Christmas Gift

Some time ago I received a critique of the story that I've been working on this year.  My critique partner did a fantastic job of showing me where the story wasn't working and why.  For the last several months I've been focusing on my day job and not thinking about the story.  Letting it sit, you experienced writers might say. 

Now that may sound intentional but it really wasn't.  I wasn't some experienced writer who knows the first draft is going to suck and needs to shelve it for a while.  I had read that people do this but I actually thought the story was ready {read as beginners obliviousness}. Subconsciously a part of me must have known it wasn't and so I knew I had to get a skilled writer to review it.  I was thrilled that she said she'd review it and was extremely grateful for the feedback.  I also knew she was right.  But, I was disappointed in myself and I just didn't know how to fix the story.  I was wrapped up in it happening the way I wrote it.  But, it wasn't the best way.  So, I was clueless.  I put it away because I didn't know how to proceed and I was disheartened with my skill.  Or lack thereof.

Fast forward several months....

I took some time off from work for my Christmas vacation and have been spending it doing things I love to do; family time, and reading, lots of reading.  I had briefly thought about the story over the last several months but it always depressed me.  However, a couple of nights ago, I was laying in bed and decided to think about the story and the critique that I'd been given.  And BINGO, a way to fix a major part of the story came clear.

I don't know if it will be a better story, but I'm ready to work on it again.

What a Christmas present.