I'm in the cheap seats for this latest incarnation of the First Chapters contest. I didn't have a Mystery/Crime ms or I'd have probably thrown my hat in with the rest of the authors.
I was in the first two, so I completely understand the stresses and insecurities the contest dredges up for an author. I howled more than once out of frustration at some of the comments on my entries.
Safe Harbor, FCR entry, is still up if you want to see how I handled my comments. I might also add, each and every one was answered with a personal email thanking them for their time and consideration.
That said, if you have to continually explain your work; straight up, flat out it isn't working.
I continue to see authors arguing with the readers, instead of asking why it was confusing, not well executed.
Do you think these people have nothing better to do than annoy you? I can assure you they do. They are giving their time to your unpublished work.
When you go into a bookstore is the author of every book standing next to their displays? No, and you won't be either.
If you don't catch a reader in the first paragraph, it doesn't matter how brilliant the rest of the book is. They will put it back on the shelf and move on until one does capture their attention.
Should you listen to every criticism? Of course not, you'd go crazy trying to make everyone happy..it can't be done. When the same comment is repeatedly being made, give it consideration. Could that many readers have simply misunderstood your intent? Or as an author did you fail to convey it properly?
These contests are a great place to learn. Take advantage of the reader's observations, and learn from them. If you take nothing away from this contest, learn from it.
Hit this with as many low ratings as you want if it will make you feel better, I couldn't care less.
I'll put my soapbox away now. Thanks for listening to my rant.
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Comments: 15
What I like about these Gather contests is that we all learn from reading the chapters and the comments. I may read a story and be unable to peg the reason why it doesn't work. But someone else comes along and nails it. Then I have an aha moment and learn something new.
Hard to go through if you have an entry? You bet. But such a wonderful experience.
The point of writing, is writing for an audience. If the audience is confused then you've lost the raison d'etre- the purpose of your piece. While it maybe perfectly clear in the author's head, if the reader is confused then the author is at fault.
This isn't quantum physics and to be publishable an author needs to be accessible.
CLEVER does not equal CONFUSING.
Good article, Wendy.
I am trying to take all the comments on my chapter to heart, and use them to become a better writer, especially if multiple people notice the same problem.
The Friend Behind the Mask--First Chapter