One thing is certain: You can have no ego. It needs to be left out of writing, out of drafting, out of feedback. When an agent/publisher is commenting on your work, when you open yourself up to a creative writing course/group, ego is the worst quality to bring into it.
I had a conversation with another writer about this yesterday. I can proudly state that I have no ego when it comes to my writing. Change the title, change the character’s name, change the ending, change the motivations. But how many requested changes is deemed normal before you start to question the subjectivity of someone reading your work? How many times do we change structure, voice, motivation, sub plots, character traits, pacing, all for a potential agent before you hang up your hat, shrug and think, I’ve done it all and I’m done now? Does this mean ego has stomped its foot down?
My friend told me they’d never change their work. Not for anyone. The effort they put into every line is purposeful, relevant and polished. No one will change their work. They’ll just wait for the right agent/publisher to love it as it stands.
Me, I’m the opposite. If an agent suggests changes, I set straight to work in changing them. I alter plots, structure, settings, thoughts, dialogue, all to please a potential agent. I do it again, and again, and again. And I’ll continue doing it until I meet their requirements. But what if then, it’s still not good enough?
We read, shaped by our own contexts, using our past experiences, our current situations to comprehend, like, dislike, relate, repel away from whatever text we’re reading. At what point do you consider that maybe, we all have own opinions, and what might work for one agent, may not for another?
Currently, my manuscript, The Hidden, is being critiqued by fifteen really awesome writers in my Curtis Brown Course. All have differing opinions, ideas, likes, tastes, suggestions and overall feedback. Thankfully it’s all been extremely super, super positive and encouraging. The general consensus is they’re so completely intrigued by my story, have many questions and love the writing that motivates them to read on. That’s the aim, so I’m feeling good!
But during this feedback, I’m noting how one person’s ideas are completely opposite to my other fellow members. And hence, agents/publishers are the same.
Therefore, you listen to their valid feedback, consider it, take it on board (depending on the general consensus) and set about changing/altering/rewriting all over again.
I know one consistent rule: writing a novel is all about re-writing, building the characters and their motivations, sharpening the plot. Therefore, there can be no ego. There can only be determination. To get it right. To find that one. Just one. Who’ll devour it in one sitting and love what you’re trying to achieve with it.
My next author interview is with Louise Allan who has been my biggest support with getting this manuscript completed, polished and out there. Through her, I learnt so much. She’ll talk through her journey to scoring an agent, and how determination and loss of ego spurred her on.
So until then,
Thanks for stopping by.
Holly
0 Comments