A Most Productive Writing Get Away and on Growing Big Girl Chonies aka Panties #barrioblues

It’s a little past 8a.m., and the writing vacay will continue for a few more hours. It was productive. I incorporated the feedback from my toughest beta reader into the final revision of “Zona 5”. Still, I farmed it out to one more bold volunteer (because I got contradictory feedback), but I made a noob mistake and neglected to inform my generous, heroic beta reader that it was a science fiction piece. To my shock, he does not like science fiction and can’t get into it, which created a paradox in my brain. How can this be? (For he is the quizat haderach. . . NOT!)
 
So, that raised the question: Can you trust your gut? Separately from thinking “Zona 5” is a great story, can you trust your writing gut? That is a tough question, but I decided, it’s past time to grow my big girl chonies and take the plunge. I know that’s a lot of metaphors. The point is that I have to believe in myself like the heroine of a triumphant Disney movie, preferably Moana.
 
That doesn’t mean I won’t ask beta readers for support. They are, in fact, invaluable. However, as a writer who can pull up her big chonies, I am getting better on a number of levels. I decided I should trust myself. It’s my work after all. And, then there’s the nature of the questions I often ask, questions which red flags they are. 
 
“Does the narrator need a strong desire?” Yes. 
 
“Dos the narrator curse too much?” Yes.  
 
Well readers, I am done having my overdue, cathartic moment. I’m off to print the story and keep on with my collection. Last night, I went over the Spanish in the second story of, Not Your Abuelita’s Folktales, which is being launched April 13. Then, I have to print it and give it a full pass.
 
By the way if you are interested, check out my vlog on proofreading; a lot of it is what I teach my college students, and I have grown that list from practice and listening to better more prolific writers. You will need Facebook to view the video: https://www.facebook.com/drmariajestrada/videos/2318156295122561/

Have your own writing cathartic moment(s) today!  #barrioblues