It's the first Wednesday of the month so it's time for....
This month's question has me scratching my head: What is the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?
I have, and have had, tons of amazing feedback over my many, many years as a writer, so picking the most inspiring is a really tough ask!
But I think when I get down to it, I always feel the most satisfied when one of my readers (and most of all one of my crit partners - she's tough) tells me I made them cry. I know... it's not usually a positive thing to cry, but my books tend to have heartbreakingly sad moments in them and when a reader tells me they cried, I feel validated. I did a good job and nailed the emotional intensity the way I wanted.
Realistically, it's not just crying either; I write emotional stories about people going through a range of things in their lives. I want the reader to feel the giddiness of falling in love for the first time, or the joy of reuniting with a loved one they thought they had lost forever. So, if a reader tells me they felt those emotions along with the characters, that's a win for me.
Weirdly, one of my crit group stopped reading my latest book because he found it too difficult to keep reading. Is it strange that I felt almost triumphant about that too? If he felt that deeply about the situation my poor Arlo was in, I must have done it right. Admittedly, I feel like that doesn't bode well for trying to sell the book, but I feel like there are enough lighter moments in the story to carry it through the darkness.
I also really like it when people enjoy my description. I try hard to balance my writing and give just enough description to allow the reader to understand the setting. And if I can use description to give character details as well, all the better. So, it's a real treat for me when readers tell me they liked my descriptions. Apparently I'm really good with food...
What pieces of feedback have really resonated with you?
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