Litopia

I'd quite like a 'common pitfalls' video regarding Pop UP submissions, though it doesn't have to be live. Writers often seem to make the same mistakes in their opening 700 words - telling not showing, too much backstory, not enough happening, writing themselves in, info dumps, over world building up front, instead of more organic insertion through the novel etc. It would be great if examples of great openings could be shared and analysed as to why they work too. This might help people refine their openings before submitting.

Your wish is my command, @Claire G p.

Thank you! x

I think it's a good idea, but writers are stubborn. This information is on every writers group, every agents page, every competition and yet..... I think it's a testimony to how difficult it is to step outside our own work. We see these things going wrong in others stories-but when we look at our own we see how we imagine it in our head. That perfect idea that we are striving for. Then we either pendulum back and forth between seeing the best or the worst. There's something about that first time our writing gets honest feedback from readers that shocks us into reality.

Yeah, totally see your point @Pamela Jo , but at least they'd have some criteria to look at as guidance when they're evaluating their 700 words, or even to give to a beta reader who can be more objective.

It constantly surprises me how common those mistakes are, though. It’s as if many / most writers can’t be bothered to do the basics. Or maybe don’t know where to start (hint: try Pop-Ups). This is, perversely, good news for those small number of writers who do care about honing their craft, ‘cos it leaves lots of room at the top for them...

For example… I had a submission yesterday from an author who actually had a decent idea but, yes, was making an awful lot of those basic mistakes. I sent an encouraging email back, suggesting she join us here and work through the ms… you would not believe how rude her response was. I guess I dodged a bullet there...

Some people can't take constructive criticism. Yes, it can knock your confidence/might hurt, but you get over it and become more determined to hone your craft. That's if you're serious about being a writer. You have to be open to the fact that your writing is not perfect (whose is?) and that people are only trying to help. That's why I value this group so much, so many generous, perceptive members, with excellent moderation. I see this platform as a gift; I feel so lucky to have discovered it. I love helping others, reading their comments on my own work, and participating in Pop Ups. If you can't take rejection, this business is not for you.

I've learned this through many years of submitting to agents. Over time, and across several different manuscripts, the form rejections gradually turned into more personalised rejections, then those that came with genuine encouragement, until I finally started receiving full requests. I now have an agent and my novel is on submission to publishers. It may not get a deal, but hey, there's always the next book, right?

Another writers group I'm in preaches against those same mistakes-yet substitutes a formula instead. There is so much available information yet in the end you have to make that transition to the next level alone, making peace with moxie and humility as equal virtues.

I have a feeling most people will look at proffered criteria, dismiss it because they already know it and submit as is. Afterall they already do. How many even read the directions on blurbs. Or the character count? But that doesnt mean it's not worth trying. Maybe look for a way to get around the mental barriers so that writers have a wake up and smell the coffee moment? Try to put it in a way that is fresh and new?