Hi, this is Janice Seagraves.

Before we start, I want to put this *disclaimer* out there. Please keep in mind that critiquers and critique groups are committing their time and effort for free. And it does help your work become more readable.

Are you afraid to join a critique group because of what they might say about your work? Or are you gun-shy because of a harsh critique?

Would it help you to know that I’ve gotten some harsh critiques in the past?

Years ago, I received one that began with… “This is why I hate romance.”

That critique… totally… destroyed me.

I was a wreck. I couldn’t write for weeks. It made me wonder if I was even cut out to be an author. But… I had to develop that all-important thick skin.  And the sad part was… I thought I had.

*sigh*

And…more recently I got another harsh critique.

I had to go off and pout for a couple of days before I could even look at that critique again.

When I did, I realized…my critique partner was correct. She gave it to me straight and didn’t pull any punches.

But, hey, there is always room for improvement.

Right?

Sometimes a manuscript will need a lot of work.

Here are some things to keep in mind when writing.

Remember to commit the emotion to the page. Most popular books today, tug at the heartstrings. They deliver the feels.

In every scene, try to incorporate the four senses: what they hear, what they see, and what they smell to really put your reader right there with your characters.

Now for the head hopping. Just remember to keep it to one scene, one POV. It’s as simple as that.

Easy peasy.

There are some wonderful tutorials on YouTube that can help. Critiques are the best way, but just reading in the genre that you’re writing in will greatly improve your skills, too.

Just keeping writing. Don’t ever stop.

Alien Collision: Alien Collision: Chronicles of Arcon – Kindle edition by Seagraves, Janice. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.