I just got home from my Cape Cod Children’s Writers critique group. Since I’m not writing right now because I’m illustrating, I didn’t bring a piece to share. I brought some of my artwork for the book I’m working on, shared that and sat back to listen carefully to the readings of the night.
Tonight was a rather quiet night there for me. Instead of my usual exuberance I found myself sitting a bit away from the group on the floor, against a wall. As we were going around the circle critiquing some really beautiful stories some of us disagreed on certain story elements. One person would say “I didn’t like the part where..” and another person would say “oh I liked that part”. Hmmm…seems confusing for the author. At the end of the night you get all six copies of the critique. They mention some of the same things, but they also differ in a lot of ways.
I remember bringing critiques of my work home and spreading them all out on the counter. At first I was intimidated by the suggestions. What if I didn’t like some of them? Was I wrong not to use them? What if some of the suggestions just didn’t feel right to me? Did I have to do what other people tell me to do?
I did what I always do when faced with such indecision. I asked God to lead me. And then I listened. In the quiet the answer came. I can choose. It’s great to get my work critiqued, the suggestions are educational and often helpful, but in the end – the work is mine and I get to choose.
Never loose sight that you are the artist of your life. It’s your heart that’s on the line. Though others listen and help, it’s up to you, in the end, to choose the right colors and the medium to bring your subject to life. Choose. Because you can.
And so, as another day goes by, it’s okay to do what’s right for you, and…I have written.
Words of wisdom not just for a book critique, but for life, too! Love the leap of faith poster. 🙂