Ink Deep Blog: Realistic expectations about your first novel

[Erica]

We all realize that it takes time and lots of practice to get good at a skill such as playing the guitar. Yet many writers have unrealistically high expectations of themselves when they write their first novel. This week's Ink Deep blog post addresses why the saying "practice makes perfect" applies to writing and how you can improve your writing skills.

http://www.inkdeepediting.com/#!Pract...

[Vikki]

great article!

[Ruth]

Erica,

I wanted to comment on your blog about your post about being "under your pen," but the only options for posting seemed to be through Facebook or Yahoo. So I'm putting it here instead:

Erica,

I applaud your approach. A while back I remember reading a discussion thread in which several editors said that they felt commenting on the strengths of a work was something that they didn't think they should do, that their clients weren't paying for compliments but for corrections. And I imagine that there are authors who want to know nothing more than what needs to be fixed.

But like you, I have found that telling an author what works for me and why enhances the relationship. It is another part of the enlightenment you discuss above, and we all benefit from knowing that our carefully crafted nuances were noted and appreciated, that the humour we added brought a smile or a laugh, that the allusion on page thirty-five was not too esoteric for the intended audience.

Another great post — thank you!

Ruth

[Erica]

Thanks, Ruth! I think it is very important to tell an author what they are doing right! Improving your work has as much to do with building on your strengths as it does correcting your mistakes. And sometimes one of the best ways to help someone fix something that isn't working is to show them where they did a better job. This not only gives them an idea of how to change something, but gives them the confidence to do it, because you're showing them they already know how.

Thanks for the comments, Ruth!