My Top 10 Pet Peeves (as a Writer)
Let's face it - as soon as someone hears that you are a writer you are typically bombarded with either questions or requests.
At least, that's what I've found.
There are always going to be people out their to give you their two cents, even if you don't want it. Especially if you don't want it.
I decided to compile of list of my top 10 Pet Peeves as a writer mainly to vent.
10. Blatantly insulting a writer.
It takes a lot of courage to let someone read what you wrote. For the longest time I wouldn't let anyone read my writing. I just kept it to myself. When I did let someone read my writing, it was only someone online who I didn't know personally. It was easy for me to allow them to read my writing because if they judged me for it or didn't like it, who cares? I didn't know them.
It took me a very, very long time to allow my friends to read my writing. And even longer to let my family.
This is why, when someone blatantly insults someone's writing, it gets on my nerves. This person put themselves and their writing out there. They took a chance. And because you don't like what they wrote you feel you have the right to bring them down? NO! Just shut up and go on your merry way!
9. People who ask the general question: "What do you write about?"
The question is harmless enough, I know. It's a simple question. The problem is, there is no simple answer. Most writers are involved in multiple projects and genres. I have rarely heard of a writer who hasn't branched out to explore other writing options. It's how you grow as a writer. So when people ask "What do you write about?" how are you supposed to respond? Everything! I writing about everything!
It's hard to give an honest answer without sounding like you're bragging. For example, when people ask me what I write about, currently my response is "I'm focused on several different projects at the moment." It's easier then saying, "Well I just wrote a book, I'm writing two more at the moment and I'm working on a blog."
Another reason why it's a pet peeve is because people don't really care when they ask.
There has been so many times when people have asked me that question, but as soon as they find out I write fantasy, they immediately lose interest and change the subject. If you're not really interested, don't ask!
8. People you barely know who want you to put them in your writing: "Can you write a character about me?", "Can you have a character named after me?", "What if this person did this and this and this, like I do?"
I will answer this with a simple statement: "NO I WON'T PUT YOU IN MY FUCKING WRITING! GET OFF MY BACK!"
Ehhmm...I mean, no, I'm sorry. If I do not know you, why would a name a character after you? Or base one off of you? This is my writing. MY thoughts and stories. If you don't cross my thoughts, you're not crossing into my writing. Sorry. Not going to happen.
I always found this question so random and incredibly self-absorbed. Do you really feel that you are that special? Or, on the opposite end, are you that desperate for attention?
7. People who try to take over your writing: "Oh you should really do this instead!" or "I don't think that character who do that."
Listen. It's my writing. I am creating the story. I am creating the characters. I will make them do or say anything I feel is right.
You never try to take over someone's writing, especially if you don't write yourself. There is nothing worse then someone who doesn't write, trying to tell you how to write. Backseat drivers are annoying. Backseat gamers are annoying. Backseat writers are the WORST! Unless the writer is specifically asking you for your opinion, don't offer it. Not only is it insulting to the writer, but you might not have all the information.
For example, if a character who you didn't think was violent suddenly does a violent act, don't put your two cents in. Don't tell the writer that the scene is wrong or shouldn't have happened. You probably don't have all the information. The safest thing to do is assume the writer knows what they are doing.
Surprisingly, most writers do.
6. Asking a writer when they are going to be finished writing: "So when do you think you'll be done?" or "Do you know when you're going to finish writing your book?"
I can guarantee that a writer never knows when they are going to be finished. They can have a general idea of when they will be done, or a deadline. But deadlines are more suggestions, am I right?
Even if the story has been written, editing can take longer than the writing! It took me roughly 11 months to write the main storyline for BLOOD but almost two years to complete the editing process. Well, a year and a half but it felt like two years!
Asking the writer when they will be done will not only induce rage, but will also make the writer feel rushed. Rushed writing is poor writing. If the writer is taking their time, that's a good sign. They are actually thinking about the story and what they are putting down on paper. A better way to phrase the question would be "Do you have a release date you're shooting for?" It's a little more relaxed than asking when they will be outright done.
5. Begging a writer to read their writing, then not actually reading it.
I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me!
