So after a hiatus from this blog to take care of matters in my personal life, I’ve been jogged back into it by reading this article, because it captures so much of the experience one has when beginning writers ask for an “honest” evaluation or critique.
One I’ve had recently, to tell the truth.
The reality is that most beginning writers have no concept of the fact that it takes more than a good idea to produce a book or a script. Everyone has good ideas. My car mechanic has good ideas. Should he write them down? Should he? Probably not.
It takes a great deal of time learning to take a good idea and translate it into something that people will want to read or go to the theater and see. Call it an apprenticeship if you will. Call it paying your dues (though that part is often reserved for the deluge of rejections one is sure to receive). Call it learning your art. whatever you call it, it’s essential to know that great writers become great writers by practicing, getting honest feedback, thinking about it, incorporating it, and practicing again. You’ll note the use of the word “become” in that sentence — it doesn’t happen overnight. Most “overnight” successes have been writing for many many years in obscurity.
Ask for honest feedback only when and if you’re willing to take it. And then you’ll be … beyond the elements of style!
