So, I was perusing the Interwebs as I sometimes do and came across this very interesting project by Peter Selgin—a writer who also edits and teaches (because how many writers only have one job, right?). It's called "Your First Page" and, as the homepage states, it "is a craft forum to which authors are invited to submit the first pages of a works-in-progress (fiction or memoir) and get free critical feedback" from Peter and also get comments from followers of the blog.
I figured it would be an interesting exercise to submit my first page, the current beginning of my memoir-in-progress. Check it out here.
This enterprise seems like a remarkably generous and potentially compelling way of opening up the conversation about craft. I wish I'd thought of it myself, though the last thing I need right now is another project. Writer friends, let me know if you try it with your first page.
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8 comments:
How about if it starts out, "It was a dark and stormy night"...."
I imagine that the rest of the page would still elicit comments.
Wow, what a blog. Hilts, I applaud your bravery for submitting your first page (which I think I've heard you read before.) Very cool. Thank you for posting. I'm going to try this.
Just reinforcing that I could never write for an audience. You are a brave woman.
And I'm looking forward to reading the memoir!
That is a cool thing! But also frightening.
Trust me, friends: I was terrified.
Thank you for posting this. I submitted my first page and within 24 hours, got my very own gut-punch! Great practice for future scathing reviews - if you can't take the heat and all that. Tough but insightful and what a great chance to have a complete stranger (i.e. no back or sob-story!) critique. Hope all is well and you and Neil are enjoying these glorious days.
Me again. Check out this link and interesting venture by a local (and lovely) woman. I think she's on to something. She said to me, she longed for the days of writers getting paid for their short stories.
http://tessasmithmcgovern.com/ten-minute-stories/
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