One of my writer's groups met Wednesday evening and I had the opportunity to read a chapter to them. As always the feedback was positive and constructive. They see plot boo-boos I miss and appreciate scenes that are strong, point out the weak scene.
Time together has given the group a level of trust to allow honest feedback that transcends the ego. I also find the challenge of critically reviewing someone's work helps my craft.
I am fortunate to belong to two readers groups and find the dynamics fascinating even when the feedback is diametrically opposed. One groups is primarily male, the other predominately female. Different view points, different advice. But when both groups agree, I pay close attention.
Case in point: In a scene at Kelly's World Famous Bar and Grill in Djibouti, a terrorist attack is foiled, but just before on of the bad guys dies, he spits blood into Kelly's face. She wipes the smear with a finger and touches the tip to her tongue. Both groups grimaced, but confirmed that it fits with Kelly's fearless, killer personality.
I had considered taking it out as too gruesome, but such a strong reaction from so many readers convinced me that it works. I want the readers to react strongly to her character, and they did.
If you're a writer, join a group or form a group.
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Dr. Jake Matthews, a Navy OB/GYN discovers women on The Island are dying from abnormal pregnancies after exposure to strange blue globules he found on a local reef. This is also my site for musing, writing about my world, and explorations. This is also the site for my various ruminations on life, religion, politics, spam, and the human condition.
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