Monday, July 8, 2013

Do You Take Critique Well? Or Do You Sulk And Throw Stuff At Your Computer?



(I know. Doesn't seem to go. But these two make having a thick skin positively required.) *sigh*
To get back to my question, I do the latter. *wink* *wink* Naw. I think I take it pretty well. I'm grateful to have such fantastic writer buds who have made my writing so much better. (I have a special shout-out to three writer pals from our MPBM FB group. Making Picture Book Magic is Susanna Hill's picture book class.)  Their links are at the bottom of this post. Go visit them peeps. And a special shout and some smooches to my CP Cheryl Secomb. Cheryl, Susanna, and Kristen Fulton SAVED MY LIFE, man! Cheryl's actually my angel. Christopher has been really sick and she posted in our FB group for me. She went way beyond the friendship thing and ended up in Angel territory. Thanks pal! Thanks to all three of these talented, MARVELOUS pals. You guys rock!

Last week, I was invited by my friend and CP, Sharon Mayhew, to participate in this "blog hop interview." The idea is this: She sent me some interview questions, which I answer, and at the end I tag 3 other writers who will in turn answer the same questions on their blogs this week. Please check out Sharon's answers to the questions at her blog, S.K. Mayhew, Kid Lit Writer. Feel free to leave a comment and tell her it's from me. *waves to Sharon*

So on with the show, y'all!


1. What are you working on right now? I am working on two picture books and I'm revising a MG. Plus, a few more picture books warming on the stove and my YA fictional story about Nancy Hanks, Abe Lincoln's mama warming in the oven. 

2. How does your writing process work? WOW. My process is as clumsy as they come. I love to write in the mornings, but that's not always possible on the farm. I mean, who knows. An unexpected urge to ride a horse may hit me after coffee and so there goes the morning. But the key is writing every day. And these days, with Christopher's problems, that is hard, but I'm still sticking to it. If you don't write every day, then how will you improve? It takes the BS&T folks. (Blood, sweat and tears.) And I am now perspiring blood, so I hope my time has come.

3. What is the hardest part about writing? SAY HUH??????!!!!!! You mean, what ain't hard?? Right? I guess the hardest part is actually sitting down and doing it. Nuff said.

4. Who are the authors you most admire? Oh wow. Let me talk about some unpubbed authors that I totally love and admire: Theresa Milstein, Cheryl Secomb, Sharon Mayhew, and published authors, my pal, Susanna Hill, my bbf, Iza Trapini, bestie, Lynn Kelley, Alex J. Cavanaugh (Sci-fi guy and ninja captain!)and Doreen Cronin. 


Please check out Sharon's answers to the questions at her blog, S.K Mayhew, Kid Lit Writer. Feel free to leave a comment and tell her I sent ya. *wink* *wink* 

Follow all of these extraordinary ladies, y'all. You'll be glad you did. P.S. Kristen writes non-fiction for all you non-fiction peeps. She started WOW, Non Fiction Picture Book Week which was last week and I know it was a rousing success. I actually surprised me and did four really, really, really rough draft non fiction stories. Really rough! YaY me!

I am tagging:

Cheryl Secomb

Susanna Hill

Kristen Fulton

Please stop by these blogs this week for glimpses into three authors' worlds. You'll be glad you did. 

As to Christopher, still no news. I'm not on much these days and I owe you guys visits and I'm getting around. Slowly. But we must have answers. Soon. This week, I hope. Thanks for thinking of us and for loving me. *group hug y'all*

23 comments:

  1. Hey Robyn! I saw you over on the Write On page. I used to be the Rainy Day Wanderer....I had give up blogging for a while. Too many things going on. But I'm back now....on The Journey South. :)

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  2. WOW. Becky. Long time no cyber see. Great that you're back. I have thought of taking a break. But somehow I just haven't. Hahaha. #3 is totally me too. *waves peace sign*

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  3. Hi Robyn!

    I enjoyed your blog-hop interview. It's fun to learn more about you as a writer. Thank you for your kind words. Happy writing!

