Support to the Structure

I think I've said it before, but just in case: I'm lucky and incredibly blessed. I have family and friends who are not only reading my books, but they aren't afraid to tell me how it is. If they don't like something or don't understand something, they approach me on it. They give me ideas, theories, factual knowledge and creative outlet.

When I was asking Jeffrey Overstreet (find his books here), about advice on writing query letters and what have you, he didn't have any personal advice because he was discovered as a writer through his blog. Anyway, one of the things he mentioned to do was to be free with your books. Meaning to give them to lots of people you trust to read and give input on. If you're a fantasy writer, find someone who doesn't normally travel down that road and see if they'd be willing to read through the manuscript. You never know what might happen. It might help you strengthen your story beyond just the genre.

That's what happened to me when one of my best friends Dana read my novel. And she never liked fantasy before she met me.  But she loves my books (I'm not being egotistical. She seriously loves them). She gives me all sorts of input about the characters.

Whereas my brother Josh won't hesitate to say, "Why are you doing this?" simply because he wants to make sure I have a reason. Then there're my friends Kara and Shelly. They'll basically tell me when the story is weak, when the characters change, when the description is lacking, and when a question that's vital is being asked.

But above this all, they never will lie to me. None of them will. They'll shoot straight with me. Despite them being my closest friends and family, they won't just say, "Oh, it was so good!" just 'cause they think I need to hear that.

All of this to say that I think writers should be willing to hand out their novels while they're still in the rough stages. It's hard and terrifying and awful. But, in the end, it will pay off. Getting feedback will help you look objectively at your story. Which is necessary to be sure that when you do go to edit, you aren't just leaving everything as it is because you think it's great. Because, sad to say it, but it probably isn't great the way it is. No book (or very few I imagine), is 'publish-worthy' on the first draft. Unless you're a genius. In which case, why are you reading this blog?

Trust people. Trust their side of things but remember - you are the author. If a friend gives a suggestion and it sucks, don't be afraid to say, "Um. No." However, don't just block it out. Sometimes those suggestions will lead you to answer questions you've been struggling with.

Happy writing.

Currently Editing: Unity
Currently Reading: Homecoming by Alaina Bargar
Currently Listening to: "Somewhere in the Middle" by Casting Crowns