I think there are a lot of unrealistic ideas and/or expectations about what critique partners can or cannot do for you out there. I’m constantly amazed by some of the things people say they want from their CPs, but they don’t realize that it’s not something their CPs can do for them. Here’s a partial list:

1. Help me write / finish my story.
2. Help me with motivation.
3. Help me with basic grammar.
4. Help me get an agent and/or sell.

Help me write / finish my story.

Unfortunately, your CPs can’t write your story for you. The only thing they can do is help you improve what you’ve already written. That’s it. I’m hugely puzzled by the idea that having a CP or two can magically help people finish their manuscript.

Help me with motivation.

This is somewhat tied to the previous item, but unless you’re already motivated deep in your heart, I don’t think anyone can help you. I think a CP can provide a shoulder to cry on when you get really discouraging rejections, cheer you on, etc., but I honestly don’t think they can help you become motivated. I’m not saying that a support network is useless, just realize its limitations. If all that was needed was a CP to be motivated, everyone with a CP would be writing and producing saleable projects. Sadly, this isn’t the case.

Help me with basic grammar.

Unfortunately, you have to learn basic grammar yourself. I’m not talking about something like how to use comma or something that can be a matter of style (depending), but I am talking about not using the right tense, etc. I know it can be hard, and I make mistakes, too. We’re all human. But the last thing your CPs want to do is fix every single basic grammar mistake you make. I’ve seen people submit incoherent — incoherent because of horrific grammar –chapters for critique. I couldn’t tell who was doing what or to whom because none of the sentences had clear subjects, verbs, objects, etc. That’s bad. I usually ignore such chapters because I don’t feel like spending an entire week trying to decipher each line, and I personally feel that it shows a disregard for your CP’s time. A writer’s tool is language, and the basic engine of clear communication is grammar. So learn it well. Your chances of finding good CPs and keeping them will increase.

Help me get an agent and/or sell.

I think good CPs can help make your writing stronger, which increases the likelihood of your landing an agent and/or publisher. But I don’t think that your CPs can actively help you get an agent or sell. You have to learn the industry, and you have to do the research and so on yourself. You can ask more experienced CPs for help, but ultimately, it’s your career.

I hope this is helpful. Feel free to comment on any other unrealistic expectations you’ve seen and how your crit partners have been helpful, or anything else you feel like talking about.

It’s here.

DD’s novella The Kandy Shoppe is out now. Yay! Congrats, DD!

There’s more to life than playing make believe.

Sandra Moyer has a good reason to distrust actors. She was once married to one who left her and her child. However, she’s desperate for publicity to help her struggling preschool. Hollywood playboy Ben Capshaw’s request to access her classes to prepare for a role is an offer she can’t refuse.

Sandra second guesses herself on that decision until she sees Ben in action with the children. Her apprehension turns to wonder, and then to feelings she’d thought were closed off forever. Yet how can she trust that what she’s seeing is real?

As a boy, Ben learned that acting was the answer to everything. The role he’s up for now will enhance his career and, he’s sure, secure his happiness. But spending time with Sandra and her daughter stirs up emotions that—for once—aren’t pretend.

Ben’s ready for a lifetime role as husband and father—if he can convince Sandra not to typecast him.

I’m totally surrounded by some truly talented ladies. I’m sure you remember me calling Bettie crack. Well…Jennifer’s The Role of a Lifetime is not. But then it’s to be expected. She write sweet romance.

Her book reminded me of homemade chicken noodle soup in winter, the kind that leaves you feeling warm, fuzzy and contented. It’s wholesome and smooth and has two lovely leads who are very real. Sandra is no super-duper assassin, but she’s a real woman dealing with very real problems of raising a child on her own, dealing with money problems, trying to be independent (financially or otherwise) and keeping her family together. Yes, she makes mistakes — but then who doesn’t? — and she has flaws, but that makes her HEA that much more poignant. Furthermore Ben’s transformation from a player to someone capable of showing real emotions felt totally believable, and you can’t help but root for those two people to be together.

So if you’re looking for a fast-paced romance with likable characters that leave you feeling happy and satisfied, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Jennifer’s The Role of a Lifetime.

P.S. Jennifer didn’t pay me to write this. Nor did she give me a free copy to pimp. But for those of you who are wondering, she is my crit partner (no, I’ve never critted this for her) and I think she’s a very lovely and talented writer.

My CP Bettie’s interview’s up.

Everybody go read it!

Well, I was talking with two my CPs — Jennifer & DD — about my blog. My main complaint was that I usually don’t have anything to say, so I wanted to shut down my blog.

Jennifer in particular thought I should write about what it’s like to live in Japan. I told her it’s not all that exciting, but she said I only thought that because I actually live here.

Mmmm.

Maybe I’ll blog about Japan…

For her May release: The Role of Lifetime

My crit partner, Cyn, is blogging today at Passionate Critters. Do check it out.

Please check out her call story.