[IndieBookMan] Your novel sucks.

Here is a thoughtful bit of advice from Salon advice columnist Cary Tennis. He was, basically, asked how the letter writer should respond to a sensative friend who had requested comments on a "horrible novel."

Fortunately, every book and manuscript I have ever been asked to read has been great (especially yours, if I have read it!) so I have neeever been in this situation.

But I like Cary's advice, which is, basically, don't comment at all.

If I were you I would politely refuse to say anything about her novel. I would refuse to comment on it. For years I have had a policy that I mostly do not comment on people's work. I just don't. The medium of "commenting" is too freighted with meaning. It's a rigged system. It's a trick question. There is too much hunger associated with the act of writing. You never know what you're walking into.

I think that is very fair.

Now, as a lot of you are actually writers... you may find yourself asking for comments from friends and family to whom you have entrusted your drafts. Please be kind. Allow them the freedom to read it without commenting.

If you really want comments to help you develop your writing/story/novel... take a class or join a writing group. Leave the heavy crit work to folks who will not feel that your freindship will be threatened by honesty.

And finally, when you get comments/crit, remember that no writing is perfect. If you dismiss criticism you miss an opportunity to grow. Listen well, be thankful, and carefully consider the gift you have been given.

Posted via email from The Book Mob