Dive into the art of refining your novel through feedback as the hosts share strategies for prioritizing reader insights while staying true to your vision. Discover how to balance the emotional challenge of cutting scenes with the necessity of filtering valuable advice. They delve into genre-specific elements, like integrating romance without overshadowing main themes, and explore the delicate dance between personal passion and audience expectations. Plus, practical tips for managing the revision process and the importance of trusting your gut when navigating feedback!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Streamlining the Story
Nathan removed a 5,000-word heist scene, but the book's length remained the same.
He deepened other parts of the story, focusing on fewer plot lines but executing them better.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Fewer, Deeper Scenes
Focus on fewer plot lines and develop them in greater depth for better immersion.
Avoid too many short, fast-paced scenes, which can hinder reader engagement.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Dialogue Depth
Career authors often regret rushing dialogue and not exploring scenes deeply enough.
Nat realized he underwrites, influenced by internet writing, but aims for more immersion now.
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Nathan and Nat dive deep into the challenging process of incorporating feedback during the writing and editing process. They explore how to effectively evaluate and implement reader feedback while maintaining the core vision for your work, drawing from their experiences writing their respective novels.
How do you decide which feedback to take seriously? When should you trust your gut versus listening to readers? They share strategies for prioritizing feedback, from focusing on "top-down" story-level changes to being selective about beta readers. They also discuss the delicate balance between getting enough outside perspective while avoiding the trap of endless revisions.
Whether you're working on your first novel or your fifth, their discussion offers practical advice and reassurance about the messy reality of incorporating feedback while staying true to your creative vision.
TIMESTAMPS
[02:25] Nathan's novel update [06:47] Career authors' advice on taking time with dialogue [11:16] Strategies for incorporating feedback [13:51] Identifying problems vs solutions in feedback [16:00] Balancing genre expectations with writing goals [19:21] Incorporating elements from other genres [23:35] Using gut instinct to evaluate feedback [25:23] The top-down editing approach [31:02] Pressures of first novels [37:00] Editing in self-publishing vs traditional publishing [42:08] Optimal number of beta readers and feedback sources [47:28] Techniques for self-editing [51:20] Permission-giving in writing through reading others [57:08] Getting feedback vs trusting your instincts
Between Drafts