One of the hardest things for a writer to do is to critique their own work. When I started writing I believed every word that dripped from my brain and hit paper was so golden it would make writers like Dr. Seuss and Hemingway tremble in fear (Yes, I know they’re both dead. I guess that would make trembling difficult.). In retrospect, I’m betting the only shuddering done was by readers that patronized me and told me how wonderful my work was. (Case in point: my dear mother still has my scribbles on a napkin from when I was three – she’s sure it’ll be Pulitzer worthy someday!)
So what’s my point?
I’d like some unvarnished opinion on a newer work. Entitled THE OLD MAN ON THE LAKE, the story is about an old man’s search for meaning in the latter days of his life (sample on the website). I believe it is a worthy effort but would like some opinion outside of close family members. Criticism, although hard to take, is invaluable into improving the final result. As a writer, I have more than once discarded the opinions of readers (sometimes you just gotta trust your instincts), but other times the reader has pointed out a flaw in character, timing, plot or some other element that I could not see because of the trees blocking my vision.
So do you want to take a stab at it?
If interested my offer is to send out a document in Microsoft Word format to the first five interested parties. It could be read via computer or it could be printed off (275 pages). Drop me an e-mail and I’ll get it off to you lickety-split.
Who knows, just like the scribbly napkin it might be worth more than a nickel someday.
Paul Maurer Books 