Okay, I know its not politically correct to vent on line but I'm about to do it. A friend of mine has been trying to get a manuscript sold for quite awhile. I've read it. Its well written. She has a lovely talent of describing things and places without bogging you down with extraneous information. And its a good read. Definitely falls under the category of sweet romance.
I just received an email from her telling me that a 'pro-writer' had been at her library reading and selling her (the pro-writer's) book. To boost interest she had a drawing offering a fifty page critique. Unfortunately, my friend won. This woman trashed my friend's work in front of other people, throwing around terms like no talent, no creativity, toss it.
Can you believe this?
Most of us that write are an insecure breed. Well okay obviously this particular 'pro-writer', and I use the term loosely because I don't understand a professional acting like that, is the exception. To do this to anyone is inexcuseable, but to someone who is still trying to sell her first novel. There's absolutely no excuse for it.
I've heard horror stories from my friends, and it always astounds me that anyone could have such a bloated, inflated ego that they would crush others to make themselves look good, at least in their eyes. And I can think of no other reason for such actions.
Have you ever had this happen to you? I sincerely hope not.
5 comments:
I believe the one with the insecurity here is the 'pro-writer' - what the hell is that anyway? 'Pro' as in prostitute so would that be a whore of a writer? Anyway, I absolutely believe this 'pro' trashed her book to make herself look better and more knowledgeable. What a wankerette. I think your friend should avoid whores...I means pros like this and go the tried and tested way and continue submitting to publishing houses. They, unlike this wankerette, know what sells. Just because she does not have a contract does not mean she will not get one. Tell your mate to move on and ignore/advoid the'pro-writer' species. She is worth more.
And gosh no, I would never vent in public either.
I entered a writing contest once and one of the judges totally trashed me and told me to give up writing altogether. Three of the others said good things. The fifth was downright encouraging and supportive with constructive criticism that made perfect sense. Guess which one stuck in my head the first three months.
Tell your friend she's not alone and not to let one person's cruelty ruin her dream.
Hugs to your friend. That's unacceptable how the "pro" acted. It's much more a reflection of the pro's poor attitude and unprofessionalism than of your friend.
That was stupid of that "pro", too. If I'd witnessed that or knew who it was, I'd steer clear of that writer and the writer's books forever.
No matter what level a writer is at, we need constructive, polite criticism. Rudeness doesn't help anyone.
Unfortunately, I've been shot down and embarrassed, too, in the writing world. There've been times I thought of quitting or did quit for a couple months. In the end, I keep writing, but avoid the nasty person who said hurtful things.
I saw a book at the store the other day by a writer that used to go out of her way to be nasty to me (screaming, insulting emails - lots of them). It sounded like a decent plot. But in the end, I didn't want to add to her sales figures or her income and I figured I'd have a hard time divorcing the story from the author, so I didn't buy it. I doubt I'll ever buy that person's books or anyone else who behaves that way.
I'm sorry you've had issues. There's just no excuse for it. And I agree, why buy her books.
My friend's situation has taken a humorous turn. Come to find out her 'pro' that offered the critique was a self published poet. grin. I have no problems with self publications, but it wasn't even someone familiar with her area of writing:)
Let me try it once more
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