I'm 12 days away from the deadline of the Tales From the Lake contest and only about 1/3 done with the story, which means I need to fully take advantage of this weekend while I'm not working and knock out at least 3,000 words...at least.
Because this contest is so important to me, I'm going to be letting a handful of people read through the story in hopes of them providing feedback before I submit the final draft. I usually use my oldest son and my wife, but I'd like to find a less biased group of people that I can trust to provide honest feedback but also not be afraid to shout praises (that's not to say my wife doesn't gently--but honestly--inform me when something doesn't sit well with her). If you're not a Facebook friend of mine then you haven't seen my status:
"I'm looking for the following people who fit at least half of these criteria to read a story of mine next week before I submit it. Send me a message.
1. Neurotic.
2. Over analyzer.
3. Grammar Nazi.
4. Picky.
5. Is allergic to mainstream music.
6. Dry sense of humor.
7. Eccentric.
8. Loves to read."
Because I'm sensitive with my material, I won't just send it out to anyone. I don't trust people. The writing world is immense and the internet seemingly endless. It wouldn't take much for my story to end up in the slimy hands of a dishonest degenerate set on making it theirs.
As much as I'd like to fill this entry with wit and cool-sounding words whipped up together to create some entertainment goulash, I've a story to write! Prayers welcome!
Because this contest is so important to me, I'm going to be letting a handful of people read through the story in hopes of them providing feedback before I submit the final draft. I usually use my oldest son and my wife, but I'd like to find a less biased group of people that I can trust to provide honest feedback but also not be afraid to shout praises (that's not to say my wife doesn't gently--but honestly--inform me when something doesn't sit well with her). If you're not a Facebook friend of mine then you haven't seen my status:
"I'm looking for the following people who fit at least half of these criteria to read a story of mine next week before I submit it. Send me a message.
1. Neurotic.
2. Over analyzer.
3. Grammar Nazi.
4. Picky.
5. Is allergic to mainstream music.
6. Dry sense of humor.
7. Eccentric.
8. Loves to read."
Because I'm sensitive with my material, I won't just send it out to anyone. I don't trust people. The writing world is immense and the internet seemingly endless. It wouldn't take much for my story to end up in the slimy hands of a dishonest degenerate set on making it theirs.
As much as I'd like to fill this entry with wit and cool-sounding words whipped up together to create some entertainment goulash, I've a story to write! Prayers welcome!