I recently entered a writing challenge. A story is outlined then the contestants write the first 13 lines of the story. The idea is based on the premise that the first page of a manuscript will probably only have about 13 lines on it so those lines need to be good enough and hooky enough to get an editor to read on. For the last two weeks my entry has been heavily panned. Notably this week,"That error, along with some sloppy writing, turns me off from this story".
It's hard to recover from such negative feedback when I get so little feedback of any kind on my work. It puts me in mind of the Harry Chapin song "Mr. Tanner." I posted that last stanza. I know how he feels. I am my best audience therefore that is who I will write for.
I love to write, I have stories swirling through my mind all the time, five at a time. I just don't have the tools I need to write effectively. I know what good writing is, it pulls you into the story so you aren't even aware of the writing. The words become amazing settings, well realized characters and story lines that draw you in emotionally.
I told myself last week I need to use my creative energy to write on my own stories, no more writing challenge but it is so seductive to hope someone will think your few short lines are magical.
Oh to have Shrunk and White poured into each crease of my brain so that my ideas come out as lyrical prose.
I will stop referring to myself as a writer, I am only a dabbler. It is enough if I enjoy the imperfect scrawlings.
