August 26, 2003
-
More Joy
I think it's no secret that I've been working on a book - several books in fact. One of them recently came back from an initial editorial review. Being typical, my eye skimmed right over the compliments looking for the criticism, where's the thing I can think about that will make my writing better. I know that I have at least one friend reading this who's grinding teeth right now, and I'll admit right up front that there is much to be said for Steven King's idea that criticism is never a good thing. You know what you want to write, just write it. Besides, if you show your work to three different people, you'll get three different opinions about where the strengths and weaknesses lie. It's almost impossible to make criticism work for you, you wind up doubting and worrying and in the end the criticism has the potential to make your writing a lot worse instead of better as you try to please a wide audience instead of remaining true to yourself and your vision.
Now I'll go on to say that this particular editor was very complimentary. I got lots of nice pats on the back for my ability to express my thoughts clearly and with an engaging style. Then tucked away in the botton of the remarks - the two word phrase - More Joy.
I was taken aback for a moment. I am a joyful person. I see much to smile about in the world around me. I find hilarity everywhere I turn. My favorite moments are when I meet the eye of someone who is smiling at the same thing I am - we have for a moment the sensation that we share an inside joke, that we get the absurdity of it all. When I posted the photo of my brother last Spring, lovingmy40s said that she would know immediately that he and I were related because we have the same wide grin.
Now, I'm stepping back and thinking about what might be underneath my perception of being a joyful person. Because you see, I also believe that I write what I am. The thoughts, ideas, and values that make up me, all come through in the words I choose to express myself. Whether I'm writing a poem, an essay, or a short story, ultimately, I'm writing me. Thinking back over the words I've written here, I wonder how accurate my perception of myself really is. Am I truly joyful? Or is all that laughter a cover for something serious and sad?
I don't have an answer, just the question. And this admission, every time I walk past the mirror I peek quickly out the corner of my eye to see what expression I'm wearing, wondering if the mirror of silver and glass will reflect more truly than the mirror of paper and ink.
**** the necklace I'm wearing in the photo above was designed and made for me by craktpot. She does beautiful work. I have several of her pieces, and I'm always ready to see her post that she has made more. (hint, hint, Teri!)
Comments (32)
I sometimes think I know how others "view" me from how/what I write... but since I am so very often wrong about so many things, I find the safest bet is to realize they're seeing me from whatever lens THEY see themselves in. I must then remind myself that I can only control my perception of things.
I think it's wonderful that you have the discipline to be able to accomplish all that you do (writing professionally, mothering/educating -- the whole enchilada-- you should know you're an inspiration to me and many others who read you).
Glass and silver reflects the outside... Pen and ink reflects the soul.
Sail on... sail on!!!
Well, you certainly appear joyful to ME in this photo... makes me wonder "what is she laughing at?"
Miore joy. Was the editor talking to himself?
{{{Hugs}}}
Rich
Well, many people think they know me from what I share on my site, and that is a large part of me, but if you based the entire perception of me on what is there, you'd be missing a lot...LOL I think what we write reflects parts of us, but not the entire package, just as a mirror doesn't reflect all of us, either.
Pay attention to Stephen King, Terri. W.R.I.T.E.
I think Rich may have hit the nail on the head there, not necessarily about this particular editor, but about editing in general. About 95% of it is personal preference, or a reflection of oneself-as-editor. The rest may have external merit.
Do you need more joy? Only you can answer that.
Do you exude joy? ABSOLUTELY!
More Joy. ??? That's not even a complete sentence. Hmmmm I appreciate your remarks about editing and editors though. And I totally agree with dreadpirate!
Yeah, the pirates got it right. I get into these dry spells and have to fight just to get something on paper.
"Write On, Write On"
get it...right on?
jester
I'm no writer at all, but like the idea of being your own unique self. If you try to please everyone you will please no one. Keep writing!
What is Joy? For me one thing, for You another, for him another blah-blah-blah. Just write Your feelings well, which i am sure You do, and it will touch those who are ready to hear Your words with exactly the right pinch of the right emotion.
Peace
mara
More Joy. Why?
Why is a state of joy preferable to a state of non-joy?
Maybe the path of wisdom is found somewhere between these two states? Content,b ut not fully content. Happy, but not completely happy.
I think too much joy would be stifling. Why change? Why challenge yourself? Why seek to do better? Why try to be a better writer. Just be happy and content.
No I am not convinced that being joyful, that is content is a good state of being for any creative individual.
i certainly had you pegged as a joyful person. i could just tell somehow.
that's a mighty fine-lookin' necklace there!
I love this bloggy! He could not see your smile, me thinks! Nor reads how regularly you are optimistic! My hubby (who is also a writer) said he always fancied when he was single, he would die of TB as his favorite authors had, LOL! He said he needed pathos and melancholy to write. He's still moody, but I don't think he feels that way so much anymore. I think the editor was off a bit! Thank you for the plug and I am *SO* glad you are still enjoying your jewelry! I hope to have some new stuff up soon!
