Conversations with Calliope-Perfection and the Beam in Your Eye

(Muir Woods, California)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's this about a beam?
JOE: I was reading the newspaper yesterday and noticed all the criticisms people come up with regarding public figures.
CALLIOPE: Including our new president?
JOE: Especially him. It seems some are looking for any flaws they can find.
CALLIOPE: And the above title?
JOE: I was reminded of the bible passage, "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to see the beam in your own eye?"
CALLIOPE: I see. Where are you going with this?
JOE: I plan to use this theme for the column I am writing this week.
CALLIOPE: What will be the message?
JOE: Take care of your own business before looking at others' shortcomings.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good focus. Good luck with it.
JOE: Thanks. I've got a lot to do today. Time to get to work. Talk with you tomorrow.

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Okay.
CALLIOPE: You sound a little glum. What's bothering you?
JOE: I told you a while ago about the short story contest I entered. I thought I wrote a very good story.
CALLIOPE: And?
JOE: It won no prizes, not even an honorable mention.
CALLIOPE: So?
JOE: Now I am beginning to doubt my writing. I have noticed more difficulty lately being creative.
CALLIOPE: Have you thought about seeking some other reactions to your writing?
JOE: I have. Two people I respect are currently reading Marital Property and will no doubt return honest appraisals. I will also post Child Bride and Or Not To Be in two on-line communities for feedback. I am also meeting with Lift Bridge Writers Group and will share one of my stories, probably Child Bride.
CALLIOPE: Do you think the religious criticism overtones of Child Bride had any influence on the contest judges?
JOE: I wish I knew, but they don't offer any feedback. I do plan to read the winners and see how they differ from my writing.
CALLIOPE: Good idea. It's always good to consider the source in assessing opinions.
JOE: You're right. Maybe I'm selling myself short. I will defer judgment. Talk with you tomorrow.

(California Shoreline)

Conversations with Calliope

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Doing well. Despite a rather busy day, I did make considerable headway with editing Marital Property.
CALLIOPE: How much headway?
JOE: I am within striking distance of the end and plan to finish it this morning.
CALLIOPE: Good. What's the next step?
JOE: I have two readers ready to go to work.
CALLIOPE: Professional editors?
JOE: No. But both tend to be quite attentive to detail and in the past have pointed out difficulties which eluded me.
CALLIOPE: How did the difficulties get past you?
JOE: When I am deeply involved in a manuscript, I sometimes overlook problems or typos which I think I would notice in someone else's manuscript.
CALLIOPE: Have you had any experience editing others' work, particularly fiction?
JOE: Yes. I joined a group called Critique Circle in which we read and comment on each other's fiction. I have found it helpful in approaching my own writing more critically.
CALLIOPE: It sounds like you are on the right track.
JOE: I think so. Later today I will return to my marketing efforts. But more about that tomorrow.
(Sand Wash- Batavia, NY)

Serendipity

Recently I asked for feedback from some other writers about my novel manuscript. In the past, I felt I had to either accept or reject criticisms and suggestions. I have recently learned that I don't have to take everything at face value. Sometimes a comment with send my thinking on a tangent and I will realize something I could change which is only hinted at by the comment. It was a reminder to me that my thinking does not always move in a linear direction. Sometimes it can be prompted to move off in a way I never expected. What an interesting journey!

(Mayan road- Cozumel)