by G.Parker
One of the tenants of my critique group is that all the advice and suggestions that are made don't mean anything if you don't like them or if it changes the story from what you want. It's still your story, it's your choice whether to make the changes or not.
Recently I started submitting a story to my group I'd written for NaNoWriMo. Everyone loved it, but they were absolutely 100% of the opinion I should write it for the national market. I had written it for LDS readers. A little reluctantly, I made the changes, and kept on with the story, not really liking it.
I still don't like it.
I came to the conclusion the other night that it's not going to happen. I don't like the way the story has changed and 'has' to change to be nationally marketable. I'm not worried about attracting national attention. My whole reason for writing is for the LDS reader.
So, I'm taking it back to the original story line. I haven't felt happy with the changes, not really. It hasn't felt right. Now that I've decided to go with my original plot, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's amazing how we let things affect us.
My group will be disappointed, but I figure they'll understand. After all, it's always my choice what happens with the story. Remember what I've been blogging about lately? It's important to be true to yourself and your voice.
This is my voice, and I'm reclaiming it. Have a good weekend and keep writing!
1 comment:
Yes. That's what I've been struggling with as well. One member of my critique group said we all needed to find the humility and the inner strength to sift through the input and take what will make our work better and leave the chaff behind.
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