Grab that Whistle
Every Wednesday, YA Highway asks their readership a simple question to answer on your blog. Once you answer, you link your blog in the comments for other readers to hop on board. This is Road Trip Wednesday.
Today’s topic: Per Sarah’s August post (http://bit.ly/qi9Ed1), what kind of writing coach do you need? What kind are you?
I think about this from time-to-time because who doesn’t want somebody cheering you on while you work and making sure you don’t quit?
Despite my self-esteem issues and my total bouts of “I suck,” I don’t want you to kiss my ass. That’s not going to make me a stronger writer. I want someone who will tell me what’s wrong when they crit me, but also let me know what’s working. If I’m stuck, I want someone who is there to help me brainstorm my way through the problem. Basically, I want a Danielle*.
As for myself, if I was a writing coach, I’m not sure what kind I am. My mood dictates a lot about my coaching style. If I’m in a bad mood, I find more things wrong when I crit. I think I’m pretty good to talk things through with and I’m always willing to cheer you on. In terms of my coaching personality, I think my writing buddies are better equipped to answer that about me.
And since not all in the Lurkdom write, let’s expand this out to any kind of coach. If you were going to be a coach for anything (including basket weaving), what kind would you be?
Now I’m off to caffeinate and beat my word count.
* If you’re new (welcome), you won’t know what a Danielle is. She’s one of the besties and always has my writing back. She spends hours helping me refine queries and synopses. She has read way too many versions of the same story.
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Spotify hit of the day: Viva La Vida by Coldplay
Hurray for the Danielles of the world! I try to force my hubby into that role and he stares at me blankly. But just having someone to listen as I ramble is helpful because it lets me work through things.
I want someone who will tell me what's wrong when they crit me, but also let me know what's working. <–This is how I feel. I really NEED to know what doesn't work, but I like to know it's not 100 percent crap. If there's .98 percent that's good it helps motivate me to revise more.
Go, Alicia, go! Kick that wordcount's butt! 😉 Hehehe.
Yep, I'm with you. I want someone to tell me when something sucks and also when something is strong. That's generally the my crit style too.
Sounds like you have a great writing coach. That is so important. Hope you are doing awesome at NaNo.
Go, Alicia, go! Beat that word count! 🙂
Hope NaNo is going well. PS – ditto on the writing coach style. Everyone seems to prefer the mix of encouragement and tough love. Good to know!
You are so lucky to have a Danielle!