Again and again I have people who tell me they want to read my writing or they can't wait to read my writing. I send it to them, looking and hoping for feedback and then, nothing. Nada. Zilch. Is my writing so bad that they just decided to disappear off the face of the Earth? I'm hoping not, but that's what it feels like.
If you tell a writer you will give them feedback, at least followup with them. Even if you end up not having the time to read it, or something else gets in the way. At least let the reader know. In the past when this has happened to me I have internalized their lack of response. I always feel like they just didn't like it and don't want to tell me. Or that they really didn't care to begin with.
4. Pointing out writing mistakes when the writer doesn't ask you to.
Look, I know my first drafts can be very grammatically incorrect. I get it. It's a first draft.
When I'm writing a first draft, I'm more focused on the story than anything else. So if you ask to read the first draft, and I warn you that it hasn't been edited, DON'T POINT OUT MISTAKES! I know there are mistakes! I literally just finished telling you that there are mistakes!
I don't mind if you tell me a sentence doesn't make sense, because you can't give me feedback on the content if you don't understand what I'm trying to say. However, if I forgot a comma or quotation mark, don't point it out. It feels like you're nitpicking.
3. Judging a writer based on their stories.
Creative writing is about letting your imagination run free. It's about telling a story. Some stories are darker than others. Some cover topics that people are uncomfortable with.
Just because you're uncomfortable with something you read, doesn't give you the right to judge the writer. All they did was tell a story.
I think most people who judge writers negatively for what they've written do so because they are uncomfortable with the fact that what the person wrote has some truth to it. There are many terrible things in this world. Things that people don't even know about or think about. If a writer decides bring awareness to these things, that doesn't give you the right to judge them.
You know how they say, don't judge a book by its cover? Well don't judge a writer by their story.
2. Not being honest when critiquing a writer
I will admit I am guilty of this one.
I find it so hard to give my honest thoughts on someone's writing because you never know how someone is going to react. In the past, when I have been asked for my opinion I was immediately shot down or the person got angry with me. As a result, it's very hard for me to give my honest thoughts.
It's also because I have been on the other end of the critique. I am guilty of getting upset about feedback. Thankfully, college pretty much beat that out of me.
So when I ask for honest opinions and all I get is "It was good" with no followup or details, I get frustrated. A lot of writers strive on feedback. What was good? The characters, the story? What did you like about the characters? What scenes did you enjoy the most? What scenes did you not enjoy? Why didn't you enjoy them? Did they not make sense? Why? WHY? WHY? WHY?
I can't improve my writing if you don't give me something to go on. I can't make my writing the best it can be if I don't know what's wrong with it. Scenes may sound great to me, but that's only because I know how they are supposed to read.
I want to say thank you to everyone who read BLOOD and gave me honest feedback. It was so helpful and I had a lot of fun with it. Now, when I'm working on SILVER or To Court Death, I think about the feedback I was given on BLOOD and I try not to make the same mistakes I made then.
1. People who laugh at English Majors or don't understand what Creative Writing is: "You went to school for Creative Writing? What does that mean?" or "You went to school for Creative Writing? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA."
First off, what does creative writing mean? It means writing. . . creatively. There's not really a complicated definition. It's just writing.
Believe it or not, having someone laugh at my major happened to me on my last day on my college campus. I worked in the Admissions Office and gave tours to families and students who were interested in the college. I did this for two years and never had anyone give me any sort of grief over my major. In fact, several parents were very interested in the major and actually were curious as to what writing projects I was working on and what I wanted to do with my writing in the future. I even caught the attention of several students who were interested in the same major. Once they learned what I was studying, their whole attitude towards the tour changed and they became engaged and excited.
But, on my last day, when an overbearing mother asked me what I was graduating with a degree in, and I told her, her response was "Oh, hahahahahahaha!" The bitch outright laughed in my face! I had just spent four years studying literature and how to become a better writer. I endured having essays and readings in every single class because I wanted to improve one of the few talents I had. I was in the process of writing a book, something I had been dreaming of doing since I was 14. And this woman, who didn't even know me, laughed because I was studying English.
Well screw you random lady! I got my current job because I'm a writer. I wrote and self-published a novel and now I'm writing two more novels at the same time. I WIN!
