Do you give readers what they want?

Are you giving your readers what they want? And I’m not talking about remote control of the protagonist or yelling, “Don’t go in there!” as the next horror victim walks into a dark room where the ax murderer is hiding.  I’m talking about answering questions that come up as the story moves along. Too many times, the writer is in visual mode and sees the story-movie running along in their head, but forgets to put some details down on the page to convey that scene or thoughts to the reader.

But how can I be sure I am giving readers what they want?

beta readers

This is one of the reasons beta readers (writing group, reading friends) are invaluable. If you find people who are willing to read your early stuff, hold onto them like gold and bribe them with cake and cookies . (Or pay an editor a whole lotta money)

And what should you, as the writer, do after your beta reader has read your work and is talking about it? You should keep your mouth shut and write down what they say. Write down all feedback. Later – only later – should you gauge if the input is useful or should be ignored. After your beta reader gives you input, you should say these 2 words: Thank you. Never, ever, ever, EVER argue. Why? Because, first of all, it is all opinion since creative writing is an art like painting or sculpting or pickle juggling (Hey, don’t judge!). Second, when you argue, you might be pushing away your valuable beta reader (see above).