Writing Buddies...

Yestereday I worked on my novel and couldn't decide on how to move forward with a piece of it.  I'd revised the chapter from the way I'd originally written it but then decided it should be put back to its original version.  I went back and forth between versions and couldn't make a decision on which was best.

As luck would have it, my writing buddy said hello via gmail chat and we got to discussing my dilemma.  After explaining it to her, she pointed me in the right direction by asking some questions and reminding me that I already knew the answer to my problem. 

And she was right.  I did know. I was so close to the work I couldn't see it.  I've always said that it's so much easier to critique someome else's writing than your own and it's so true.  Once I realized I needed to step back, take a deep breath and look at it objectively, the solution made itself known.

This is why it's so important to have a writing buddy or first reader.  They can see things when you can't.  They can be objective when we can't.  They don't have the investment in the writing that we do so it's easier for them to pick out the flaws.

I encourage you to find a writing buddy if you don't have one.  And if you do, let 'em know just how much you appreciate them.

So...writing buddy of mine, you know who you are...THANKS BUNCHES!!!