brightlotusmoon | Writers' palaver

John Bagnato (he wrote a book in 2006 called "The Dupree Legacy") is very funny. He's been giving me some fantastic criticism and advice, really delving into the characters (Why does Kara's wolf spirit appear when she's stressed? Is there another way you can differentiate between telepathic speech and internal monologue? Do the twins have a secret twin language? KISS, of course.)
He's sent me some of his short stories, and they're wonderful. He uses action more than explanation to describe what's happening; his stories are extremely character driven, and I'm left in shock thinking, "Oh, that poor kid, he should have gotten a prosthetic arm and kicked mobster ass to avenge his parents' murders in style!"
He told me it was okay if I ever wanted to tell him to bug off, and I said hell no, this was great. I need this. I need someone in the industry to tell me, "This works, this doesn't, try this, don't do that, for the love of God never ever do this, always do that, keep going, find your voice and keep it. Oh, hey, that was unique and interesting, keep doing that."

Because of him, I am going through each chapter with a fine-toothed comb. And no longer wincing. Writers are so hard on themselves.

Oh, and Tristan, I'll send you Chapter Two tonight. I went to my roommate's birthday party last night and didn't get a chance to play on my laptop for very long. Okay, so I also just plain forgot. This will remind me.