Rediscovering art, writing and raising grandchildren

I’m sitting at the kitchen table early one morning late last year, staring at my Mac, trying to get my head around this blogging caper, when Mr Seven year-old approaches me clutching a book. “P-oooop?” I know from experience, the longer the ‘ oooop ’, the bigger the question he will ask. “Yes, mate. What have got there?” “A book on ancient Egypt, see.” He proudly hands me a thin, illustrated children’s book from the school library. “Wow, that’s impressive.” “Did you and Nan ever live in ancient Egypt?” Having a quick flick through, I say. “Well, I’m ancient, true and might easily have fitted in. But, Nan’s way too young to have lived there. Why, mate?” “They had lot’s of slaves back then, didn’t they to make beds, cook and look after kids?”   “That’s what’s in this book, why’s that, mate?” “Slaves did everything for them, didn’t they? Like making things and cleaning.” “I guess so, mate.” “You and Nan, you’re just the slaves back then only to me and Ayden.” “Ver

The question you ask about seeking reviews caused me a lot of anguish back in the day. I was quite naïve, wondering how to proceed in a manner that most benefited me with an outcome that improved my work.   I trawled through writing organisation sites looking at advertisements. Subsequently, I sought out a professional reviewer. That cost me money, time, and frustration at the poor response I received. Two more times I sought reviews, only to receive inadequate advice.   Look closely at the reviewer and what is offered. Ignore their testimonials, they’re never going to present you with a bad one. Ask yourself, what is it this person will do for my dollar before you invest?   Before I write more, I will provide you with advice on a paid way forward, and a free way to understanding your writing needs.   The paid way. Investigate the reviewer as if you were creating a character from several explored sources. Is this person working in the genre you write in? No good asking a romance review

Write with passion, edit like a sword-swinging barbarian, and review with the purpose of continuous improvement.    You are not done until you have tortured yourself about dialogue, scene-setting and characterisation.    When it is polished to perfection and your vision shines onto your intended audience, you will know it is time to submit.