Praise is like refined sugar . . .
I’m in the process of the second last revision of my manuscript. I say second last because I’ve given it to two very trustworthy friends on another side of the world. Whilst they read and report I could of course, rest and re-gird my loins.
But I decided instead to revise it myself .
I printed it off and have been reading with a red pen, both aloud and silently and to my amazement, the most elementary issues are being flagged. My computer is missing the occasional spelling error. I am having to correct U.S English and replace it with Queen’s English. There are punctuation issues as well. And I have spotted a continuity issue which hadn’t been followed through on a previous draft. So this week, I shall edit and smooth out and then, when the comments return from O/S, I shall consider them in the light of what I want to achieve.
I’m extremely lucky as those two friends are eminently qualified to comment. One is an artist bookmaker and formerly employed in the theatre arts and the other is also an artist bookmaker, but also an ex-editor. Both are in tune with the written word, are voracious readers and most importantly are scrupulously honest in their critiques.
One said recently: ‘Praise is refined sugar, criticism is dark green leafy vegetables.’ And I was touched that whilst both wish to support the future of this latest novel, neither will favour it on the grounds of the friendship. That’s the most important thing for me.
The refined sugar friend went on to say: ‘I’m ashamed of myself sometimes that I have such a sweet tooth.’ But then we all crave praise like we crave (well, I do) chocolate. How pointless it is though, to have a false sense of the quality of a piece. Writers are up against it everywhere . . . the Global Financial Crisis, the amount of wannabe’s in competition with them, editorial subjectivity, and so on. So unless one can present the most original story in a perfect form, that will entertain a decent swag of the marketplace, one is just going to remain a wannabe.
So I’m expecting honest critique from the U.S. A. I don’t expect any lilies to be gilded and I’ll look forward to absorbing the comment and using it as a springboard. Once it’s all done, and I know I’ve given it my absolute best shot, I’ll consign the ms back to London.
And whilst it then remains a waiting game until the consultancy decides yes or no, there really is no rest for a writer. Onwards and upwards, and back into the WIP. Isn’t that right?
Not only quoted, but given a chance to read the next book of my favorite author AND given a picture of a lilac-point Siamese kitten. My life is full.
I wondered if I should have asked to quote you first, but then I thought . . . what the hell!
I love what your friend has said- it’s so true, we all crave sugar from time to time but in the long run, I think the green vegetables are the healthier choice! 🙂
You’re very lucky to have such friends, revision is a long, difficult process and it’s good to have people who can help and support you through it…
I am lucky, Lua. But this is the first time I have ever done such a thing. In the past, I have used my daughter who can be REALLY objective and also a manuscript assessment agency. I still use the agency . . . to me it’s vital.
That is such an excellent quote – your friend is clearly very wise. And lucky you to have such a great pair of friends editing you!
I know what you mean about the importance of having friends who can also be honest readers – they are worth more than their weight in gold. When I receive criticism from my honest-editing-friend, I don’t tend to think of it as a bad thing (at least partially because the friend in question knows how to put criticism well!), rather I try to think of it as the highest praise: she can see so much potential in the story that she is willing to put her own time and effort into helping it achieving that potential. I just hope that the critiques I give her help her as much.
Hi Clare,
I’m nervous about their responses which are due on Friday. And I agree so much that the highest praise of all is the effort they put in on my behalf.
But then they’ve always been like this, right from the release of my first novel. They are a two man marketing force with emphasis on the force . . . to be reckoned with.
Well, good luck 🙂