I like to skulk around over at Murderati, one of my favorite blogs written by contributors Toni McGee Causey, Brett Battles, Robert Gregory Browne, Cornelia Read and other clever beasts.
This post by Tess Gerritson resonated with me for two reasons. One, she's correct. Two, the guy asking for advice actually listened and made the changes she suggested. That's not quite as common among as advice seekers as logic would predict.
Brave woman. Smart man.
ReplyDeleteI like this line in particular:
ReplyDelete"the writing profession is far more likely to breed humility than arrogance."
Sigh. I love a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteGiven that the subject was already a professional writer, the response (accepting criticism, then evaluating and acting on it) is really not a surprise. That is a discipline any aspiring writer would do well to practice. (Self included.)
ReplyDeleteA question - while it is bad form to say "My mother-in-law's former neighbor raved over this story!", to what extent is it okay to include comments from recognized, established writers familiar with the manuscript?
Thank you (again!) for another great link. I laughed so hard over Joshilyn Jackson's post the other day and was so impressed by this one today. Both have taught me something.
ReplyDeletecheers
Melinda
Jonathan, I've read many places where writers have included published, well-known authors in their query who've read their work and liked it. I'd say that's the only case I'd mention someone liked my book.
ReplyDeleteAnd that was a great blog. Thanks for sharing it.
This was great advice and courageous on her part. Most people with this attitude wouldn't have listened.
ReplyDeleteExcellent. Loved her response, and I'm slightly amazed that the writer actually took it.
ReplyDelete