Is My Writing Any Good

Is My Writing Any Good The following response resulted from someone who wrote me and asked the above question: Is my writing any good? Thats a huge burden to bear . . . to tell a struggling writer whether his/her work is good. What is GOOD anyway? Its so subjective. Books that sold hundreds of thousands of copies dont strike a chord with me. Then Ill read a story I didnt want to make or break this writers self-esteem. Who am I to make that call? So I sent this writer the following response, and thought I would likewise share it with you. Is your writing any good? This isnt a yes or no question. Youd like it to be that simple, but Im wont let you off that easily. I read most of one piece you submitted to me but couldnt read more (my time is limited and very precious to me), and I see an intense desire to write, and I see a storyteller, but I see some newbie flaws to work on. No writer starts off writing well. Nobody. No first draft is good. Nobodys. Even Stephen King has an editor that beats him up. I think the first question is whether or not you want it. Do you want to be a writer? If you do, then it doesnt matter what the writing is now. It matters where you want to take it. You set a course and go there. Read how-to books . . . change your work from what you learn.Attend conferences . . . change your work from what you learn.Join a critique group . . . change your work from what you learn.Enter contests . . . change your work from what you learn. I see dialogue that is a little stilted and some stiff emotion. I see a writer writing for himself instead of the reader. But thats normal when you are striking out, attempting to find your footing. What is it you want to do with your writing? Define that and head in that direction, willing to edit your work as many times as it takes, for as long as it takes to get it right. If you want to publish now, and want to make bank on what youve written now, then it appears you arent into writing for the right reason. Anybody can write. Only a few choose (note I said choose) to write well. And it is indeed a learned craft. So, from all the books you read in the genre you want to write in, you tell me. Is your writing good? If so, submit. If not, learn how to fix it. What do you think?