Confidence

[Daniel Harper]

Hi,

I am unsure how to approach this subject. So here we go.

I have finished writing my first draft of my novel, no easy feat at that I can tell you! I sat there proud of my achievesments. Every step pf the way I read each new section I had written to members of my family, who were eager to hear the 'next step'. Their over all feedback was very inspiring and they can not wait to hear book two that I have allready started.

A friend of mine who is kindly helping to edit the novel has taught me much about the common mistakes that I was making. The story seems to have gone from strength to strength.

But there is still one major problem!

Me...

Due to a lack of self confidence I am unable to send my novel off or post parts of it on the forums. This is a major problem that I am struggling to overcome.

Can any one offer me some words of advice, on how to escape from this entrapment?

 

[Erin99]

It may not sound like it, but I'm actually really shy out in the "real world". So I understand what you're going through. On this forum, though, you'll find that everyone's friendly, helpful, informative, and ... well, I was going to say "sane", but I'm not too sure how many of us fit that bill...


Anyway, don't be shy; post your excerpts. It's the only way you'll truly see how you're writing is doing. If you're entirely honest with yourself, family are always going to say nice things about your work, aren't they? Yes, you can convince them to be truthful in their opinions, and they may be, but how much do they know about writing and what makes a good author? We here, as aspiring writers, can show you points that the average reader won't think about, points that casual readers will maybe "hmm..." over, but not really know what's wrong with the area. We can highlight your errors, if there are any.

Well, that's just my five pence!

Have confidence, that's the key. We don't bite (much!).

 

[Pyan]

Due to a lack of self confidence I am unable to send my novel off or post parts of it on the forums..

If you posted some of the work in "Critique", you may not like everything posted about it, but if there is a general approval of it, it may give you the confidence you need to approach a wider audience.

What you will get is honest opinion, maybe new ideas, and, if he's around and has time, an excellent punctuation check from Chris.

What you won't get is mockery, scoffing, laughter (unless it's meant to be funny, of course!) and people generally being superior.

Go on - a short extract will do!

 

[The Ace]

Pyan's right, you just have to bite the bullet. I'll look forward to reading it though.

 

[Marky Lazer]

In my world, Writing is all about exposing yourself; if you're not ready for that, chances are that your story isn't ready to be "out there" either.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I don't actually believe that it's beneficial to show first drafts to anyone. So if you don't feel comfortable doing, I say don't.

 

[Laura Stamps]

I agree with Theresa. It isn't fair to you or anyone else to put your first draft out there. Seasoned writers don't do it, so you shouldn't either. Wait until your novel is as polished as it can possibly be after all the edits. Then post some of it on this forum. That way the comments and suggestions you receive will truly be helpful to you.

Look forward to seeing it then!

Magickal blessings,

Laura

 

[mirinda]

I find that it's easiest to not even think about it just do it. You'll probably feel like why oh why did I do that after you do, but you'll have it done. Believe me I use this trick frquently I say things without really over thinking it. And usually I yell at myself for putting my opinion out there. Becasue like you I am shy, and fear reprimand from other people, but I found out no one here will laugh in your face no one is unkind. If you really believe your story is good chances are it probably is. So be confident just go for it! I look forward to reading what you send us.

 

[dustinzgirl]

Sometimes in life, you just gotta suck it up and get it done.

You can do this. Its easy. Just do it!

Best thing that can happen, you get published
Worst thing that can happen, you get a rejection letter.

Either way you win. A rejection letter can drive you to try harder.

 

[Daniel Harper]

Thank you all for your encouraging support!

I will post some extracts of my various stories, novels etc.

Thank you all kindly.

 

[hippokrene]

I don't actually believe that it's beneficial to show first drafts to anyone...

I think this depends on how good (rather, how bad) an author is. I can edit a story for spelling and grammar, but I still need someone else to tell me, "This story is boring, and the characters don't make sense. Why does X happen? Why does Y act like this? Did you notice your heroine's eyes changes color twice?"

 

[Susan Boulton]

I found when I was first trying to write, that placing sections of work up on forums like this, or on critique groups like, Onlinewriting and Critters helped a get deal. After awhile I found myself re-writing my work to suit those that were doing the critiques. The stories were becoming less and less mine, so I stopped putting work up.

With the latest work in progress, I have placed the first chapter, first draft on various critque groups. The reason was I am trying something different, both in style of writing and subject. I wanted to test the water, so to speak. Folks have either loved it, or hated it. I have had some knee smashing critiques and some that have made me blush with the praise, all for the same piece of work.

I have three or four guinea pigs willing to read the whole manuscript for me, to pick it a apart, and I trust them to tell me where they think it stinks and where it is good, but in the end I have to go with what I feel is right for me, and the story.

I think what I am trying to say is that forums and critique groups are good up to a point, then you have to go it alone. The latter is a lot harder to do, in my humble opinion.

 

[scalem X]

I think what I am trying to say is that forums and critique groups are good up to a point, then you have to go it alone. The latter is a lot harder to do, in my humble opinion.

I couldn't agree more. There comes a point were online critiques will cancel each other out. (people saying they liked it and others they disliked it for the same reasons)

I have three or four guinea pigs willing to read the whole manuscript for me, to pick it a apart, and I trust them to tell me where they think it stinks and where it is good, but in the end I have to go with what I feel is right for me, and the story.

It is however possible, or even likely that these guinea pigs are online people who critiqued your stuff in the first place and were the most helpful.

 

[Dragonlady]

If I had never shown my first draft to anyone, it would never have got beyond a first draft. I still struggle with trying to revise it- it seems complete as it is, though i'm sure it must need work as it's barely been read over since I wrote it.

 

[timelord4]

Hello Daniel.

Listen to what Leisha said about your family. They are more sympathetic towards you than anyone and won't give you a proper appraisal. (unless one of them is an editor).

Secondly, listen to what Laura had to say. Join a small critique group and get your work polished. Once you're pretty much happy with that, post it on a critique forum such as the one on this site.

Be ready for the thumps as well as the pats. You'll probably get a bit of both.

Lastly, write what you love, and love what you write. And do heaps of it. When you're not writing you should be reading.

And the confidence thing. Don't worry about it. You'll have enough on your plate to worry about a little thing like confidence. LOL That'll grow beyond the boundaries of this landscape once you're REALLY happy with your achievement!

Oh! And before you submit your MS. MAKE SURE your first 10 pages is going to make them (agent or publisher) eat it, talk it and dream about it for the next 24 hrs. The slusher will probably only read that many pages before it goes heads up or floor down. The best of luck to you Daniel.