If it makes you feel any better, my lead guy is talking like a girl (um, not supposed to) and almost everything I've written for NaNo is dialogue. 🙂 Don't worry, that's what revision is for!!

Very true, I will soon share them with my friends and family.

denise

I love that name for your Inner Critic! Great idea. I agree that we need to be discerning about advice we get, making sure it's something that's really true for us in our writing and the industry as a whole. I like hearing from various writers, agents, and editors to learn about their process and perspective, but then you can tailor what you learn to your own career.

I think the key is to let friends and fellow writers read your stuff first, because they can give feedback that's both helpful and encouraging. But you'll also get some experience in taking constructive criticism. (Oh, and if a critique partner IS rude about it, drop them. You don't need that negativity in your life. Find someone honest AND helpful.)

But if you want to write just for yourself, I think that's great! There isn't one path for writers, and you should choose your own. Best wishes, Yoly!

The plethora of free advice online from writers and agents and editors does not always help, however good their intentions, particularly when they presume to speak on behalf of all agents, all editors, or even all publishers. Numbered lists of taboos and prohibitions are particularly discouraging, since my Inner Literary Critic so often convinces me that I've committed one or more of the Mortal Sins on such lists!

Thanks to Julie Glover and all commenters, particularly Gretaboris and Jenny Hansen, who have inspired me to name my inner literary critic “Amy G. Dala”!

"Crazy frustrated" is a feeling plenty of writers understand, I'm sure! But get there, you have. Congratulations!