INTRODUCTION to the ladies of the PenHouse

LESLIE

Can you hear me laughing? I have difficulty accepting positive feedback, but admit to loving it. Who wouldn't. Constructive negative feedback is necessary for improvement, so I enter the group editing process with all good intentions. But, alas, my initial reaction is rarely gracious More often than not, after I take a few deep breaths, apologize ad nauseam, and check for amputated limbs, I humbly accept suggestions for improvement.

DIXIE

Rhythm is always first for me but paying close attention to language not to become seduced by rhythm alone. Style, tone, and the crafting of the two. Does it convey emotion?

LESLIE

Abandonment issues! Well, not that extreme, but it's very unnerving when I react as if a doctor has just told me that one of my limbs requires amputation. . . it feels like I'm saying good-bye to a best friend.

DIXIE

For me it is out right resistance. When I am able to see how unnecessary they are, especially the ones that are absurd or corny, then I have a good laugh.

INGRID

Does each word count. Is there consistency. Do the descriptions work, are they believable. I don't believe it is possible for anyone to be completely objective. Personal preference, taste, experience will always have some influence or effect.

DIXIE

I tend to think of everything I write as unfinished

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LESLIE

When I can read it several times without feeling compelled to change anything. But that is very rare.

JUDI

Generally speaking I'm less careful cautious now about showing sharing my work and more strategicthat is for the most part I'm less sensitive about whether someone likes it or not in terms of that meaning I'm a good or bad or even just a writer and again, just like in my life, there are times I purposefully seek out those who guard my back forty my hinterland . . those who I can count on not to like a piece or understand it because I find it really important and helpful to know how far out the outer edges stretch.

INGRID

Sharing art of any kind makes one vulnerable. Within the guild however I feel totally safe, trust the group and will share anything.

LESLIE

I'm usually able to appreciate the skill level of a writer, artist, actor or musician, even if I don't care for their personal style or chosen vehicle. But there are times when personal bias and/or lack of expertise make it my responsibility to bow out from the editing process.

INGRID

When I read for pleasure I either like something or I don't and if I don't, I stop reading it.

LESLIE

Eliminate the extraneous. Clarity is imperative if the message is to be grasped  show me don't tell me.

JUDI

As an editor I take to heart that the responsibility and obligation to support and publish another writer goes beyond personal parochial self-serving preferences.

JUDI

I'd have to say, straight up, I generally only read critically as a writer, or an editor, as a (simple guileless) reader I most often read for entertainment and pleasure . . other times I won't or can't read a piece because in fact I think I should have could have written it (sic) better

DEE

I've learned to keep pleased as punch lines in a separate file and use them as starter lines for another piece.

INGRID

Words or lines must be able to stand on their own merit not held in place by my need to be understood.

JUDI

Did it make me laugh cry howl did it give me goose bumps did it make music did I like it love it hate it or did it bore the hell out of me did it live up to its own expectations, did it support its own weight, did it tell its own truth.

DIXIE

I actually welcome feedback of any kind because it's of great value to my writing. It gives me an opportunity to distance myself from my work and see it from a different perspective.

JUDI

Pleased as punch lines, they're always the last to go, always the last cut and in this sense it is the last cut which is the deepest

DEE

I can dislike a piece and still praise it for fine craftsmanship and general interest.

INGRID

When I am shown someone's work and asked for feedback I will first determine by asking questions just what is wanted or expected and then the caveat is, don't ask unless you want to know because I will be honest, gentle yet honest. And I will also make the disclaimer that my feedback is only my opinion, nothing more, so it may in fact not be right at all.

JUDI

Sometimes a piece ends when my emotional investment in it ends, sometimes a piece is finished when I read through and don't bump into the seams, don't bump out of the context.

DEE

I trust people who like to read, have written and know the difference between junk and promising work.

INGRID

How do I know when a piece is finished? When its finished with me.

DEE

This ball game is over when no one can think of another reason to hit the ball. That's when it's finished

pleased as punch a vagabond reckless as a drunken hobo lying on the track waiting for tomorrow's train there is no net in the black hole of childhood the clock face is reversed the hands tick backwards and before I return I take my last breath to say good-bye to the sentience