This week I've written a short story inspired partly by those sort of artsy erotic pictures you find on Acesso Restrito and Chimere Erotique. You know: the black-and-white ones with skin texture.
I've finished it and added my address and page numbers and that gubbins, and will probably give it another couple of read-throughs today before sending it off. Which means I'm at the moment of panic. Is it really good enough? Is the ending weak? Is it too cliched? Is it too slow? Is it too porny and not literary enough? Is there too much background and not enough raunch? Aaaargh!
This of course is as nothing to the panic and dread I will feel after I've sent it in, when it becomes Too Late to Change Anything.
So what about you? Do you feel the same insecurity and if so how do you cope? How can you get an objective look at your own work? Is a Beta Reader the answer?
6 comments:
Just when I'd started writing erotica, I joined Desdmona's fish tank for critiques. That was totally amazing - terrifying but very edifying too.
I learned as much from critting others' work as I did from getting up the nerve to sub my own. So yes, I'd say a beta reader/critter/first reader is priceless.
That said, I know some writers don't like the process.
I think the only other way is probably to leave as much time as possible so you read with fresh eyes.
Anyway, I would put money on your story being ace.
Argh. I think you're beyond brave joining a writing circle for group critiques: I am too much of a coward for that!
*ahem* Actually it turns out in this case I didn't have anything to worry about.
:-)
1-hour turnaround
See?! I think that means you owe me £10.
I have experienced similar feelings, yes. I think sometimes I have not waited long enough or let it rest enough before going back for a final read-through. It seems like I've often been deeply involved in finishing and editing, then done the read-through and sent it off. (This may have something to do with procrastination in relation to deadlines....) Anyway, what that has sometimes meant is going back to read something after I have submitted it and saying "WTF??" to myself about various things in the story — similar to the questions you listed. Ugh.
Of course, perhaps a slight advantage (maybe a twisted one, heh) is that by that time it is indeed Too Late to Change Anything, so the pressure to do so is pretty much nonexistent.
Ha, and I just read Nikki's comment about leaving time and reading with fresh eyes. Exactly what I was describing as missing above!
And hey, congratulations Janine! ;)
I think you're right Emerald (and Nikki): you need time to walk away and clear your head. I just tend to get myself so wound up I send the thing off just to draw a line under it.
I'm not known for my cool patience and ability to wait.
One friend once called me Janine "Doesn't know the meaning of the words Delayed Gratification" Ashbless.
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