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  4. Cheryl, thank you, pal. It's fun to learn more about you too. :-)

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  5. Thank you!
    I'm sure it's not that clumsy. Besides, who really has a smooth and easy process anyway?

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  6. Going to check out the writers you linked. Prayers for you and Christopher.

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  7. Hahaha, Alex. You're right, I guess. I think the writers of old had velvety, shiny methods of writing.

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  8. Liza, thank you. We need all the prayers we can get.

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  9. Continued prayers to you and your family, Robyn. I'm glad to hear that you're still able to make time for writing. When things were bad with my dad, I felt like my writing time kept me sane.

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  10. We really appreciate Cheryl keeping us all posted at MPBM too! She is a sweetheart, just like you. Fun interview and answers, dear! I don't find the writing part nearly as hard as the part where I have to send it out and endure people turning their noses up at my "babies." LOL!

    Continuing to send love and healing thoughts for Christopher. xo

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  11. I agree the sitting down thing is the hardest part. It seems like so much stuff wants to get in your way.

    Crossing my finger for good news on Christopher.

    On my way to check out your other cps.

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  12. I'm so frustrated on your and Christopher's behalf. I just want him to be better. He shouldn't have to suffer this long. I know you're working hard to fix it.

    Thanks for putting my on your list. I'm proud to be included with these wonderful people, including you. Your help has been invaluable.

    Say hi to Ivy for me.

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  13. Lovely hearing from you, Robyn. Good luck with non-fic that sounds like a fun new venture and best wishes with Christopher.

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  14. I think I take critique well. I love your list.

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  15. Wow, what a surprise - Thanks so much for the shout out, Bestie! You're amazing, I tell ya! It boggles my mind that you're able to push ahead and get some writing in while dealing with everything else on your plate. You set a wonderful example for the rest of us, Robyn. I heart you!

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  16. I am starting a new link-up party this week for all things book and reading related on my blog, Mommynificent. I'd love to have you join us with this post and any others you'd like to share. Hope to see you at Booknificent Thursday this week and every week!
    Tina @ Mommynificent

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  17. I really enjoyed this post and your answers! Yes, writing is hard work, isn't it? Man. I think it just gets harder and harder the more I learn.

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  18. Dear BBF, I am so sorry for the long delay in replying. I was in Maine without internet. First of all, I am terribly sad to hear about Christopher. Is he doing better? I'm sending you all my love!
    It was fun to read about your process which kind of sounds like mine- clumsy, sweaty and bloody! But somehow, I think you are doing just fine! Keep it up!
    And finally, a huge THANK you for including me in your list of favorite authors. You're the BEST! Love and lots of hugs to you and especially to Christopher.

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  19. Robyn, you are amazing!

    Please know that I'm praying so hard for Christopher!!

    He is my favorite Super Hero!

    Love you!!!

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  20. Hi Robyn .. you're on my list .. just hadn't got to email, or post a comment - I guess sorting life is sorting life and that's what I'm doing getting ready to move forward.

    I am so sorry to hear the news re no news with Christopher - poor lad, he must be really sore and frustrated ... especially as he won't understand fully what's going on ...

    I'm so glad you're still writing though, keeping the brain cells watered, then the horse riding is something I'd have loved to have done .. but those large four legged critters and I didn't get on so well!

    My thoughts though and I love your cheerfulness in times of strife .. positive is the only way to be - just being and enjoying Christopher now .. and taking life as it comes ...

    Big hugs - Hilary

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  21. Thought I had been here...but obviously not.:) Loved your post, Robyn! So sorry for all you are dealing with. My prayers are with you and Christopher.

    Life does often seem to get in the way of what we want to/hope to accomplish. I tell myself every morning that I will NOT check emails and blog posts first thing...because I know it can be such a time drain...and then there is nothing left for the writing.:) And then, I don't listen to myself, which in this case was a good thing because I wouldn't have gone to read Susanna's Would You Read It pitch post...which lead me to Stacy's post...which lead me to yours.:) :)

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  22. Hi Robyn, I do wish you and your family all the best at this time, and I know that the bs&t scheme will soon pave a long and successful path for you!

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