The
release of the prequel to Six Dead Men is looming (a month and a half to go) and my Writing Group has
become a screeching monkey on my back. Every time I go to the group they demand
even more edits. So just when I think I’m making significant headway and will
be ready to send a final copy off to my Advance Reader Team, I’m back to
snipping away at the novella. At this rate it’s going to be a narrative poem.
But the
truth of the matter is I love this interaction. Earlier this year, when I had to forego my
sessions with the group due to family commitments, I went through withdrawal and
began to edge towards malaise. And it wasn’t because of the lack of snacks and
drinks so kindly provided by the host of the evening. This group is the perfect
fit for me. They challenge me.
I’ve
been in groups where reviewers have oohed and aahed about my writing. As gratifying
as that was, the feeling always lasted for as long as it took me to drive home.
Deep down I always knew the work could be tons better. I never stayed in those
kinds of groups very long. I’d rather get all beat up and bloody during a critique
and go home battered but aiming for superior quality. My ego needs a bruising
from time to time otherwise I’d get complacent. I most certainly never want to
be that.
My beloved
and awe inspiring writing group have made me look at the bark and leaves of the
novella alongside the whiff of wild animal dung and decaying corpses in the
undergrowth. When you’re in the middle of the forest it’s so important to be
able to do that. So while the monkeys screech, holler and hoot, I’ll always be
certain I’m aiming for higher because of all that marvellous cacophony.
Dear
writing group
I love
you and simply cannot do without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. For all the
requests to delete and brief moments of praise. Thank you, thank you, thank
you. For the honesty, the lack of bull and most of all, the continued support.
See you in a fortnight for more of the same. I’m packing extra Arnica and possibly
a mini bottle of Prosecco to keep my strength up.
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