BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
Keep in mind that this is a rant. I need to vent and appreciate the opportunity to do so
I've always heard about those authors who think of their work as untouchable art and thought I'd never be like that. Overall, I've learned to take criticism well. My attitude is that I should learn everything I can from any critiques or comments.
I've found, however, that I do have lines that I will not cross.
The story is mine. It's the reason I'm writing in the first place - to share with everyone these characters in these situations and what happens to them. I am highly resistant to fundamental changes to character or plot.
At some point, if I change those, the story isn't mine anymore.
To a lesser extent, I also have these issues:
1. Just because an editor prefers that I change a story line or character does not necessarily mean the story will be better, especially if that editor doesn't seem to "get" what I'm trying to convey.
2. I prefer a particular type of story. If the comments tell me to change from that type, I'm not going to like it as much. Additionally, since I'll probably write the same type stories my entire career, it seems silly to try to write something different now. I think it's in my best long term interests to have my debut novel herald the kind of stories I want to write, even if (if the editor is in fact correct) I could possibly make the novel more successful now by incorporating the comments.
3. The changes seem to advocate taking what I consider interesting choices and making them mundane/expected. That does not seem to be a winning formula: hey, create what everyone else is creating. That's how you stand out?
/rant
Thanks for reading.
Brian
I've always heard about those authors who think of their work as untouchable art and thought I'd never be like that. Overall, I've learned to take criticism well. My attitude is that I should learn everything I can from any critiques or comments.
I've found, however, that I do have lines that I will not cross.
The story is mine. It's the reason I'm writing in the first place - to share with everyone these characters in these situations and what happens to them. I am highly resistant to fundamental changes to character or plot.
At some point, if I change those, the story isn't mine anymore.
To a lesser extent, I also have these issues:
1. Just because an editor prefers that I change a story line or character does not necessarily mean the story will be better, especially if that editor doesn't seem to "get" what I'm trying to convey.
2. I prefer a particular type of story. If the comments tell me to change from that type, I'm not going to like it as much. Additionally, since I'll probably write the same type stories my entire career, it seems silly to try to write something different now. I think it's in my best long term interests to have my debut novel herald the kind of stories I want to write, even if (if the editor is in fact correct) I could possibly make the novel more successful now by incorporating the comments.
3. The changes seem to advocate taking what I consider interesting choices and making them mundane/expected. That does not seem to be a winning formula: hey, create what everyone else is creating. That's how you stand out?
/rant
Thanks for reading.
Brian