When it’s fair . . . And when it’s not
So, I was thinking about writing contests again . . . because I happen to think they’re a great opportunity to get a story in front of an editor or agent. But . . . when a writing friend recently received dreadful scores in a contest I thought about how those scores rattled her confidence and what might motivate the person doing the judging. The confidence thing is a biggie, because let’s face it, no one likes to hear that their work is less than wonderful. The judges comments were harsh and not helpful, and although the story does need work, I figured there had to be a better way of offering constructive criticism. However . . . this industry is also a business, and in business it is often a hard climb to the top. Judging, like anything, is subjective. Maybe those comments will be what motivates this writer to get back into the saddle and learn more about her craft, rather than send her off into a black hole of uncertainty about her writing skills. I prefer to look at at it as an opportunity to dust off and try again, and again, and however many times that are needed until the job is done and the story is right. I’ve been there, labouring over terrible scores and judges comments. But wallowing is fruitless. Bad scores and bad reviews are probably just as much a part of this business as contests wins and 4.5 star reviews. So, when it’s fair . . . it’s great, enjoy the moment. And when it’s not . . . don’t sweat it. There will be another contest and another opportunity to showcase your story. And that contests could have the judge who loves your story . . . which might lead you to an editors desk. And that’s the definately the place to be.
Cheers
Interesting post!
It's hard not to get caught up in numbers… and I guess that won't stop on the other side of the publishing divide. But it's simply a fact that writing/reading is subjective and not fair.
Life isn't fair either, why should writing be different?
Great comments Helen! You are certainly someone that has figured out the contest business but I do have to say, you are also thinking like a professional writer. Comments we get in contests are certainly the same thing as the reviews we get as published authors. We have to learn to work with the good and the bad. Yes, there will be bad reviews. Does this mean you writing isn't good? Not necessarily. It might simply mean you had a judge that just didn't connect with the writing. Dust your self off and move on. Still, you don't want to ignore those comments. There might be a nugget of truth hidden in those words of doom.
Scott
This is great advice, and I think once the shock wears off about getting such horrible feedback, the writer will take something positive out of the process, realizing that the journey is like a steep mountain to climb, but once you get to the top of the mountain it would have all been worth it. And as the cliché goes, what doesn’t break us can only make us stronger, and I think this is a great philosophy.
Excellent advice. The apprenticeship may be long, but a few words encapsulate it all. Never, never give up.