Supplemental: NBR Newsletter: THE SPOTLIGHT

Spotlighters: Mini Interviews (Issue #4)

Several authors from earlier spotlight rounds have sent in their feedback. This, combined with the increase in responses of the recent rounds have boosted the popularity of this section two-fold. The result: We have eight NBR members as Spotlighters in this issue!

Like last time, these interviews will be in Round Robin format to save on scrolling through each mini interview. We'll ask a question and the NBR Spotlighters will respond. Are you getting ready for your Spotlight? Their answers may surprise you. This is your chance to learn from others that have gone before you!

1) Describe the emotions associated with your Spotlight.

@shellyxleaonn:  Good feedback always leaves me feeling excited and overwhelmed. I'm Type A. I like making lists and crossing items off of those lists. My completionist tendencies serve me well inmost aspects of my life (including gaming), but not so much my writing life. Good revision takes time. And sometimes, you need to let the observations of others simmer for a few days before acting upon them. I struggle with that, but it's a good struggle. Personal growth struggle. (SapphireAlena continues to push me in this regard.)

@henry_scott: I'm always excited and a little nervous with a spotlight. Excited knowing that I'm going to receive some awesome feedback, and nervous that my chapter won't be worth their time. Aren't all writers full of self-doubt?

@lyssagirl7686: The emotions associated with my Spotlight were both nervousness but also excitement for what I could receive from such talented writers. During the spotlight, I would say I did become increasingly nervous as I think most writers hope that others, especially those meant to critique it, at least enjoy some aspect of the writing they're reading. When reading through the reviews I had to keep in mind that no offense was meant to be taken. Everything was to help me become a better writer, so emotions couldn't play a part in my responses if I was affected in a way that would alter my response to a reviewer. Ultimately, I felt a deep sense of gratitude at the end of my Spotlight. It is an honor, and that should be kept in mind when being accepted into a great community like NBR.

@ChuckDonahue: Being in the spotlight is exciting, nerve-wracking, frustrating and wonderful at the same time. It is like the emotional rollercoaster that the NBR book suggests that it will be. There are highs, lows, and everything in between.

@AmericanBruja: Equal parts joy and terror. Seriously though, gratitude for the helpful feedback I plan to use in the revision process.

@painebook: I felt abject terror mixed with anticipation. Terror to have my work read by such wonderful editors. I guess terror is the wrong word. I know what pride of authorship can do to me. Yet I look forward to reading the insight from the many great authors involved in NBR. The advice and editorial tips I receive are helping me to become a better writer. The anticipation is knowing I am getting great feedback. It prompts me to look more critically at my own work. It is often hard to hear criticism, yet we give it freely to those in our writing family. For this group, it's an opportunity to grow. I love the people I've been privileged to work with and hope my own attempts at editing help you all in some way.

@leah_tee: Spotlights never get easier. This was number four for me, and I still get that kick of apprehension in my gut. That fear as I check my notifications fifteen times a day, waiting for a comment. I always wonder if my work is good enough, but let me tell you, I made something out of nothing. Regardless of what anyone says, it IS good enough. And no matter how many reviews I get that are not even close to what I wanted, there is always going to be one that will tell me exactly what I want.And that, ladies and gents, is why I keep coming back for more torture.