I workshopped the same first two chapters of a novel-in-progress at a writer's conference with two different instructors in subsequent years. The first instructor loved my work, said it was "terrific"; other participants also liked my work (they brought me cupcakes for my birthday). The following year, a different instructor hated my wor…
I workshopped the same first two chapters of a novel-in-progress at a writer's conference with two different instructors in subsequent years. The first instructor loved my work, said it was "terrific"; other participants also liked my work (they brought me cupcakes for my birthday). The following year, a different instructor hated my work (same two novel chapters, mind you). Her criticism was blistering; she said it was not a book she would ever buy. Of course, she later admitted, when we bumped into each other in the restroom, that she'd mixed my piece up with another participant's story that opened with a long, graphic rape scene straight out of a Dirty Harry movie. I was too embarrassed to go back to workshop and hid in my hotel room for the duration of the conference. Thing is, neither workshop led to me finishing my novel (I still have hope). Some years later, those same two chapters (I need some new material) got me into the Sewanee conference, so they couldn't be all bad.
That's a horriffic story Pips. That moderator had no right being in that position or saying those things. I hope she apologised publicly and explained her error to the group. I'm all for honesty but that criticism was egregious no matter which story she was commenting on. There's always a better way to say something. If she had such strong feelings about the other story she should have spoken quietly to its author afterwards.
Thanks, Aisling. I appreciate the support. For better or worse, I didn't go back to the workshop. I mostly just hid in my room the rest of the week. Sadly no one came by to say hello or see how I was doing. One guy emailed asking if I could still send him my feedback on his work! (Gets better and better, don't it?) I didn't want the whole experience to rattle me like that, but it did for quite awhile. I agree, I don't think the leader was in the right mindset to run the workshop. Apparently her mother had passed away recently.
I workshopped the same first two chapters of a novel-in-progress at a writer's conference with two different instructors in subsequent years. The first instructor loved my work, said it was "terrific"; other participants also liked my work (they brought me cupcakes for my birthday). The following year, a different instructor hated my work (same two novel chapters, mind you). Her criticism was blistering; she said it was not a book she would ever buy. Of course, she later admitted, when we bumped into each other in the restroom, that she'd mixed my piece up with another participant's story that opened with a long, graphic rape scene straight out of a Dirty Harry movie. I was too embarrassed to go back to workshop and hid in my hotel room for the duration of the conference. Thing is, neither workshop led to me finishing my novel (I still have hope). Some years later, those same two chapters (I need some new material) got me into the Sewanee conference, so they couldn't be all bad.
I don’t know anything about writing conferences but I do know that a useful workshop doesn’t involve telling people you hate their work! 😑
Thanks, Juliana. I appreciate the support.
That's a horriffic story Pips. That moderator had no right being in that position or saying those things. I hope she apologised publicly and explained her error to the group. I'm all for honesty but that criticism was egregious no matter which story she was commenting on. There's always a better way to say something. If she had such strong feelings about the other story she should have spoken quietly to its author afterwards.
Keep on writing!
Thanks, Aisling. I appreciate the support. For better or worse, I didn't go back to the workshop. I mostly just hid in my room the rest of the week. Sadly no one came by to say hello or see how I was doing. One guy emailed asking if I could still send him my feedback on his work! (Gets better and better, don't it?) I didn't want the whole experience to rattle me like that, but it did for quite awhile. I agree, I don't think the leader was in the right mindset to run the workshop. Apparently her mother had passed away recently.
Wow--can't believe that happened to you!