Last night I attended one of my monthly crit group sessions and received feedback on my latest submission. There were a few minor suggestions, easily fixed, but one member of the group commented that he wanted more tension in the scene.
I sighed to myself. Seems as though every time I write a sequel scene, I'm told I need to add more tension.
A sequel scene is the scene that comes after a big dramatic (possibly full of action) scene. It's a time for the character to reflect upon what she's just been through and a chance for the reader to catch his/her breath before the next big scene. It's supposed to be a quieter scene, but apparently I make them too quiet. Either that or I've trained my group to expect something big to happen in every chapter.
So tonight I'll be kicking back with some wine and figuring out a way to put my protagonist into even more jeopardy. After all, the reader is always right, aren't they?
Enjoy the links and have a great weekend!
ChemistKen
How Writing Short Fiction Can Enhance Your Novel (and Your Career)
Building a Mailing List through Reader Magnets
SHOULD You Create Your Own Book Cover?
Amazon Has A Fake Book Problem
5 Critical Mistakes of Author Collaborations And How to Avoid Them
Outlining a Murder Mystery
The Legal Side of Writing for Anthologies
All depends on how many make that suggestion.
ReplyDeleteYour critique group is tough.
Honestly, no, your reader isn't always right. But, if you really feel like your crit readers have a point, then you can entertain it.
ReplyDeleteIf it's just one person, then it might not need much adjusting at all.
ReplyDeleteI saw the article on fake Amazon books. Shame on Amazon.
I don't know about that. Some readers can't handle any down time at all, but that doesn't mean we should listen to them.
ReplyDeleteOne reviewer said one of my books "got off to a slow start." Let's see...the protagonist schemes to stay in a ghost city overnight and means a creepy ghost, right at the very beginning, not to mention getting threatened by his tour guide. What on earth did that reviewer expect? Fireworks? Car crashes?
We can't please everyone.
I thought I've seen a link on one of these posts that points out action (or putting your character in jeopardy) doesn't equal tension. Yes, it can be catch-a-breath and reflective, but it can still have tension. I think you've referred this website before, so I'll go to a particular post (second paragraph):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/structuring-your-scenes-pt-7-three/
Does that give you any ideas?
I don't know - more tension isn't always better. Unless it's a suspense novel?
ReplyDeleteMy weakness is fight scenes. Hey, I'm a lover not a fighter! I am working on it though!
ReplyDeleteI've nominated your blog for the 2017 Liebster award. Check it out here! If it's not your thing that's fine, don't feel obligated to participate. I'd still love to have your book recommendation though! http://annw.shannonauthor.org/liebster-award-2017/
Have a great day!
Ann