I thought this post would just be about starting to use beta readers, which I did. I thought I would have this post written in time, but I didn’t. (Fortunately, I can backdate the post.) Instead, I had surgery April 29th and a longer recovery period than I anticipated.

Sometimes we go through a chapter in life that’s rough. This one started years ago for me. And finally, we were able to do something about it. Surgery itself is rough. The recovery period is rough. But without surgery, my quality of life would have been miserable. I’m glad I was able to have surgery.

Now, I can move forward with more energy and less pain, to accomplish my “day”dreams! And one of the ways I’m seeing that happen is through the use of beta readers. I feel like I’ve made it “next level” with my manuscript now that I’m sending it to several people to critique.

I’m looking for feedback on flow, accuracy, if something is confusing, boring, etc. I told my beta readers, a writer’s work is never done, so I’m open to any and all feedback. I’m looking forward to hearing what needs more words, different words, or what they like.

So far, all of them have said they were upset they had to stop reading it to go do whatever-adult-responsibility-they-had. I take that as a compliment! Two specifically said:

I’ve only read a little bit so far; it’s rather gripping!

Wow! Very intense. I was very, very engaged.

Those make me happy (and give me hope)! I also got feedback on a specific part:

Add a deeper description.

I love constructive feedback! I can’t wait for more. It only makes the writing better!

Is there something rough you need to go through, to get to a better place or to pursue your dreams?

Sign up to receive a monthly email here.