Hello,

I’m working on two pieces, a children’s book—don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy writing children’s books; its not—and a flash fiction story. Both projects have been critiqued by professional editors and did they do their jobs well; it would've brought tears to your eyes. The children’s book editor wrote a four page critique that was so far from glowing it took me two days to read because every negative made me wince. He took every element of the story apart and examined it in every direction. The flash fiction editor did the same and this piece is less than three-hundred words. Was I upset at the deconstruction of my work? Of course, because I thought I was a better writer than that (see how much I know) but my greatest emotions were humility, gratefulness, acceptance and eagerness. I’m going to do exactly what both editors suggested; there is no question I will follow their guidelines, why? Because they know better than I do--you already know how much I know.

I’m too close to my work, all writers are and if I get someone who knows how to edit and who is willing to look at my work dispassionately and let me know what works and what doesn’t I’m happy about it. How many chances do we writers get to connect with those who genuinely want to help make our work the best it can be, who take the time and effort to help us succeed? It’s about as many chances we get to see a rainbow.

So, I’m going to follow all the suggestions I’ve been given for both stories because they will only make the stories even better, maybe even wonderful and in the end isn’t that our only true goal.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please e-mail me at: matwrite1@hotmail. com. I’ll love to hear from you.

Until next time, God willing,

Lori