Who is this person you added to the story?
Why did you add them?
As you know I joined a few writing classes this spring and writing communities. I’ve started to really take learning the craft seriously. I want each subsequent book better than the last one and the only way to do that is to keep learning things I didn’t know.
You know?
Writers tend to get nervous about feedback. I think this is especially true because most of us never participate in writing classes. Most writers never get their MFA where students receive brutal feedback from their classmates and professor. Most of us don’t join writing groups and get feedback.
So we stay shy and intimidated about feedback. I hear you. I was the same way, but I’m determined to change that. Just like anything else, the more you do something, the easier it gets.
What I’ve noticed about feedback is that it’s mostly questions. And if writers can stop defending the piece to make sure the editor or person knows that ‘it’s in the piece later!’ or ‘that’s what it says!’ etc, then they realize what they can learn through the questions.
Again, my instinct is to defend my piece. But we shouldn’t always respond with our instincts.
We should be able to respond to the question!
Let’s take a simple one: “Who is this person in this scene? Why did you choose them?”
To expand on that question we should be able to answer: “Why themspecifically?” Because as the writer you could have chosen any number of characters to show up in your scene, so why did you choose the guy in jeans with a scraggly beard and a lazy eye? What is he adding to your scene and story?
I encourage you to find someone who will ask these questions. Get feedback from other writers! There are great groups out there. If you want to try my group, just reply here and I’ll let you in to look around for a bit.
If you can’t find a group or don’t want a group, take the time to read a few books on writing and craft to learn to ask yourself these questions as you edit. I don’t think it’s as effective, but it’s much better than not being able to defend your story and characters!
Have you received feedback before on your work?
What is it about one of your secondary characters that makes them perfect for that role?