There are always going to be people out their to give you their two cents, even if you don't want it. Especially if you don't want it.
I decided to compile of list of my top 10 Pet Peeves as a writer mainly to vent.
10. Blatantly insulting a writer.
It takes a lot of courage to let someone read what you wrote. For the longest time I wouldn't let anyone read my writing. I just kept it to myself. When I did let someone read my writing, it was only someone online who I didn't know personally. It was easy for me to allow them to read my writing because if they judged me for it or didn't like it, who cares? I didn't know them.
It took me a very, very long time to allow my friends to read my writing. And even longer to let my family.
This is why, when someone blatantly insults someone's writing, it gets on my nerves. This person put themselves and their writing out there. They took a chance. And because you don't like what they wrote you feel you have the right to bring them down? NO! Just shut up and go on your merry way!
9. People who ask the general question: "What do you write about?"
The question is harmless enough, I know. It's a simple question. The problem is, there is no simple answer. Most writers are involved in multiple projects and genres. I have rarely heard of a writer who hasn't branched out to explore other writing options. It's how you grow as a writer. So when people ask "What do you write about?" how are you supposed to respond? Everything! I writing about everything!
It's hard to give an honest answer without sounding like you're bragging. For example, when people ask me what I write about, currently my response is "I'm focused on several different projects at the moment." It's easier then saying, "Well I just wrote a book, I'm writing two more at the moment and I'm working on a blog."
Another reason why it's a pet peeve is because people don't really care when they ask.
There has been so many times when people have asked me that question, but as soon as they find out I write fantasy, they immediately lose interest and change the subject. If you're not really interested, don't ask!
8. People you barely know who want you to put them in your writing: "Can you write a character about me?", "Can you have a character named after me?", "What if this person did this and this and this, like I do?"
I will answer this with a simple statement: "NO I WON'T PUT YOU IN MY FUCKING WRITING! GET OFF MY BACK!"
Ehhmm...I mean, no, I'm sorry. If I do not know you, why would a name a character after you? Or base one off of you? This is my writing. MY thoughts and stories. If you don't cross my thoughts, you're not crossing into my writing. Sorry. Not going to happen.
I always found this question so random and incredibly self-absorbed. Do you really feel that you are that special? Or, on the opposite end, are you that desperate for attention?
7. People who try to take over your writing: "Oh you should really do this instead!" or "I don't think that character who do that."
Listen. It's my writing. I am creating the story. I am creating the characters. I will make them do or say anything I feel is right.
You never try to take over someone's writing, especially if you don't write yourself. There is nothing worse then someone who doesn't write, trying to tell you how to write. Backseat drivers are annoying. Backseat gamers are annoying. Backseat writers are the WORST! Unless the writer is specifically asking you for your opinion, don't offer it. Not only is it insulting to the writer, but you might not have all the information.
For example, if a character who you didn't think was violent suddenly does a violent act, don't put your two cents in. Don't tell the writer that the scene is wrong or shouldn't have happened. You probably don't have all the information. The safest thing to do is assume the writer knows what they are doing.
Surprisingly, most writers do.
6. Asking a writer when they are going to be finished writing: "So when do you think you'll be done?" or "Do you know when you're going to finish writing your book?"
I can guarantee that a writer never knows when they are going to be finished. They can have a general idea of when they will be done, or a deadline. But deadlines are more suggestions, am I right?
Even if the story has been written, editing can take longer than the writing! It took me roughly 11 months to write the main storyline for BLOOD but almost two years to complete the editing process. Well, a year and a half but it felt like two years!
Asking the writer when they will be done will not only induce rage, but will also make the writer feel rushed. Rushed writing is poor writing. If the writer is taking their time, that's a good sign. They are actually thinking about the story and what they are putting down on paper. A better way to phrase the question would be "Do you have a release date you're shooting for?" It's a little more relaxed than asking when they will be outright done.
5. Begging a writer to read their writing, then not actually reading it.
I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me!
Again and again I have people who tell me they want to read my writing or they can't wait to read my writing. I send it to them, looking and hoping for feedback and then, nothing. Nada. Zilch. Is my writing so bad that they just decided to disappear off the face of the Earth? I'm hoping not, but that's what it feels like.
