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I thought it would be a good idea to go to my own CPs for this one to see what they do in this situation. So I'd like you to welcome my guests, Leslie Rose and Julie Musil.
Julie's answer:
Great question, Barbara! If Lisa and Leslie's views differ greatly, I first say this, "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war." Whoever is the victor, that's whose opinion wins. Great, right?
Just kidding. If only it were that easy.
My advice would be to trust yourself, because reading and writing tastes are totally subjective. I might read a paragraph and love it, and someone else might read it and crinkle their nose. When I'm reading my CP's manuscripts, I just try to let them know what was in my head when I read it. If our other partner disagrees, I totally respect that. It's then up to the author to decide how to handle it. She can go with my opinion, the other partner's, or she can leave it alone. Same when they read my work...I weigh the comments from both partners carefully, and then go with my gut. When we critique our partners' work, all we can do is be kind, fair, and honest, and then let the author decide how to process that information.
Leslie's answer:
When I get differing opinions I use a four prong approach. First, I will try out both suggestions in a revision and see which one hits closer to the target I originally intended. Second, I may just side with the person whose comment is closer to my gut instinct. Third, I will seek a new opinion and see where it falls. Fourth, I will scrap the portion in question completely, go a whole new way with it and send it back to my CPs. Bottom line: I trust my partners deeply so if something popped out enough for one of them to comment on it then I know I need to address it.
Well there you have it! I love my CPs. Any other opinions out there? Share with each other in the comments. Personally, I like the thumb war... KIDDING!
Great post! I had the unfortunate experience of having 2 CPs agree but my agent come down on the opposite side! In that case, agent won. But when 2 CPs disagree ... I guess I do go with my instincts, but I always question whether I'm letting myself off too easy.
ReplyDeleteI have had beta readers say or recommend something that was off the point of what I wanted my manuscript to develop into. I picked apart points that stayed in line with what I the author wanted to write and let the other comments be set aside. I expect the same when I comment on others work. As a critique partner I know I can only give my opinion. But as an author I want to see the various interpretations of my work. It gives you an idea of the odds. If most of your critique partners/beta readers agree then that's a good sampling of the populations of readers.
ReplyDeleteBoth pieces of advice are great! It's such a balance--finding what works. I like the idea of trusting yourself and your story balanced with reworking and seeing where it leads.
ReplyDeletePS: Kinda freaky seeing that large photo of myself pop up on your blog today, Lisa. :-D
I'm not surprised these ladies have great advice! I like both sets of advice!
ReplyDeletePractical solutions to a very common problem! Thanks, this is so helpful. :)
ReplyDeleteI vote for the thumb war, too! If that's not scientific enough, though, there's always Rock, Paper, Scissors. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat said, great advice from all three of you! I especially love the idea of going with the idea that's closest to your gut instinct and, if that doesn't work, scrapping the whole section and starting over. It's wonderful that you've found critique partners you have so much trust in!
Great question and great advice, because in my experience, no one ever totally agrees! It's all so subjective, even when agreeing there is a problem.
ReplyDeleteI recently received feedback on a manuscript where I knew I had a problem, and various people had said what they thought it was, no one agreeing with anyone else. Finally, one person nailed it, and once she did, all the other critiques made sense. They'd all been skirting it, but just not a bulls-eye.
-- Susan
Lisa, thanks so much for hosting us today! Barbara, it was such a great question and it was fun to compare answers with Leslie. Trust and respect are totally key. And of course, the thumb war :)
ReplyDeleteSuper question, Barbara. I change my response - thumb war all the way.:)
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard when you get different opinions from writers you trust. I often take both into consideration and by the time I've filtered those comments through my brain I might have written something totally different. My theory is if there's a spot where I get comments--even diverse ones--there's something that has to be done. What, is the biggest question.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your bringing up a sensitive issue we've all experienced at one time or another. Great advice all the way around. Now, excuse me while I go do my thumb-strengthening exercises. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great critique threesome. Thanks, ladies!
ReplyDeleteI will sit and think about it for a while and see if it aligns with my vision for my story. I love my betas and always take their observations seriously!
ReplyDeleteIn such a situation, I go with my instincts keeping my audience in mind.
ReplyDeleteI love my crit buddies and really take to heart what they say... after I let it sit for a day or so. That way I have time to come back to the work objectively and see whose input feels right for the story.
ReplyDeleteI sit on the notes for a few days and then use the suggestions that truly fit the manuscript. Most of them are used, but others don't fit my vision.
ReplyDeleteAmazingly different attitudes you have about it. Once again proving that it's all subjective including reviews.
ReplyDeleteI haven't written anything to need a cp so I can't really join in this conversation!
Heather
This is a fantastic post and something I've dealt with, too! I always try to have both critters and betas--I define that as critters = fellow writers with whom I swap critiques; betas = average readers who aren't writers, but who I know love books. I have about three of the former and four of the latter, and I tell you, it makes a HUGE difference getting both sides of the coin.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, though, I think Julie & Leslie said it best. Go w/your gut. Thanks, LG! <3
How lucky to have such talented women critiquing for each other. Brilliant minds, indeed!
ReplyDeleteYou have to go with your gut. And I think it's also important to understand who your CP is. Since writing is so subjective and personal tastes differ, you really have to stick to your guns. Just cuz one of my CPs doesn't like a scene or a character, doesnt mean I cut it. I understand that it's the personal taste of that CP. But I've also found that great CPs add their reason and that it's a matter of personal taste. ;)
Great post and awesome advice!
ReplyDelete