Rediscovering art, writing and raising grandchildren

 I hope there is value in this discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_V-l5aghR0

     I am pleased you have received your reviews back, all of them. That is an achievement in itself, you must have a great circle of friends, keep them close. I get the fact you are confused by a couple of responses but consider this. Your friends may not be reading within their genre, and are not experienced, reviewers. They are doing this because they are your friends and have volunteered to help.   As to the others, great outcome. Where to from here? Despite the advice/observations returned to you, be selective in what you take out of the comments. Remember, it is your novel. Thank each person for their efforts, they may offer their valuable services again. The benefit of this, they are invested in your work and, are now experienced enough to accept your guidance on what you require.   However, simply because a reviewer comments on something, that does not mean a re-write of that chapter. However, if a comment is made that your main character, or any character. Has blue eyes on pag

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.