If you tell a writer you will give them feedback, at least followup with them. Even if you end up not having the time to read it, or something else gets in the way. At least let the reader know. In the past when this has happened to me I have internalized their lack of response. I always feel like they just didn't like it and don't want to tell me. Or that they really didn't care to begin with.
4. Pointing out writing mistakes when the writer doesn't ask you to.
Look, I know my first drafts can be very grammatically incorrect. I get it. It's a first draft.
When I'm writing a first draft, I'm more focused on the story than anything else. So if you ask to read the first draft, and I warn you that it hasn't been edited, DON'T POINT OUT MISTAKES! I know there are mistakes! I literally just finished telling you that there are mistakes!
I don't mind if you tell me a sentence doesn't make sense, because you can't give me feedback on the content if you don't understand what I'm trying to say. However, if I forgot a comma or quotation mark, don't point it out. It feels like you're nitpicking.
3. Judging a writer based on their stories.
Creative writing is about letting your imagination run free. It's about telling a story. Some stories are darker than others. Some cover topics that people are uncomfortable with.
Just because you're uncomfortable with something you read, doesn't give you the right to judge the writer. All they did was tell a story.
I think most people who judge writers negatively for what they've written do so because they are uncomfortable with the fact that what the person wrote has some truth to it. There are many terrible things in this world. Things that people don't even know about or think about. If a writer decides bring awareness to these things, that doesn't give you the right to judge them.
You know how they say, don't judge a book by its cover? Well don't judge a writer by their story.
2. Not being honest when critiquing a writer
I will admit I am guilty of this one.
I find it so hard to give my honest thoughts on someone's writing because you never know how someone is going to react. In the past, when I have been asked for my opinion I was immediately shot down or the person got angry with me. As a result, it's very hard for me to give my honest thoughts.
It's also because I have been on the other end of the critique. I am guilty of getting upset about feedback. Thankfully, college pretty much beat that out of me.
So when I ask for honest opinions and all I get is "It was good" with no followup or details, I get frustrated. A lot of writers strive on feedback. What was good? The characters, the story? What did you like about the characters? What scenes did you enjoy the most? What scenes did you not enjoy? Why didn't you enjoy them? Did they not make sense? Why? WHY? WHY? WHY?
I can't improve my writing if you don't give me something to go on. I can't make my writing the best it can be if I don't know what's wrong with it. Scenes may sound great to me, but that's only because I know how they are supposed to read.
I want to say thank you to everyone who read BLOOD and gave me honest feedback. It was so helpful and I had a lot of fun with it. Now, when I'm working on SILVER or To Court Death, I think about the feedback I was given on BLOOD and I try not to make the same mistakes I made then.
1. People who laugh at English Majors or don't understand what Creative Writing is: "You went to school for Creative Writing? What does that mean?" or "You went to school for Creative Writing? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA."
First off, what does creative writing mean? It means writing. . . creatively. There's not really a complicated definition. It's just writing.
Believe it or not, having someone laugh at my major happened to me on my last day on my college campus. I worked in the Admissions Office and gave tours to families and students who were interested in the college. I did this for two years and never had anyone give me any sort of grief over my major. In fact, several parents were very interested in the major and actually were curious as to what writing projects I was working on and what I wanted to do with my writing in the future. I even caught the attention of several students who were interested in the same major. Once they learned what I was studying, their whole attitude towards the tour changed and they became engaged and excited.
But, on my last day, when an overbearing mother asked me what I was graduating with a degree in, and I told her, her response was "Oh, hahahahahahaha!" The bitch outright laughed in my face! I had just spent four years studying literature and how to become a better writer. I endured having essays and readings in every single class because I wanted to improve one of the few talents I had. I was in the process of writing a book, something I had been dreaming of doing since I was 14. And this woman, who didn't even know me, laughed because I was studying English.
Well screw you random lady! I got my current job because I'm a writer. I wrote and self-published a novel and now I'm writing two more novels at the same time. I WIN!
Oi I should probably get to reading your book and offering that feedback I said I would huh? lol
ReplyDeleteSeriously I will get to it though!