9 Comments
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Marsha Diane Arnold's avatar

Boy, did this hit home today. My writer group just gave me a critique and suggested big changes when I only wanted minor ones. But others read the story and loved it. Then what? I need to look to myself, consider, and send it off to my agent. Thanks for all your advice, Darcy.

Darcy Pattison's avatar

Yes! Trust yourself, it’s your story. But don’t be foolish, either. Think about what they said! It’s a hard balance.

Sarah Allen's avatar

Ha! Oh wow, yes, I can definitely relate to this!

Jodi Fitzpatrick's avatar

Wow, I would not have thought you'd have a soft spot like this, after all the books you've published. Thanks for humanizing your work:-) I'm a little odd in that I like and seek out critiques, the blunter the better. Not only does it objectively force me to improve as a writer, it also makes me a more resilient human, better able to adapt to conflict, and to control my emotions. Once you can depersonalize it, it allows you a sneaky window into other peoples' blind spots, projections, and shadows of theirs they are casting onto your work. That is fearsome, but it also can engender compassion. We're all in this together. We all love our work and want others to love it too.

Darcy Pattison's avatar

Some days, I can take it. Others, not so much.

Deb Lund's avatar

Darcy! Workshop memories with you are popping up now for me. So glad to see your strategies have found a new look in this book and can find those who need it.

Darcy Pattison's avatar

Yes, I loved the Novel Revision retreats! The emotions here are still just as real as ever!

OCD Peer Support's avatar

Know a good children’s book publisher?