So I’ve been meeting with test readers for Penumbra part 1 slowly. I met with two groups last weekend, and I hope to meet with the rest over the next couple of weeks.

This is my first time really doing this, so I’m learning as I go. There’s so much about taking criticism that you have to learn, it’s not just a matter of having people tell you what they like or don’t like.

Taking detailed, helpful notes is important, or recording the session seems like a big thing. One key thing to do is take your criticism with a grain of salt as well.

I remember Brandon Sanderson saying that when dealing with test readers to make note of everything they don’t like, but only pay real attention to issues you see come up more than once. Everybody has different preferences, and it’s very possible one reader won’t like something that happens, but the rest of your readers will, that’s totally fine. But if you start getting the same comment 3-4, maybe even only twice, then you know that something in your manuscript just isn’t working. And then it’s time to reconsider what you’ve written and determine what changes are needed.

In regards to Penumbra I received lots of praise, everybody I’ve spoken with is excited to read part 2, but almost everybody gave me some really good criticism for parts that aren’t jiving. Getting a good amount of mixed reactions is good, it tells me people were enjoying reading, but it’s not close to perfect.

I feel like I knew that going into it, I knew things needed to be changed, but something I was really interested in knowing was if the same things I thought needed to be changed were things other people thought needed adjustments as well.

When that’s all said and done though, criticism still isn’t fun to hear. It’s so important though. You’ve got to have what you’ve built up broken down in order to build it up even better, but after such a time commitment and working for hours on something, you’d love to hear that is perfect the way it is. But, unfortunately,  we live in the real world, and if you do hear that on a first draft (or first rewrite!), then let’s be honest, the feedback you’re getting isn’t helpful helpful feedback. That sounds like a definitive statement and it is, but I stand by it.

And so, thank you to all the test readers I’ve spoken to already! Your enthusiasm makes what I do feel rewarding and your thoughtful and useful criticism helps me improve. If you read this, then know you have my heartfelt thanks.

I’m excited to keep working, so I’ll keep this short today. I’ve got a lot of work to do and I need to get to it.