Professional Writing Can't Be An Independent Activity

Over the last couple of days, I have spent a lot of time with my clients discussing upcoming projects
and current projects with them. this is really one of the joys I have of being an agent - the chance to really get in there and plot stories and work out the bugs. Obviously, if you have an editor or an agent, you have the ability to do this, but if you are still in the process of taking that next step, you don't have to feel like you are on the outside. Getting someone to work with you on your stories will help you get though those tough times in your writing.

We all have those moments when we are struggling with getting those words on the page. Sometimes we call it writer's block, sometimes we simply call it crap. Regardless, it is normal. Don't feel alone. Others are suffering too! So that is where the critique partners come into play.

The key is to find someone else who is familiar with the genre you write. Sure, there are benefits of finding people on the outside, but this is one of those times when you want someone who "knows". This person doesn't have to be a published, or for that matter a writer. He or she needs to simply be someone who reads that genre.

Now, unlike critique partners who will go over your story with a fine-toothed comb, you want this person to just talk with you about your story. If they were reading this story, what would they like to see? What would they think the characters would say or do? Everything you talk about is simply hypothetical and brainstorming.

What you will notice, is that you end up just talking about possibilities. Your goal here is to not find the answer but to work your way toward it. The first idea you come up with will not likely be what you are looking for, but it will guide you in the right direction.

Trying to do this on your own will be frustrating, and frankly, will likely walk you into dead ends. Working with someone, may not get you the answer you are looking for right at that moment, but it may get you closer than you were on  your own.