Feedback can be hard to hear. #writeip Especially when it’s not positive.

I try not to react right away. I listen, and make an attempt t to stop my mind from accepting or rejecting an idea too quickly. Then I go away and mull over the comments and decide what changes, if any, I’m going to make.

I find I am more open to suggestions if I ask specific questions.

Are there any awkward dialogue moments?

Are any of the passages boring?

Are character motivations clear?

It’s hard for someone to tell you that what you’ve written is boring, but if you ask a specific question, you’re more likely to get an honest answer. Then you can write a better story.

I write mystery novels and the most important question I have for my readers is: When did the reader figure out who committed the crime? I have my readers jot down each time they suspect a character. My hope is that they suspect different characters at different points in the novel. Their notes help me determine if I’ve put too many or not enough clues. In the end I want to surprise them with the villain. If I haven’t done that, it’s time to revise.