When I began the new WIP I took the opening to a workshop of fellow writers for some feedback. We all submit 10 pages of a manuscript, anonymously, and everyone reads and offers comment. I got some really good reactions, which convinced me it was worth carrying on. That was in March. At the end of last month we had another workshop - we'd all enjoyed the first and found it valuable - and this time I took the opening of the second part of the novel. As everyone knew who the story was from this time I was able to ask some particular questions about the setting and the heroine. Again, I got good comments and encouragement. Now I just have to keep writing.
Peer reaction like this is valuable. People who know what they are talking about, and who you trust, are offering constructive suggestions. When the manuscripts arrive it is a bit scary, as they are all so good - cue for an attack of imposter syndrome. This group is made up of experienced writers who really know what they are doing. Then it is time to sit with the scripts and offer ideas about things that worked, parts that didn't quite hit the right note, places where you wanted more - it's interesting, and it stretches your mind a bit to make sure things are constructive. It's exciting and fun as participants will often bring something a new - a genre they are experimenting with, or the start of a manuscript that you already know will be a successful book, once it is complete, or something written especially, an impulse that indulges a whim or explores an idea that might not be suitable for a full book.
It's enjoyable, which is why we do it. It's useful, as it provides a steer for a work in progress, or one that has maybe only just begun. Writing is a solitary business. This way it's not quite so insular.
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