I often say – “I learn something every day.”
In fact if I don’t learn something new, I sometimes get disappointed. There is a wonderful world out there – so much knowledge, so many talents and skills that are to be found in our Earth’s inhabitants. If I can but glean just a miniscule amount from any of them, then I am happy.
Though our writing group only officially meets once a month, it is one place where I always learn something (and not always about writing). Last month, I had very useful constructive feedback on Chapter 3 – of The Department of Curiosities.
- on dialogue, setting out dialogue and associated action
- building tension, plot and storyline – specifically within a chapter.
- culling, minimising or spreading around ‘information/background dump’
I finished the rewrite to both chapter 2 and 3, spreading out background where it was more appropriate – and to reduce boredom.
This month, I proffered the first part of chapter 4 – Of Diaries, Ghostmen and Despicable Acts. I steeled myself for another long list of rewrites. In the end I had less than 1/4 of the rewrites as last month. I was complimented on the improvement in dialogue and pace of the story. I came home and finished the rewrites on the same afternoon.
It is extremely gratifying when I get constructive feedback. Without it I could not learn more of the craft of writing. Without it I could not gain the confidence to try new things. There is a comforting sense of satisfaction when I realise that I have actually learnt something – and even more when I have put it into practice.
Tomorrow I look forward to writing more – and learning more. I love this writing gig!
Manuscript Word Progress:
Total Words:
Revised Words:
At 1st draft only: