Comments on: Contest Redux

By: Rebecca Petruck

Rebecca Petruck — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:46:09 +0000

Once the workshopping is complete, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts about POV. Four of the five contest winners were in first person, as are a majority of books on the market. I admit to being a fan of third person close, and fortunately, there are many great books in that POV, too–INCARCERON, GRACELING, Shannon Hale’s titles. But I wonder about the seeming bias. First person creates a certain immediacy, but it’s limiting, too, in how and what information can be related. Is POV something you work with much, recommending one over another for different kinds of books?

By: Henryp

Henryp — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:18:54 +0000

…having suggested it, I missed it!

I was too busy fiddling with the 250 words and realising that my stuff took too long to get going… and there needs to be a hook REALLY early… and a hint of conflict… and…

Well I learned a lot. I shall now sit back and say “Ha! I wouldn’t have made that mistake!” as I read the entries.

Looking forward to it.

By: Michael G-G

Michael G-G — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:35:26 +0000

Glad you are enjoying Big Sur, Mary.

You are certainly a generous soul, offering this workshop. I may be in a minority of one, but I do have reservations from a writer’s standpoint. Anybody who wants to see why can stop in at my blog.

By: Franziska Green

Franziska Green — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:23:09 +0000

Cool offer, Mary. You’re like the Mother Teresa of the kid lit world, giving of your time and expertise to help those most in need!

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:08:19 +0000

This is SO helpful Mary. I won’t be entering because I don’t have material that’s appropriate for you, but I know I will learn so much from this. Thank you, Mary, for your time.

And thanks to all of YOU for putting your work out there for all of us! Even with the relative anonymity of the Internet, this is still a tough thing to do, so thank you!!

By: Davy

Davy — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:40:25 +0000

I think I’m excited for this prospect because I’d much rather have someone give me an honest opinion of what’s wrong with my book that what’s right — then I know I have something to work on.

By: Joseph Miller

Joseph Miller — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:34:56 +0000

Oops… I just realized that you “put” Workshop in the subject line… For some odd reason I read it as “include”… so my subject line reads:

Workshop Entry: Avery Mann’s Book of Misadventures

Should I resend my entry with just “Workshop” in the subject line? Or is it okay as is? Thanks.

Anyway, let me add my voice to the choir… this is a great idea!

Best Wishes,
Joseph

By: Beth Hull

Beth Hull — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:16:21 +0000

This is a good idea. I’m interested in submitting. Thank you!

By: Deni

Deni — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:00:03 +0000

I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Thank you for being so available for beginning writers.

By: Liesl

Liesl — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:41:49 +0000

This sounds great. I thought your opinions on what worked was spot on, so I would love to hear what you have to say about what doesn’t work.

Thanks!