! Happy anniversary, Jamie. Here’s to many more years of letting the wife know she’s always right.

Oh, I forgot! WcNa also includes Korean. So I married into the Irish, Welsh, Korean family. That gene pool produces brunettes — not red or black hair.

Meryl K. WcNa’s last blog post..Telling the Hard Truths of the Writing Life

By: Jamie Grove

Jamie Grove — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:29:07 +0000

@Meryl You’re right, with manuscript under the mattress syndrome I’m really talking about book-length works. Short stories may certainly feather a fair number of nests, but personally I see them as the run up to the big show. I have less attachment to them and freely share.

Of course, now that you mention it, I am working on a long history of Welsh-Irish experience in America. The current working title is WcNá go Brách!

P.S. Happy Anniversary! My wife and I celebrated ours on Sunday!

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:27:56 +0000

@Meryl, I laughed so hard when I read your last comment I am no longer tired. Happy belated Anniversary by the way!

Karen Swim’s last blog post..What Song Are You?

By: Meryl K. Evans

Meryl K. Evans — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:54:08 +0000

Oh, phooey! That’s what I get for typing on a laptop in bed … a new last name. WcNa? Is that part Irish and part Welsh? Or maybe it’s a Freudian slip. I never proclaimed to love my husband’s last name (long story). Oh, I love my dear husband… we just celebrated our 19th last week.

By: Meryl K. WcNA

Meryl K. WcNA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:51:14 +0000

I love for people to read my work and provide feedback. But I feel like that’s taking advantage of people. It’s different if you run something by a friend as opposed to fellow writers. We’re always writing something — multiple articles daily. Jamie is probably talking about that one special project or one that rarely comes along, then it’s more doable to ask for help. I’d do it.

Meryl K. WcNA’s last blog post..Telling the Hard Truths of the Writing Life

By: Jamie Grove

Jamie Grove — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:49:46 +0000

@Karen There are great people on Elance. Like this person, for example!

@Edward That brings up a good point. I wonder how much I should expect to spend for someone to edit my book. I’m not talking about proofing but consulting on the structure. This seems like it would take more than your average ipod.

By: Edward Atkinson

Edward Atkinson — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:02:36 +0000

@ Jamie: If you were giving away free iPods or the like, I'm sure you'd get some editors! Edward Atkinson's last blog post..Taking Over the World: Is it for You?