Flexibility

I received my first critique from CWC last month. The feedback was great. I got a lot of positives but also some good suggestions for improving what was there. But then I froze. Even with the positives, even though I agreed with some of the changes suggested, I couldn't write.

Many evenings of staring at the computer, unable to get even one word down, and I realized my problem. I was concentrating too much on the negatives. For example, one of the issues people had was the introduction of too many characters in a single chapter. Every time I needed to add a character, I stopped. I heard different members' voices "Does he really need to be in this scene? This chapter?" "Could someone else make the same action? Give the same information?" There were too many other people in my head, second-guessing my every move.

I talked to Deb about it. She had had problems with critiques on a partial manuscript. She wanted to go back to the beginning each time to make the changes. That was one reason she went on hiatus to complete revisions.

Our November meeting was Sunday evening. We all talked about what was and wasn't working for us. It ranged from not being able to perform to the deadline to feeling like some of the feedback might be counterproductive for that person. After much discussion, we decided to let each member decide the process that works best for him or her. Two will continue in the original format: 50-100 pages every other month. Four of us will only submit when we feel ready to do so. I know Deb will be submitting fulls. I will probably do the same so that I don't tie myself up trying to second guess what the others will say. We also agreed to speak up during the meeting about what kind of feedback we want.

I've heard of critique groups that have fallen apart when there were issues brought up, changes suggested. It's a testament to the members of CWC that they could calmly and rationally go about making the group something that will help rather than hinder each person's creativity.

I feel very lucky.