Aspiring Romance Writers

I am thrilled today to have published Author Ericka Scott here to chat with us about having your WIP critiqued, s topic we should all pay attention to more closely.  Make sure you read to the very end as Ms Scott has a great contest for those who pay attention... With out further ado I present Ericka Scott.

I’m going to open with a joke, actually a video that has gone viral through the publishing community. Take a minute, watch, laugh…I’ll be waiting for your return.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9fc-crEFDw

You’re back! So, now, let me introduce myself. I’m Ericka Scott and I write Seductive Suspense, my own special blend of erotic romance and suspense. Currently, I have over 20 short stories, novellas, and novels published, and I’m glad to say I’m not done yet.

When I started writing back in 1996, I knew absolutely nothing about the publishing business. Most of the stories I wrote weren’t worth the paper I printed them on. Right about then, I stumbled upon a local RWA chapter in my area. Although I wrote mostly mystery at that point, they welcomed me with open arms and set me on the right path to publication. I can’t thank that little group enough.

What about you? You want to write a book. Or more specifically, you want to write a piece of fiction that is publishable. The story you want to tell has been bouncing around in your brain for days/weeks/months, even years. So, you sit down and you write, write, write, and write some more. When you read it, it’s perfect. The story that has been trapped in your head is now free to fly out onto bookshelves and become a bestseller. Well, maybe.

First, it will be a good idea to have a few people read the book, give you some feedback, let you know what they think about your little gem.

Where do you find these folks? You’ve heard time and again not to have your sister, your mother, your BFF read it. Deep down, you know that’s true. They are biased, especially your mom, who told you the burnt tuna noodle casserole you made her for Mother’s Day was the best she’d ever eaten. There has to be dozens of critique groups on the internet (and there are), but how do you go about finding them?

Now, if you have someone unbiased who will read your story and give you a truly honest assessment (like your best enemy or your brash, outspoken, and painfully honest best friend), you can start with them. Often just one really honest, caring, constructive critique partner is all you need.

But if you desire more than just one other opinion of your work – especially if your potential victim, oh, I mean critique partner isn’t familiar with current publishing conventions, writer’s groups (Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers) often have critique groups that you can join once you join the organization. Local libraries, bookstores, and community colleges also are a good place to look for critique groups. Or there is (key dramatic music) the internet.

Here’s a site that gives a few links (that’s an understatement) to get you started on joining a critique group or perhaps forming one yourself. There's also articles on how to get the most out of your critiques (both giving and receiving).

http://www.writing-world.com/links/critique.shtml

Critique groups work differently. Some require the piece to be read aloud and then everyone picks it apart while the author desperately scribbles notes. Some require a one-to-one critique. You must critique someone else’s work in exchange for a critique of your own. Some groups are big, some are small. You can even purchase critiques from agents and editors in several auctions. The largest that I know of is held every spring by Brenda Novak (www.brendanovak.com). Not only do the buyers get a valuable service but the proceeds from the auction go to fund research to cure diabetes.

My best advice is to try one. If that particular group/method doesn’t work for you, don’t give it up in a huff. Try a different group/different venue. It really is invaluable, and almost a necessity these days, to have input from someone who does care about you and your writing career before you send your precious story off to someone who doesn’t give a fig about who you are – agents, editors & publishers.

Ericka Scott is a multi-published, bestselling author of seductive suspense. Her most recent release is a short story, A Christmas Curse, appearing in 'Twas A Dark & Delicious Christmas anthology published by Evernight Publishing (www.evernightpublishing.com).

She also loves friends, so come friend her at http://myspace.com/erickascott

She's also on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ericka.scott  and Twitter @ErickaScott

You can find out more about her books at www.erickascott.com

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One lucky commenter will win a 10-page critique of their current work in progress. Winner will be drawn on December 16, 2011, so please make sure you include your e-mail in your comment. Ericka will contact the winner to make arrangements for the critique.

Ericka Scott

Seductive Suspense

www.erickascott.com