THOUGHTS ON MY WILLIAM MOODY WHITTLING?

[ddnoe]

Has anyone had a chance to read my William Moody Whittling? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

[Kat]

Well, I really liked it. I did not know he served in all 3 branches of the US government. I wonder if he is the only person to do so?

[ddnoe]

Well, I really liked it. I did not know he served in all 3 branches of the US government. I wonder if he is the only person to do so?

(Denise) I don't know the answer to that. What did you like about the Whittling?

[Kat]

Well, you picked a subject I did not know much about, so I really learned something. I like to learn something.

It seemed a mature rendering- no angle or slant- a good biography.

[Kat]

Now I have to bring cookies to all the Hatchet contributors...because I really like them all a lot!

How did you like my article?

[Bob Gutowski]

Denise, how did YOU feel about it? I have some thoughts, but if you take as objective a look as you can at it, what occurs to you?

[ddnoe]

Denise, how did YOU feel about it? I have some thoughts, but if you take as objective a look as you can at it, what occurs to you?

(Denise) I turn a piece in when I think it's about as good as I can make it. However, as Jayne Mansfield said, "Life is one constant search for betterment for me." A writer can never look with much objectivity at his or her own works which is why I solict my readers' opinions.

[augusta]

I think you may be an exception to that, Denise. Your articles are always excellent. I think you have the ability - and that you use it - to be objective about your own piece. That is part of what sets you above many other writers.

I have not read your article yet this issue. I don't have a real interest in Moody and may not read it, but my not reading it has nothing to do with you. I'd bet you a molasses cookie your article is great!

There is nothing wrong with you asking readers' opinions on your work. I think it's a good thing. But, since you always - without fail since I've been reading you - score a "10", I hope you are not being over-critical about yourself.

I have known people with wonderful talents that would turn out a beautiful product, for whatever reason could not see how good it was and did not believe how talented they were - and they would destroy it - just throw it away! Then they'd try again, and the same thing over and over. They tortured themselves, striving for God knows what, putting a cork over their talent as they struggled to pop the cork, when all it really took all along was moderate effort.

I have never seen signs of your being over-critical in your work - yet. Signs can be rewriting beyond what should be your last draft. Feeling generally unsatisfied after you finish, instead of satisfied. Frustration when you work, more than enjoyment. The worst is over-writing. That's when you push yourself to an extreme and you keep adding and adding, not sure anymore what to keep in, what to keep out. The sense of objectiveness starts to go out the window. That's when a person graduates with a major in "perfectionism". It's a lousy career. Their goal is forever elusive.

After I've done the best I can with a piece, I send it off. If it gets published I know I've done it right.

With your proven talent, I hope you will never be one. I take the time to post this because you are worth it. You are good. And I hope that you believe that.

[ddnoe]

I think you may be an exception to that, Denise. Your articles are always excellent. I think you have the ability - and that you use it - to be objective about your own piece. That is part of what sets you above many other writers.

(Denise) Augusta, thank you so much for your compliment.



<<I have not read your article yet this issue. I don't have a real interest in Moody and may not read it, but my not reading it has nothing to do with you. I'd bet you a molasses cookie your article is great! >>

(Denise) Why don't you start it and see if the Whittling gets your interest in Moody up? : )

<<There is nothing wrong with you asking readers' opinions on your work. I think it's a good thing. But, since you always - without fail since I've been reading you - score a "10", I hope you are not being over-critical about yourself.>>

(Denise) I don't think I am. However, there are people who dislike my work.

<<I have known people with wonderful talents that would turn out a beautiful product, for whatever reason could not see how good it was and did not believe how talented they were - and they would destroy it - just throw it away! Then they'd try again, and the same thing over and over. They tortured themselves, striving for God knows what, putting a cork over their talent as they struggled to pop the cork, when all it really took all along was moderate effort.

I have never seen signs of your being over-critical in your work - yet. Signs can be rewriting beyond what should be your last draft. Feeling generally unsatisfied after you finish, instead of satisfied. Frustration when you work, more than enjoyment. The worst is over-writing. That's when you push yourself to an extreme and you keep adding and adding, not sure anymore what to keep in, what to keep out. The sense of objectiveness starts to go out the window. That's when a person graduates with a major in "perfectionism". It's a lousy career. Their goal is forever elusive.

After I've done the best I can with a piece, I send it off. If it gets published I know I've done it right.

With your proven talent, I hope you will never be one. I take the time to post this because you are worth it. You are good. And I hope that you believe that.

>>

(Denise) Thank you again -- very, very much, Augusta.

[Kat]

Well, I am glad of your response, Denise.
I'm waiting for my hard copy and intend to read you again. Then I will write more about it.