Guest post by Linda Lucretia Shuler, author of 'Hidden Shadows'
If
you were to ask, “What helped you the most from the genesis of Hidden Shadows to its completion?” I’d immediately answer: “A critique
group of gifted, perceptive writers.”
I
would wish such a group for every writer. But from what I’ve heard, this isn’t
always the case. Perhaps it’s the particular mixture of personalities, perhaps
it’s the format – whatever the reason, I’ve often wondered why my group has
been so beneficial to each member throughout the years, whereas others often
struggle.
So
what’s the magic recipe? Likely a mixture of ingredients:
*We limit the group members to six – a mixture
of styles, of genres, of personal quirks – and meet in the evenings the first
Wednesday of every month. We take turns hosting at our homes, so if all goes as
planned we each host twice a year. (Sometimes this can go off-kilter if one of
us has to leave town for a good spell, as I did.)
*Three
submissions are on the docket, which means that each of us is expected to
submit our work every other month. As an added plus, this helps us keep our
writing on schedule. No excuses, no sit-downs. Gotta meet that deadline!
*Submissions
should be at least 10 and no more than 25 double-spaced pages. These must be
forwarded via email the week prior. However, sometimes lapses occur; I’ve
groaned and uttered unmentionables when pages are late, and don’t show up until
the weekend before our meeting.
*
We each print every submission, read it carefully, note comments on the
manuscript, and add a critique at the
end. This guarantees that whoever submits will have written critiques and
comments from five others – each with a different perspective.
*
During the meeting, we decide which manuscript to discuss first, then begin. We
take turns speaking, uninterrupted – well, usually. We try to keep our comments
within a reasonable length of time, so we’re not staggering away, dazed, after
midnight.
*
The generally accepted rules of our critiquing are: Begin and end with the
positive. Avoid the phrase, “I don’t like” without specifics; otherwise it’s
not helpful. Point to what works and what doesn’t, and say why. Offer
suggestions, reactions, clarifications. Edit the usual glitches, such as word
repetition, grammar goofs, typos, and so on. If the submission is part of a
continuing work, note any inconsistencies in plot or character or theme, etc.
*
Did I mention that we have dinner, too? Believe me, that’s a huge plus. The
host supplies dinner, wine (lots of it), and dessert. We supply the
camaraderie. Usually we eat the main meal first, critique two submissions,
pause for dessert, then critique the last. Sometimes we critique all three, then pause and linger over dessert.
However
we do it, one thing is for sure: these are my friends, writers all, talented
and generous-hearted. They have encouraged me, supported me, critiqued with
humor and perception and clarity, and helped me form Hidden Shadows from a
mix-mash of puzzle pieces into the final picture.
I
wish the same could be true for every writer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Lucretia Shuler wrote her first story when she was six, Koko the Monkey, which she still has tucked into a drawer. Since then her stories and poems have appeared in anthologies and literary journals, and a handful of her plays have been produced in schools and community theatres.
Linda received a BFA in theatre from the University of Texas, and an MA in theatre from Trinity University while in residence at the Dallas Theatre Center. She taught theatre arts in college and high school for three decades, loving every moment and directing nearly a hundred plays in the process. She also wrote theatre arts curriculum K-12 for Houston ISD, conducted numerous workshops, and performed in community theatres.
Hidden Shadows, Linda’s debut novel, takes place in Willow City, a ruggedly beautiful section of the Texas Hill Country less than three hours from her home in San Antonio. Several other manuscripts are in the works, reaching across the genres. These include a prequel to Hidden Shadows, plays, and a collection of poems and a half-dozen different story ideas demanding attention.
Linda enjoys participating in Toastmasters, writer organizations, critique groups, and book clubs. She continues her love of theatre, delights in watching the birds flocking outside her office window, and is an enthusiastic fan of San Antonio’s championship basketball team, the Spurs.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hidden Shadows
Genre: Literary
Author: Linda Lucretia Shuler
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Hidden Shadows is a story of connection: to the land, to our ancestors, to others, to ourselves – and to the redemptive power of love:
Cassie Brighton, devastated by the accidental death of her husband, flees to a remote homestead deep in the rugged Texas Hill Country. Alone in a ramshackle farmhouse steeped in family secrets, Cassie wages a battle of mind and heart as she struggles to overcome the sorrows of her past, begin anew, and confront the possibility of finding love again.
What people are saying:
“Hidden Shadows is a wonderful novel of a women’s journey of self-discovery and search for purpose. The characters will win your heart (and sometimes break it) in this beautifully written and satisfying story of loss and renewal.”
Sandra Worth,
Award-winning author of The King’s Daughter: A Novel of the First Tudor Queen
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