Today we have a great author with us to share a guest post with a fantastic topic. So let's get to it right away, then I'll tell you about her book a bit and where you can get your own copy.
The moment I heard her voice on the phone I knew—I knew—that it wasn’t good news. “Hi,
buddy,” my best friend began, and I heard the note of apprehension in her
voice.
“You want me to rewrite it again, don’t you?” I asked, not
bothering to conceal my frustration.
“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I wouldn’t make you do it if I
didn’t think it was necessary, but honey, I know you can do better.”
That was on rewrite #3 of a crucial scene in my second
novel, ANABEL DIVIDED. I finally got her approval in rewrite #4. And I only
hated her slightly.
I am fortunate that I have a best friend who is also rather
blunt and will tell me when my writing isn’t up to par. She expects the best of
me, and if I don’t deliver, she lets me have it. I have found that as I write
more and more, I need more peer reviews because different people notice
different things. Even before I hand my completed manuscript over to my editor,
I definitely want grammar/content mistakes pointed out to me. I also want to
hear the criticisms while I have a chance to rewrite a story—because if people
who know you notice something’s wrong, then the Internet is always happy to
criticize.
So how do you find a good Critique Buddy? Here’s how I found some of mine:
1.
Twitter.
I know, I know, it probably sounds obvious, but Twitter is how everything
happened for me. It’s how I met a fellow author who introduced me to my
publisher. But it didn’t happen overnight—I had to spend time networking and
tweeting and “meeting” people before I settled into a circle of writer friends.
Each of them brings something different to the table, and their input is
invaluable.
2.
Facebook.
There are so many writer’s groups on Facebook, and it’s sometimes hard to
navigate which ones are just venues of self-promotion and which ones are
valuable, but there are a few good ones out there with people who are searching
for someone to give them feedback.
3.
Local
libraries. I live in Northern
Virginia, and there is a local writer’s group that meets at the library once a
month. For an introvert like me, going to something like this is generally my
worst nightmare, but sometimes putting yourself out there in that way can give
you a fresh perspective on your manuscript.
Above all, when you find a critique partner, you want
someone who is willing to give you honest feedback and tell it to you straight.
Because sometimes, some scenes in your book are going to be so important that
they have to be written again. And again. And AGAIN. Until they meet
expectations.
Anabel Martin thought that the resolution of her father's murder would bring a resolution to her problems. After all, she was starting life over in a new place, with new friends, and new adventures, focusing on attending college and raising her daughter free from the distractions of Washington, DC. She was ready to move on. But a trip back to the District for Meghan's wedding stirs up old feelings and brings new life to old relationships. Matt is cold and distant, while Jared is caring and attentive. A woman from Matt's past, a bold public flirtation, and Anabel's desire to be truly loved lead her to a crossroads...and her final decision leaves her with more questions than answers.
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Amanda Romine Lynch is a writer, editor, and blogger who grew up in Florida knowing she belonged somewhere else. She now lives in the DC Metro Area with her husband and three amazing little boys. She is the Eco-Friendly/Green Living Contributor over at the Prime Parents’ Club and strives to live earth friendly in a world of disposable diapers. When not writing about Anabel and Jared or chasing around a curly-haired boy, she cheers for the Gators (in all kinds of weather) and occasionally remembers to sleep.
Giveaway: 3 prizes 2 signed paperbacks of Anabel Unraveled (US only) 1 $25 Amazon gift card (international)
