Comments on: Tips To Avoid Discussing Your Novel-in-Progress

By: Terry Montague

Terry Montague — Sat, 07 May 2016 01:31:54 +0000

I find that, whether I'm writing an article or a story, if I let it out of my mouth, it won't come out of my fingers. I think my wiring is wonky.

By: B R Johnson

B R Johnson — Fri, 06 May 2016 13:13:36 +0000

In reply to Gordon Petry. I also write short stories and for the same reasons, I don't discuss them. I could wallpaper my house with languishing stories unfinished. Love that idea, when folks tried to read them and wanted the end, I'd just say, 'don't know, never finished that one.'

By: B R Johnson

B R Johnson — Fri, 06 May 2016 13:08:52 +0000

I'm part of a writers' group that meets every Saturday afternoon. Sometimes members bring first drafts of their work asking for suggestions, recommendations, sometimes just comments. I've done that and it helps immensely. No one criticizes if suggestions aren't taken, if the author goes in a different direction and characters get thrown out, killed, or lost in a fog. And we love seeing finished products - novels, poems, or short stories. It's a safe group in which we get wonderful assistance. This group is part of the Snake Nation Review in south Ga. if you'd like to look it up. They even print a few books annually, and have contests. The writers' group has been operating for over twenty years, and I'm sure that's why it runs so smoothly.

By: Gordon Petry

Gordon Petry — Thu, 05 May 2016 19:18:34 +0000

I find even in writing short stories that if I tell the plot, I lose interest in writing the story because the mystery is gone. (Yes, I'm a pantser.) I will talk about completed work, but never works in progress. (I have too many of them languishing in drawers with little hope of ever being finished.) Maybe someone can write a blog about solving my hang up, so those poor manuscripts will finally have some closure.

By: Lynda Loigman

Lynda Loigman — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:20:43 +0000

In reply to C. K. Crouch. :) Yes - sharing to much can really impact confidence! I never told anyone about killing any characters. I think they would have wanted to kill ME!

By: Lynda Loigman

Lynda Loigman — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:17:20 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth Hein. Ha! We should make keychains! :)

By: Lynda Loigman

Lynda Loigman — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:16:26 +0000

In reply to Janet Oakley. Hi Janet, I think blaming research is my new favorite way to avoid the question! Thanks so much for reading!

By: Lynda Loigman

Lynda Loigman — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:15:38 +0000

In reply to Robin E. Mason. Hi Robin! It sounds like you stood firm and didn't let the reader change your mind. Bravo!

By: Sheila M. Good, Author

Sheila M. Good, Author — Thu, 05 May 2016 15:10:29 +0000

In reply to Lynda Loigman. My pleasure.

By: Elizabeth Hein

Elizabeth Hein — Thu, 05 May 2016 08:32:05 +0000

It's taken me several books to understand the value of not sharing my WIP until it is fully gestated in my head. I love your example responses. I may make a cheat-sheet to carry in my pocket.