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?
It's great to make readers FEEL. Keep up the amazing work. Jamie of UniquelyMaladjustedButFun
ReplyDeleteHaving a reader or critique partner tell you that your story made them cry is a huge compliment that should inspire you on.
ReplyDeleteSometimes crappy things happen to characters. It's tough but then that is life, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm just going to say it: I don't like crying books. But that's me. I think life hands me enough of that. LOL. My book clubs LOVE emotionally challenging pieces, and sometimes I suffer through them just so we can have a good discussion. Different books for different people, eh?
ReplyDeleteI had a CP show me the (dried) water drops on the page and say, "This is what you made me do, you monster! You made me cry. Are you happy?"
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I was rather pleased by that. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