Sssdirect.com - There's Always A Critic
Have you ever had anyone criticize your writing? Maybe they were just having a bad day. After all some people just can't seem to say anything nice.Not everyone is comfortable with criticism, but there may be times when it provides just what you need to move forward in your writing.
There is a man that's been called the “Simon Cowell of Christian Publishing”. A few quotes from Chip MacGregor might allow you to see that he's far from being the touchy-feely type. The following quotes were part of a July 2006 interview with Chip MacGregor who is the Associate Publisher with Hachette Book Group USA. The quotes are part of a lengthy interview conducted by the staff at Novel Journey.
“The reason most wannabe authors remain unpublished is because they just aren't willing to put in the time, to do the hard work and become better at the craft of writing. In other words, laziness will keep you from being a great writer.” – Chip MacGregor
“Some people (many people) seem to be fans, and send me nice notes on occasion, like when they've gone off their meds or had too much to drink. Others clearly do NOT like me. Especially nice church ladies who can't understand why I'd say that a book is bad or a writer has done a terrible job.” – Chip MacGregor
“The only way I could finish the stupid thing was to tear out the pages I'd read and light them on fire, in hopes that occasionally sticking my hand into the flames would keep me awake. Mourn the trees that died so this tome could see print.” – Chip MacGregor
“I'd suggest that many of the Old Testament prophets helped the culture make strides not by being nice, but being honest – even blunt. Ditto Paul. Ditto Jesus, for that matter (take a peek at his criticisms of the upstanding church leadership of His day).” – Chip MacGregor
“So what's the harm in being honest? Even brutally honest? Can't we all admit we've got stuff to learn?” – Chip MacGregor.
“90% of the stuff I reject is rejected for one reason: it isn't good enough.” – Chip MacGregor
MacGregor does have advice for writers that may make them cringe a bit less, “I think writer's conferences are a great way for newbies to get educated in the process of writing. Hanging around a bunch of experienced people in your chosen field is ALWAYS an excellent idea... It's nice to find somebody a bit further down the path.”
It is safe to say that the thrust of MacGregors ‘honesty' it to try to challenge writers to be the absolute best they can be. This often means forcing ourselves to work harder at our craft and refusing to use a specific genre as a crutch for mediocre writing.
Tags: Writing, Christian Writing, Freelance Writing, Freelance Writer, Critique, Critic, Writing
'I Can Write A Book In A Weekend,' And Five Other Annoying Things Beginners Say
Since every literate person can write, most people think they can be writers. Interestingly enough, we all can speak quite well, but few of us would deem ourselves ‘speakers.' However, this prevalent belief encourages beginners to say the oddest things th
"Do I Have Writing Talent?" It's A Mistaken Question
Over the years, many people have asked me to look at their writing. "I need to know, do I have talent or not," they say. "Then I'll know if I should pursue writing or stick to accounting." Their request is seriously flawed, I'd reply.
"Don't Polish The Turd," And Other Oddball Writing Advice That Works
Even with a dozen published books to my name, I sometimes need a dose of inspiration when I sit down to write. Above my desk, I've posted a paper with various pieces of fiction-writing wisdom I've collected over the years. Some of the advice may sound odd
You're Not Done Yet: Eight Strengtheners For Your Sales Copy
Writing sales copy for a new or to-be-relaunched product takes a lot of energy and concentration. When you finish that first draft, take a rest. Then go back to what you've written with this sales copy checklist, which outlines the eight most frequent cor
Your Book Arrives From Your New York Publisher!
A large box arrives from a New York Publisher. It's here—YOUR BOOK! You hurriedly rip it open and take the first book out. There it is...YOUR NAME as the author of your first book. You forget to breathe and your heart skips a beat in excitement. You caress
Young Writers
If you are between the ages of 8 to 18 and love to write, be it short stories, plays or poems, then you are a young writer. For the writer nothing is more satisfying than finishing a story, play, poem etc. In fact some young writers decide to make it thei
Writing: Getting Started
Are you having difficulty writing? Do you find it hard to even get started? You probably already are an "acclaimed author" and don't even know it. Your emails and message board discussions are key seeds to informative and interesting web content
Writing What You Want To Write: Personal Innovation
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. - Dale Carnegie Some of the special skills discussed in writing may have you feeling as if there is really no room
Writing Well For The Web
If you expect your potential clients to read the texts on your site, be especially particular about the content. Writing for the web has its own peculiarities in comparison with common publications. It is known that 79% Internet users just skip over the
Writing Twenty Novels (In Ten Easy Steps!)
During a recent telephone conversation, I mentioned having sent off the last revisions for my twentieth novel, “Great Sky Woman.” There was a silence on the other side of the phone, followed by the question “How in the world do you do that? Twenty novels!
Writing That Resume
When preparing your resume make sure the skills you list are accurately conveying your experience and knowledge in each area. It is also recommended that time be spent reviewing the skills the company is looking for in order to highlight these skills in a
Writing Success: What Does It Mean To You?
Like most creative professions the question of a qualified success in writing is not easy to concentrate into one definitive answer. Just as there are a multitude of writing styles, so too are there many examples of writing success. Examples 1. "I
Writing Style: Are You A Real Writer?
I hear it all the time from my students and at the seminars and workshops I lead. The writers that I work with are excited to work with a "real" writer. Most people define a "real" writer as one who is published. Therefore I, with thre
Writing Stories
There's nothing like writing a story. It is a truly satisfying creative process. In order to write a story that people will enjoy. You need to understand the key elements that all good writers use in stories. In this article we will explore these elements
Writing Short Articles Is Easy
Short article writing is as not as difficult as you think. No, it is not a daunting task if you know what to do. Just remember that when you write, the important thing is that you catch your reader's attention. You must make them want to read what you