Someone far more musically adept than I once told me that you recognize a great bass player when you don’t even realize he’s there. Take him out of the music, though, and you’ll know something’s wrong.
Anyone who’s ever attempted to write a novel probably thought they had the greatest story ever told in the palm of their hands, only to have it rejected over and over again. You may have experienced the same thing. In fact, I’d lay odds on it.
Perhaps your plot was flawless. Or your characters seemed to pop out of the pages. Your prose darn near poetic. Yet still, not a single editor called you and swooned at the mere sound of your voice. Yes, I too was shocked.
Your problem–and mine–is the missing bass player.
Juggling the Components
I’ll go with Larry Brook’s summation of good story technique and suggest that there are 12 key components to a publishable novel. I won’t list them all here, but you probably already know most of them–concept, characters, theme, story structure, etc. We can talk details another day. Some may argue there are fewer than 12 key components and some may argue more. Pick whatever suites you, they all end up with the same end result.
My point is that, with all these components to absolutely nail during the writing process, the new writer–even veteran writers–struggle with at least one, probably several. What you and I need is someone tuned in to your missing bass player.
Partners in Tune
And this is one of the details you need to consider when choosing a crit partner or group. If you’re like me and have a partner, it does you little good if you share the same strengths and weaknesses. In this regard, the crit group is a better option. With three or four critters, odds are you’ll have all the components covered. The chore, however, is determining the strengths of each member. If Critter #1 is weak on tension, you probably want to give her advice on tension less weight. As you can surmise, determining the strengths and weaknesses of several people can be a challenge. Especially since all are learning and growing along with you.
The obvious upside to a single partner is that you can easily determine her strengths and weaknesses. You’ll likely discover one area where you both fall short. Not a huge problem. You’ll just have to know the hole in your armor is there and concentrate on it. Make a note to hang over your desk. Check for -ing words! or whatever it is you both lack. You can focus on single shortcoming for both your work and your partner’s. Because you’re lasered on it, you’ll both improve quickly.
Breaking up is hard to do–but necessary
However, if you discover three or four areas where you both struggle, you may have to make a decision–add a third to your group or find a new partner.
Yes, I know it seems heartless. You’ve bonded. Your partner needs you. She’ll be heartbroken.
Trust me on this one. No she won’t. Okay, maybe for a minute. No one likes to be alone. But your primary responsibility is to your writing career (after God and family, of course). You are not helping your partner by allowing her to submit one incomplete manuscript after another (I don’t like to call them bad, because often they’re just missing something). The sooner you part ways and find a partner who will shore up your shortcomings, the better off you both are.
Think of it this way: ever been fired from a job and, after the initial shock and starvation concerns, realized your boss just did you a huge favor? I know I have. Writing is a business. You must be business minded at least half the time if you’re going to succeed. A company owner surrounds himself with people who will add to his bottom line. You must do the same.
Growing into new relationships
I heard successful author Ronie Kendig say that her agent (Steve Laube) suggested she stop listening to her crit partner at the time because it was affecting her voice. This struck me because I’ve been a crit partner of Ronie’s and two other awesome ladies (I’m only allowed to drop one name per blog post). It made me think, though. If a sweetheart like Ronie can break away from partners who are no longer adding to her career, shouldn’t we all take heed? In case you haven’t noticed, Ronie is doing quite well. And I’ll bet most of her former critters are also doing well. Heartbroken all the way to multi-book contracts.
My partner is probably getting antsy about now. No, this is not a “Dear Critter” letter. Super G is good at pointing out my shortcomings (writing-wise…my wife has the rest of my life covered). Hopefully, I’m adding something to her career. At the very least, I’m able to give her male characters a realistic neanderthal persona. It’s a gift.
By the way, most of us know our weaknesses. Do your partner(s) a favor and let them know in advance. It’s easier to be tuned in when you know what you’re watching for.
Some of you are seeking critters. Some of you have had the same critters for a while but seem stuck in a writerly rut. Hopefully, most of you have found the perfect partner or group. But don’t be afraid to make a change. Those of us who’ve been interrupted don’t have any more years to waste. And neither do your partners. The best way you can show love to them is to give them the best partner you can. Just remember it might not be you.
How about you? Does your partner or group catch your missing “bass players”? How many partner changes have you made in your career?
