Training for the Writer’s Olympics
I’m a big believer in setting goals and then giving it all you’ve got. I enjoyed the movie “Rocky” because, although he didn’t win in the first movie, he went the distance. He didn’t go down without a fight. 
Writing, for me, is the same way. I don’t have Mickey the trainer to teach me everything I need to know to become a bestselling author. All I can do is write, revise, and try to make the book the best I’m capable of writing. 
Sometimes you hit a roadblock. Rejection letters come and there isn’t any information about why the work wasn’t good enough. You beat your head against the wall because you know there’s some mistake you’re making…but what? Critique partners may not see it either.
So, yesterday I offered myself up on the sacrificial altar of criticism. I sent in the first page of my book to Miss Snark, an anonymous literary agent based in NY. She warned me before she posted the critique that she was “very very very hard” on me. Like Rocky, I can take a punch in the gut. 
Only, that’s not what she gave me. She zeroed in on a problem I have that I wasn’t aware of. Like a razor, she cut through the prose and basically said–”You’re overwriting. Stop trying too hard. Ask yourself–do I really need this phrase?” In order to make it in the publishing world, my book needs to be sharp with well-chosen phrases.
I’m thankful to her because that’s just what I needed to hear. In the midst of revisions, I can now look at what I’m doing and say–”Yes, that phrase has to be there” or “No, it doesn’t.”
Hey, if a little bit of public humiliation will set me one step closer to my goal, bring it on! 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 7:55 am | Viewed 3149 times
Mary Says:
Over writing is easy to fix. Good luck.
Peggy Says:
You brave soul! I chickened out!
kacey Says:
good for you for doing that. And honest critism is good. And if she pointed out something about your writing that you hadn’t seen for yourself, so much the better.
Gina Black Says:
Good for you for doing that Michelle. I loved your page and thing her suggestions will make it better.
Gina Black Says:
Okay. If I had had my tea that would have said “think.” :::sigh::: :coffee2:
Caro Says:
Good for you, Michelle. I offered up 300 words as well because I figured it wouldn’t hurt. I’m going to be doing some agent submittals soon and I figured this was a way to get a focused critique from one, which is more than what I’d likely get from a submission. (I’m still in the queue and I figure it’ll be a few days before I see mine.)
Rene Says:
Cool Michelle! I love Miss Snark. I let her take on my query letter when she was doing the crap-o-meter for those. I think she makes some very helpful suggestions. So glad she helped you.
Melissa McClone Says:
Yay Michelle for sending it in. I actually read those yesterday. I think I know which one was yours! Hope her suggestions help! She offered some good feedback on all those critiques. Really made me think about my own writing!
Michelle Says:
I was glad I did. I would rather know these kinds of things now before I submit. I can fix anything if I know what’s broken.
Leslie Says:
Who is Ms. Snark? Never heard of her. Maybe that’s something I should look into. Good luck on the overwriting…I’m guessing that’s part of my problem too!
Tori Says:
I sent in something, too. Still waiting for mine to show up. NERVOUSLY waiting. :crazyjumping:
Sharon Says:
WTG Michelle, you’re got cahonies!
Melissa Marsh Says:
WTG, Michelle! That took a lot of guts. But I’m so glad she zeroed in on something you knew wasn’t working.
Gina Says:
I heard she was accepting submisssions, but I didn’t even think about trying. Good for you on taking the chance and getting some good criticism out of it in the process!
Danica Says:
I guess right that it was yours! I was reading it and thought, hey that sounds familiar! Is that the same one you did in Reno?
Michelle Says:
Danica–yep, that’s the one. I wondered if I’d get the same reaction, and since I did (overwriting)–now I’m convinced I have something to work on. I’m all for good feedback!
Amy K. Says:
Good for you! On both submitting to her and also for seeing the value of her words. Criticism is so hard to take but it’s the way to get better. (If it’s justified.)
Jaq Says:
Good for you, Michelle!
I missed Mrs. Snark’s latest invite to submit, but went through all her replies yesterday. The funny thing is, of all feedback, her reply to you is the one that stuck; and later that evening I made good use of that advise on a section of my current wip.
I still kept enough ‘flavor’ in the revising, but the end result was a stronger peice of work, because I made every word count.
Janet Gurtler Says:
Just because I dig that!!
How do you find Miss Snark.
Can you show me a link??
Thanks!!
Janet G
Michelle Says:
Janet G–Here’s a link to her blog:
http://www.misssnark.blogspot.com