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Tuesday, May 02, 2006Miss Snark is my HeroWell, maybe that's a little over the top. Still, I do want to take a moment to address those of my dear readers who are aspiring authors. If you haven't stopped by Miss Snark's blog, you need to. Warning: There are no warm fuzzies over there. You aren't going to get a pat on the back or a big hug from Miss Snark's poodle. What you will get is brutal honesty. Emphasis on brutal. If you can't take it -- you may not have what it takes to survive in the publishing world. It's all about two things: acquiring knowledge and growing a very thick skin. Miss Snark can help you to do both. So, why is this sharp-tongued, quick-witted anonymous agent receiving my high praise? Here's the true story: I was the first person -- yes, the first person -- to take Miss Snark up on her offer to publicly critique a novel's first page. Since that fateful day, Miss Snark has critiqued (slammed? pureed? denounced?) dozens and dozens of writing samples. But mine was the first. And it was...brutal. Mind you, it needed to be. To be perfectly honest, my first page (and the entire chapter that followed) absolutely stank. Somebody needed to tell me that with absolutely no sugar coating. And somebody did. I was so neurotic that I asked Miss Snark to please change all the character's names before publishing the page on her blog (like someone was going to steal the names from that piece of garbage?). She obliged me by coming up with the most ridiculous names imaginable. Yep. The new names were just right for my ridiculous first page. I didn't completely wrap my brain around her critique at first. It had to bubble and brew for a while until it finally hit me: Heavens to Betsy, Miss Snark is right! I didn't expect such a painful kick in the butt when I submitted the page to Miss Snark -- but the kick is just what I needed. It was the catalyst for immeasurable change and growth. You don't have to submit your work for critique in order to gain something from Miss Snark's blog. (She only opens the floor a few times a year, anyway.) If you want to learn as much as possible about the process of getting your book published (and how to avoid being a nitwit in the process), get thee to Miss Snark's blog without delay. And don't say you weren't duly warned. |
About Me
I am: Mother to five stunningly individualistic children... Writer of young adult fantasy... Passionate advocate for Women At Home... Madly in love with my husband... In need of Organic Gourmet Chocolate on a regular basis. I've got a Paypal account if you'd like to contribute to the cause....
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6of my readers are feeling chatty:
Miss Snark has popped up in many places online. If you are an aspiring writer and you know how to use the web, you should have encountered Ms. Snark.
I agree, if you have not had a snarky experience, you are long overdue for one.
Here from Wendy's place (not in order, I just like checking out other blogs!) I really enjoyed yours and agree with the post about the 4 kids and the youngest seeming so much younger then the oldest did at the same age (how's that for a mouthful!) I have 4 and am experiencing that same thing now!
Hi from Wendy's place! first time here and with too little time so I will come back for more!!!!!
Yep - Miss Snark rocks! Very brave of you to offer yourself up for the first critique.
Hey Jill, just wanted to say the auditions results are up ( you were already in the cast so if you want to go say congrats to the winner that would be wonderful)
No snark from me today lol.
Oh - good that I am not a writer. I know I couldn't take it. You are a brave woman :)
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