What is this infernal itch?

[wayfaringwordhack]

Why do I have this near-irresistible urge to post some chapters on the OWW? Every time I get a telltale that someone else has posted, my little writer voice says, "And our chapters? Don't you want to post our chapters, too?" And then I start thinking that maybe, if I'm not going to post, I could at least send it to betas, and, and...

Does anyone else experience this itch to be read, to share their creations, even if the creations aren't quite ready?

Comments

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes I do. But, folks aren't interested in my stuff, so I just re-read it myself.

However, if you need a beta reader, my hand is up. I always like to read other people's work. :D

[jongibbs.livejournal.com]

I think all writers want that.

Each to his own, but I personally wouldn't post anything I hoped to someday sell, since the moment I put it online, I'd severely limit my chances of anyone wanting to pay for the privilage of publishing it.

[jodi-davis.livejournal.com]

I think it's always tempting to have some sort of audience, but I've felt for awhile that it's a trackable event in a writer's evolution to be able to know yourself that it's not ready for viewing.

As a beta (ha - that made me think of Shadow Unit) or reader - I appreciate the restraint. And I HATE reading something and giving my critic back to the writer only to have them say, oh, well, I know that's a problem.

I like to read for writers who either think the work is ready or are having a problem and let me know it, asking me to look for it, or know that *something* doesn't work, but are too close to it for whatever reason and can't isolate it.

(volunteering for your beta roster, btw)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

But, folks aren't interested in my stuff, so I just re-read it myself.

Why do you say that?

However, if you need a beta reader, my hand is up. I always like to read other people's work. :D

Thanks! It will be with pleasure...if you are still interested a year from now. :P I aim to achieve first draft by Sept 20. I'll then let the project sit until we get back at the beginning of May. I hope--between and betwixt all the moving, apartment- and job-hunting--to do a first pass by June's end. *Then* I'll look for betas. :D

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*nods* Of course I would loved to published and have lots of readers, but sharing my work period is good for me.

I wouldn't post my work just anywhere, but I think the OWW is all right.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

An addendum to what I said:
First, I'd add "be" after "loved to." :P

Second, I didn't mean that like "being read by the masses no matter what" is good for me. I don't think I would self-publish. And I don't want to just put my stuff up on the net. I meant just share with friends and fellows writers.

The exchange of ideas and having just one someone who gets what I'm trying to do, who likes it, who supports me..that's rewarding and motivating to me.

I hope this is clear. It's creeping towards my bedtime, and my ability to make clear sentences decreases exponentially with fatigue. :P

[jongibbs.livejournal.com]

Lol, no problem. Sonds like you need to find yourself a good critique group :)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I've felt for awhile that it's a trackable event in a writer's evolution to be able to know yourself that it's not ready for viewing

I agree. I especially feel it is a pity to ruin your chance for fresh eyes. I have people that I show chapters at a time to, but I like to keep readers for whole MS swaps. People who have read countless versions of the story will never have the same reaction to the whole as a first time reader. Too many used-to-bes and ghost parts floating in their memories.

As you said, it's good to get feedback for specific trouble spots and not necessarily just because you want feedback. Which is what these posting urges are. And that's why I do my best to ignore them. ;)

(If you still feel this way in a year, I'll be happy to have you. :D )

[jongibbs.livejournal.com]

I second that opinion. I don't mind reading first drafts, so long as I know in advance, and the person isn't looking for a full critique. Otherwise, I feel like I've wasted my time becuase I haven't critiqued a 'finished' product :)

[pjthompson]

All the time!

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I have a good group of betas that have been with me through the years, even when I'm not being active on the OWW. I'm really lucky in that respect.

It's more of the "why do I need reads?" question I was getting at. I'm a rather down-to-earth person when it comes to my chances of getting published. My feet are positively rooted when it comes to thoughts of riches and fame. I would *like* for it to happen because, let's face it, validation feels terrific, but I don't bank on it. I don't dream about it.

I'm usually of the opinion that getting my stories on paper(pixels) is good enough for me, but if that is true, why do I want to share? Why do I want let someone else in on the magic of my imagination?

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Two peas of a pod are we.

[frigg.livejournal.com]

Aehm...as far as I remember it was YOU who made me post this time round.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Oh no. Not the three chapters in one go. I haven't been OWW posting for months now. :P