Comments on: Finding Your Ideal Reader

By: James

James — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:08:40 +0000

@ RKP – All our posts are monitored, all the time, and we respond to every comment, no matter when the post was written. Hey, it’s still a good post, no?

To me, the most ideal reader you could share your work with is someone who loves you and knows you enough to say what needs to be said in a way that shows they still think you’re amazing.

They’re out there. You have them all around you.

By: Robert Powers

Robert Powers — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:04:12 +0000

I know this is an old post. I know that it may no longer be monitored. But, as an outlet, I feel the need to write something here. I have been a writer all my life starting in my pre-teen years. Everytime I devote my energy to writing, I get acolades and praises from “family and friends.”

Well, now I am 38. I have one 2 year old son and a second being delivered by the stork UPS in December. My wife and inlaws have always encouraged me to write. Well, This year, I decided it was time for me to get serious and persue my dreams of being a professional writer. My first effort was to read On Writing and read Writers’ Market.

I have completed two manuscripts and have started a third. I have not found my IR yet. I don’t know why either. I have a small list of people that are wanting to be one. Is it fear of rejection? Is it fear of pirating? Is it… selfishness? Have any of you experienced reservations when selecting your IR?

Typically (with the exception of this last month due to emotional exhaustion from trying to land an agent) I write betwen 1500 to 3500 words a day. When my heart, soul and mind are lost in the words, I can push out between 3500 to 5000 a day. You may have had this happen, it is much like tunnel vision. You see only the screen and everything around is blurred out. You know you have written something great when you look back and read and say ‘Wow, I had no idea I wrote that!’ For me, its like my mind is, for the lack of a better word, possesed by my characters in the book and they use my body as a conduit to express their stories. The book is truly the Boss!

Also, as one poster put it, I have doubts too. Finding an Agent is brutal and leaves a writer in dispair sometimes. Or it does me anyway. I love writing. I’ve seen my manuscripts make my wife and father-in-law cry, laugh and curse. I’ve seen my written words evoke emotions from happiness to anger for the few that have gotten to read what my heart has put on paper. And it is a gift that I take seriously. So seriously, that I want to make the correct choice with selecting an IR. I have a VERY small circle of friends (like 3) to pull from. The rest are business associates. Any suggestions?

Thank you
RKP

By: A Little Summer’s Almost Over Weekend Link Love : Freelance Writing Jobs

A Little Summer’s Almost Over Weekend Link Love : Freelance Writing Jobs — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:56:34 +0000

[...] friend Harry MacLeod talks to us about finding his ideal [...]

By: Brad’s Reader » Blog Archive » Friday Link Love 08/22

Brad’s Reader » Blog Archive » Friday Link Love 08/22 — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:11:00 +0000

[...] Finding your ideal reader [...]

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:12:26 +0000

Harry, I read "On Writing a few months ago and really gained a lot. It's funny though when I read that part I focused on the husband-wife thing and not the underlying insight. In some ways, my ideal reader will always be my mom. Even though no longer with me, I am always writing for her, wanting to hear her opinions, her comments and of course writing to make her smile with pride. She is the one who taught me to read, write and appreciate stories. She was my biggest cheerleader but also my coach who never let me rest on "good enough." Thanks for this post, it helps to consciously tap into that and allow it influence your writing. Karen Swims last blog post..Word Press 2.6.1

By: Cath Lawson

Cath Lawson — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:10:57 +0000

Hi Harry – as someone who has a good few part written novels that were written with the aim to please the masses, I totally hear what you’re saying.

When I made my first few attempts, I think I would have resorted to writing anything to get published. But when I look back – I’m so glad I didn’t. I think if you’re going to finish and complete a novel – it should be something you’ll be proud to see your name on – even if you have a tiny audience.

Cath Lawsons last blog post..Internet Popularity – Are You Faking It?

By: Urban Panther

Urban Panther — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:32:14 +0000

I'm with you, James. (What, is that twice now? Don't want to make a habit of it.) My Ideal Reader is me. If I chuckle as I'm writing, or my facial expression matches the tone of the story, then I know I'm doing a good job. I also go with my gut. When I originally wrote my post rebuting the Lion's post on vasectomies, the tone was really bitchy. *Really* bitchy. I sent it off to the Lion to read and asked him if it was too much. His reponse of 'OUCH, bitch!' told the tale, but he told me to keep it like that. I couldn't in all good consciousness to do, so I modified. My gut felt good again and I was able to hit the post button. If the Lion responds to your post, he better tell you that I am his Ideal Reader. You would not believe the stuff I have had to outright censor! LOL Urban Panthers last blog post..The Samson Factor

By: Jamie Grove - How Not To Write

Jamie Grove - How Not To Write — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:30:50 +0000

My ideal reader is the person who tells me that the first 9 pages of carefully wrought prose need to go. He may be wrong about that but he told me straight up and why. People like that are just the sort you need to surround yourself with in order to improve your work.

Great post, Harry!

Jamie Grove – How Not To Writes last blog post..A Writer’s Choice

By: Janice C Cartier

Janice C Cartier — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:08:51 +0000

Yes, Harry. By “soft” I meant trusted… and substantial too. Substance is very important. Hm. I’m reading for someone now. I am honored to have that trust. And he returns the favor. So far though I think I have been tougher on him than he is on me… I will see what can be done about that. Thanks for writing about this just at the very time when I need it.

Janice C Cartiers last blog post..Not this Color, Exactly

By: Harry

Harry — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:50:35 +0000

@Janice: I’m all about a soft place to land, but even that landing has some substance to it.

@Graham: Honest feedback is the key right there.

@Michael: whether it’s reader or client, it comes down to the same thing – the public. Some people are just more public than others.

@James: Someone has to keep The King’s ego in check.

@Luis: That’s okay, people get us confused all the time. You must have been temporarily blinded by James’ brilliance