Yeah, I've learned to stop asking for other people's opinions on my writing. I hate people who teach how to write, because there is no one way. If you're talking about grammar, yeah, that's always useful, but after asking several people to read excepts from my novel, I've noticed that people will tell me what they want in the story, because they don't know what you want.
This is why I think the right editor and publisher are very crutial, and I'm very patiently waiting for the day where I can devote myself to finding those people because my novel is, I think, going to be very different, and not well received by millions of adoring fans. The story is twisted, but not in a way that I think people want to read it.
Anyway, what do I know? I'm only eighteen, but I'm struggling with the same problem because writing is my niche. I wouldn't want to struggle with anything else, though.
That necklace is so beautiful! She has a gift..Great job!
"More joy?"
That reminds me of this Saturday Night Live character who is relentlessly joyful and insufferably tasteless in her joy... No, I don't see you as being like that. Your image on Xanga is thoughtful, sober, non-flaky. Now, your editor may not be urging you to flake out, but then again, s/he may be asking you to embrace a little more illogic, a little less self-awareness than you generally evince.
Personally, I'd tell him or her to piss off, but they might have some market-driven reason to suggest that so you might want to ask them to explain first.
You and Teri both do good work.
I take the attitude that it is helpful to listen to all criticism/opinions and to bow down to none. Others' ideas are windows of revelation/insight or factors in the mix, not a (AAA) TripTik to success.
What is your book about? It's wonderful that the editors gave you so much positive feedback though, don't you think? I wouldn't worry about that "joy" comment.
That necklace must set off your green eyes. Both are very beautiful! (And joyful!
)
Great pic Terri! I want a necklace like that one!! (Christmas is coming ..... hint hint)
I am curious as to how you can define anybody as a "stowaway" on The Destiny's Quest ... Dread blocks those he perceives might even attempt at some point to disagree with him or challenge his supposed "logic" -- and so it is sometime necessary to take on a new screen name in order to make a counter point.
Case in point: I tried to respond to you under his blog regarding this subject ... because that is where the comment you made that bothered me happens to be ... only he has blocked me. I haven't said a word to the man, in person or otherwise, since I made it clear that my perspective is different from his on the issue of "who lied or didn't lie" over a month ago (a situation against which I am beyond tired of defending myself to total strangers who don't have anywhere near the entire story) -- and still he feels the need to block my screenname. IF I had any desire to talk to him, which I don't, the only way to do so would BE to get a new screenname. Many of the people he has blocked have done NOTHING other than question his views and impart their own only to be met with accusations of insanity and unstableness ... and then get blocked from commenting at all ... so I fail to see any connection to "stowing away" and attempting to manuver around his illogical and uncalled for blocking of any and all comments that challenge his "logic".
And please, before you say "It's his right to block anybody he wants to", which I certianly don't deny is correct, consider that the same is true for the flip side ... it is whomever is behind the triple screen name personas' right to make up as many names as necessary to be able to freely express his or her disagreement with Dread on a publicly available webblog site.
Peace and Blessings,
Bri
God Bless - Dale o/
Just write. :-Mike
Trying to turn ME off are ya??? THAT is like trying to get Pygmallion NOT to be so in love with Galatea that he doesn't wish her to come to life
Don't hold your breath waiting for THAT to happen
I like that portrait! The photo looks familiar. Keep writing! For literary criticism circle yourself with those whose opinions you most trust. Listen carefully to what they say but never forget your opinion is the most important. These are your worlds to craft - and they are beautiful.
beautiful photo and necklace!!!
Pshaw....not everyone likes what I read, but I do....dont let that stop you from getting your work published...you can do it!!!
Maybe that person lacks the joy he/she needs....
Tina
Beautiful necklace!
I know you as a thoughtful optimist, though I wonder if a positive outlook and a sense of the absurd qualify as joy. Joy to me seems a fleeting thing, something that fills to the point of overwhelming the senses, then like the foam on a glass of root beer settles into contentment or optimism or something slightly less.
I thought of you while in D.C. this summer. There was a Judy Chicago exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts that I desperately wanted to see, but I was outvoted by the 3 males in the family.
I am not surprised you wrote books , Terri . "More joy " ? Your writings often are deep and passionate . Perhaps this editor wants something lighter . Hard to understand .
Indeed you are smiling ...and nice .
Love
Michel
Well, just remember that of the "three different people" I'm sure only one would say "More joy." Only one person's opinion, don't over-analyze it. On the other hand, I'm a big fan of critiques. There has been the rare occasion when considering critiques have screwed up a story, but for the most part they have made my writing better.
Thank you for your honest and well spoken response - I disagree with some of what you said, but I better understand your perspective now. And that, IMO, is the crux of communication and really the only way to make this world a better place. We don't all have to agree with one another, nor share the same perspectives, so long as we are open to at least trying to understand that our own view is not a finite and absolute "truth" to anybody other than ourselves.
Peace and Blessings,
Bri
:clap: Congratualtions on the book!! That is quite the accomplishment!! Also your insight on ciritcizm hold true for a lot of things in life that we do!!
So pretty! I love the pic of you! You look sooooo happy! Take good care of you!
Comments are closed.