tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post8890071017210887267..comments2023-10-30T05:46:59.343-04:00Comments on The Doubting Writer: Monday Fluff Post: Suspension of What?JeffOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07947660745120963286noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-56160915159256129372011-11-25T07:30:08.395-05:002011-11-25T07:30:08.395-05:00It's funny how that phrase works. I think it c...It's funny how that phrase works. I think it can make sense either way, if you really think about it.JeffOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947660745120963286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-43580357996221084562011-11-24T09:56:58.424-05:002011-11-24T09:56:58.424-05:00I'm so glad you posted this, because I have of...I'm so glad you posted this, because I have often mulled about this phrase. To me it should be 'suspension of belief' literally in the sense of <i>'disengaging belief for the duration of the moment/story.'</i> not 'suspension of disbelief', meaning <i>disengaging non-belief' for the moment/story.</i><br /><br />I don't know why I think that, lol, but I do. And I agree, it's head-spinning to try and figure out what it means. ;)<br /><br />Angela @ The Bookshelf MuseAngela Ackermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808259088625142389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-74208323725581370832011-11-23T17:56:31.365-05:002011-11-23T17:56:31.365-05:00A good writer can make the reader believe almost a...A good writer can make the reader believe almost anything, I think. But yes, considering the suspension of disbelief, when it works and when it doesn't, can make the head hurt. Thanks goodness for coffee. ; ) <br /><br />How great that you wife liked you story! Sometimes those closest to us can be the toughest critics. <br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!Cynthia Chapman Willishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12408985785062180536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-83158030224711536422011-11-22T20:42:40.807-05:002011-11-22T20:42:40.807-05:00Hey, congratulations on getting your first feedbac...Hey, congratulations on getting your first feedback. Glad your wife liked it! I was terrified when I first let my aunt (who I'm living with) read my book. I really expected a reaction along the lines of "You spent HOW long in my house--writing THAT?" along with the look that you pictured in your post. Her reaction was very positive, but I share your thinking that it's more intimidating to give the book to the non-writers in our lives than the writers. Hope the crit you get back is helpful!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-46701449868950720732011-11-22T13:21:05.855-05:002011-11-22T13:21:05.855-05:00It makes perfect sense, Jennifer. When I was runni...It makes perfect sense, Jennifer. When I was running around doing educational programs in schools, I was always most nervous when I did programs in my kids' classes. I think it's because we want to look good for the people we're closest to. As much as I want *you* to love my book and respect me, it's much more important to me that *they* do so.<br /><br />I did have a good talk with my wife about it this morning, and actually did elicit some more criticism out of her, which is good. And she's still not giving me the 'Benny Hill look' (pictured above), so I don't think she's sugar-coating things when she tells me she liked it.<br /><br />And thank you. Same to you!JeffOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947660745120963286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-80502017468705643392011-11-22T12:54:12.663-05:002011-11-22T12:54:12.663-05:00You know, I almost find it more difficult to let m...You know, I almost find it more difficult to let my husband read something than another writer. I know that the writer will understand the task and relate to the terror of sending out for a crit. My husband...I am terrified he will look at me with pity and disappointment. He's so supportive - I don't want him to go unrewarded for that. Does that make sense?<br /><br />I guess I'm trying to say - I think letting the spouse read the MS is a big deal and I'm glad she liked it enough to pass it on. Hooray!<br /><br />Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-14179167740044213622011-11-21T21:51:52.378-05:002011-11-21T21:51:52.378-05:00Nancy -- I'll have to take a look at that one,...Nancy -- I'll have to take a look at that one, thanks for the tip. MS is with another writer, so I'm looking forward to seeing those comments.<br /><br />My wife gave her brother's wife my MS. I suppose she's my sister-in-law no matter how you slice it. It's easier that way, regardless. Thanks for the comments!JeffOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947660745120963286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281000668036619727.post-80507334270330946252011-11-21T17:05:42.640-05:002011-11-21T17:05:42.640-05:00Donald Maass has a good explanation for overcoming...Donald Maass has a good explanation for overcoming reader skepticism in his book, "The Fire in Fiction." Basically it comes down to where you start your story, in media res (the middle), and how you build your world with believable characters.<br /><br />As for your ms, make sure you share it with other writers. they're the ones who will make it better, who will make you an even better writer. Find writers for beta readers, and more importantly, critique partners. <br /><br />And lastly, if your wife gave HER sister your ms, then she is YOUR sister-in-law. Her husband is your WIFE'S brother-in-law, not yours. Got it?Nancy Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05735642863696266005noreply@blogger.com