I am entering new territory. Charting new waters. Breaking new ground (for me, anyway). For the first time ever, I have sent part of a novel for critique.
I am a picture book writer. Or I was. Or actually, I still am AND I’d like to write novels. And by chance,I will be in the States and in Washington, DC on the day of the SCBWI Mid-Atlantic one day conference. And I’ll have the chance to have a manuscript critiqued. I almost played it safe and sent in a picture book that I had confidence in. But what I’m really unsure about, and what I really need help in, is this novel I’m working on (and passionate about, btw.) So, I took a deep breath, eeked out a synopsis and polished the first two chapters.
I am alternately terrified and elated. Mostly, I just wanted to send in a cover sheet that says:
DISCLAIMER: I am a picture book writer who knows nothing about writing novels. PLEASE HELP ME.
But I refrained. I’m trusting the process. I’m trusting that even though I’m not where I want to be right now in knowing how to write a novel, I’m gathering tools along the way. Maybe this critique will give me some of what I need to pull this novel together. For now, though, I’m still catching my breath that I’m letting anyone see it. 🙂
Kristy Dempsey 
Kristy~
I’m in the DC area and will be at the mid-atlantic conference too. Would love to meet.
Sheri
Yay! I’ll definitely see you there.
Yay!!!
I’m so proud of you, Kristy.
Just know you’re not the only one out of your element. I have been in novel-mode since mid-June. It’s been fun and scary and grueling. Sometimes I find myself longing for the chance to get back with cowboys, frogs, chickens, and monsters. 🙂
I’m so glad I’m not alone. Novels are bigger and broader and all that. I can wrap my brain around most of my pbs, but novels get all wily on me and feel hard to contain. But I’m not giving up!
I’m so glad I’m not alone. Novels are bigger and broader and all that. I can wrap my brain around most of my pbs, but novels get all wily on me and feel hard to contain. But I’m not giving up!
Go Kristy! Bold move (and a smart one, too!)
Thanks, Kelly. Boldness breeds growth, right? Don’t we grow when we step out of our comfort zone? Or maybe we just embarass ourselves. Eeek!
I’m reminded of something Kirby Larson said in LA — She gave a quote from Russell Hoban (I think from A Mouse and His Child): “You’ve got to take those daring leaps or you’re nowhere.”
I like that. That’s definitely how I feel about my novel. Right now, I’m nowhere…but I’m leaping!
I like that. That’s definitely how I feel about my novel. Right now, I’m nowhere…but I’m leaping!
Thanks! I’m looking forward to it. I get so few opportunities for conferences and conference critiques. I’m excited!
I know what you mean! It’s hard to be a writer of one language, living in the culture of another. (Even though I can speak and read German, it sure ain’t the same as writing it. SOO impressed by people like Joseph Conrad now!!)
Stock up on books while you’re there!
I think it’s fabulous you are doing this! Wish I lived in that region so I could meet you. 🙂
I wish so, too! I’d love to meet you!
I admire you PB authors. I’ve tried, and the results have been sad and embarrassing. But maybe one day I’ll be as brave as you and send a PB in for a critique.
Have fun at the conference. 🙂
You should! I know sad and embarassing and I’m sure your pbs are NOT!
YAY for you!!! I salute your courage!
Thanks! Courage…or insanity?
What a great opportunity! It takes courage to write (and even more to show others) a novel. It took me forever to even show my work to my family. You’ll enjoy the conference. Critiques are invaluable–you’ll find what you’re doing right as well as things to improve. It is great you love your story. Being passionate about your story is most important.
Have fun.
I’m so glad I get to go to the conference. I get so few opportunities like this. If passion counts for anything, then maybe I’m okay. 🙂
Good luck and enjoy the conference.
Thank you!
Soak it up. The goal of a good critique is to help you make your piece the best that it can be, so you can’t go wrong. Right? In the meantime, congrats on the courage…
Exactly!
Exactly!
Ooooo! Very exciting, Kristy! Have fun with it!
Thanks, Dot. I’ll try!
Yeah you! I’m also treading novel waters –novel in verse that is. And I have to sub my first 30 pages in the next few days. Leaping along with you. Enjoy the conference!
Andria
Good for you!
Re: I’m sure
Yes, but the difference is, YOU are no poser. 🙂 I’m trying hard not to feel like one. And I like your exercise analogy. That’s a good one for me.
thanks for the add, kristy! congrats on your projects. =)
I’m late to your post about this, since I just came over from your friend-added email, but I still wanted to comment and offer my congratulations. I remember taking this leap about four years ago and shaking the whole time my critique person talked. You’ll be so happy you did this, especially because you’re so passionate about your manuscript. Let us know how it goes!