tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post3359696835974356756..comments2023-10-25T05:30:54.507-04:00Comments on Oh Get A Grip!: High HopesAshe Barkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390519279886657608noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-10980407481412414262016-09-21T23:05:37.399-04:002016-09-21T23:05:37.399-04:00As a member of EPIC, I judge in the book contest e...As a member of EPIC, I judge in the book contest every year, a well as in the New Voices contest for teen writers. I've read lots of books that I didn't particularly like, but I tried to be objective about it, looking for whatever quality there is that led the author to think it was worthy of being a winner. <br /> <br />It's a difficult thing to do, to distance yourself from your own tastes. You're actually lucky that the woman did that, rather than try to edit you, and force you to make changes that you would have refused to do anyway. <br /><br />I can just imagine her wondering what on earth kind of relationship you and your wife have! Some people just can't accept that erotic authors might be creating total fiction. No one has that problem with Stephen King, or other writers of murder mysteries. Somehow the Puritan streak that still runs strong in this country doesn't allow erotic authors to be treated like normal human beings. Sigh...Fiona McGierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13495707848048468428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-14539295388161219692016-09-21T18:02:11.186-04:002016-09-21T18:02:11.186-04:00This is actually a reason I don't freelance ed...This is actually a reason I don't freelance edit for aspiring writers. I read a lot of erotica, but a lot of erotica bothers me. I like being able to keep my feelings to myself, and I know I wouldn't be able to if certain sorts of things came across my transom. <br /><br />I respect you for sticking with the work and believing in your voice. I respect the editor for knowing when to bow out. Seems like you ended up with a much better outcome than if she'd tried to stick it out.Annabeth Leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07455191827664110878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-60320008922161602602016-09-21T13:56:27.739-04:002016-09-21T13:56:27.739-04:00I agree with Lisabet. It's not a total rip and...I agree with Lisabet. It's not a total rip and she allows you a few bouquets along to the point where she finally says, "I'm outta here!" But the check torn up into tiny pieces indicates an emotional, if not irrational, response. Like when someone empties an entire clip into a victim when just one bullet will do, they know it's a crime of passion. Aside from that, she can't spell to save her life, can she? Fanaticizing? Was she aiming at fantasizing? Anyway, you got the last word, Daddy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01197243464390416289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-2141926687135073672016-09-21T11:34:55.423-04:002016-09-21T11:34:55.423-04:00Yes, I didn't get good treatment from Erotica ...Yes, I didn't get good treatment from Erotica Revealed. I don't think the reviewer read the book. But your admonition to have objective eyes on our work is essential.Daddy Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12927663248424944119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-78910236297844144792016-09-21T10:30:13.422-04:002016-09-21T10:30:13.422-04:00I discovered, when I was reviewing for Erotica Rev...I discovered, when I was reviewing for Erotica Revealed, how difficult it is to judge work from the perspective of its intended readership when you do not share that perspective. I think I managed it most of the time, but I can understand how some people couldn't hack it. <br /><br />This particular incident of yours is a good illustration of the value of having strangers (with good credentials) edit your work, or attempt to, rather than having friends do it. With strangers, you don't have to worry about embarrassment when you meet them next. On the other hand, your friends are more likely to "get" what you're writing. I must say that I'm puzzled by her confusion about "Tenting," which seemed perfectly clear to me. Sacchi Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10801164916418570059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-83860606949605719672016-09-21T03:49:02.149-04:002016-09-21T03:49:02.149-04:00Hi, Daddy,
Actually, that seems to me to be a rat...Hi, Daddy,<br /><br />Actually, that seems to me to be a rather thoughtful and conscientious letter. She was trying to take an objective look at your work. She failed, and recognized that fact. <br /><br />Hey, she returned your check. This woman has a sense of decency that Suz's people certainly lacked!<br /><br />It's difficult to receive negative feedback about one's babies. But I wouldn't call this woman a detractor. She just wasn't the right person to edit your work.<br /><br />(And yeah, your work is out there, even by erotica standards. Be proud!)Lisabet Saraihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05162514190572269660noreply@blogger.com