Writers are encouraged to be an active part of the reading community, and sometimes, we find encouragement there. Other times, discussions we witness online sap our will to write. A "pet peeve" thread in an online reader group can be especially disheartening.
If you're new to the kind of post I'm talking about, this is what happens:
Someone in an online reader group will pose the question, “What are your pet peeves in fiction?”
Dozens of readers reply.
How could you ignore such valuable advice? This is a glimpse into readers’ minds!
Unfortunately, determining which comments are helpful advice and which are simply one reader's personal preference is difficult. And to study a list that focuses on the negetive can undermine a writer's confidence.
So, if you've read one of these threads and become discouraged, you're in good company. I've been there, too. But a month or two ago, I had an experience that, for once, stopped that downward spiral of thoughts before it could even start.
It Takes All Types
I hate doing my taxes, so I happily left my paperwork in her care.
As I got into my car, I thought, It takes all types. Everybody is different, and look how well we balance each other out!
This was still fresh on my mind when I came across a pet peeve post later that day.
In the thread, I found a comment in the thread that named the three oddly-specific pet peeves. Combined, that list sums up one of my short stories… right down to one of the main character’s names.
I might have gotten defensive, frustrated, or discouraged under other circumstances.
This time, I laughed.
It takes all types!
That commenter would not like my story, but it's been available free on my website for a couple of years now, and I’ve heard from others who have loved it.
The same variety that makes the larger world work results in a variety of tastes when it comes to readers.
And that's good because writers vary greatly in what we like to write, too.
Because of our variety, we meet each other's needs--even if no single readers enjoys every story and no single story finds universal praise.
Narrowing the Focus
So, do reader opinions matter?
Of course! We each have a target audience to serve. Our job as writers isn't to create universally-pleasing content, but to serve our niche of readers as well as we can.
We won't do this if we take our cues from a generic pet peeve post because the readers who reply may or may not be part of our target audience. Even if they are, an element they dislike may be so minor that they'll read past it for a good story. Or, a larger element that might frustrate a particular reader in general may work in one specific story.
Instead, study books your target audience loves.
Once you've gained a basic understanding of what works and doesn't in your genre, reader groups become important again.
Pay attention to what readers say when they post about specific books. What elements do they praise? What are they less enthusiastic about? Why?
Notice your target audience's enthusiasm for their favorite novels, and let that inspire you to offer them something you know they'll love.
Applying What You've Learned to Your Story
Once you have a general understanding of what works and doesn't--and why--seek specific feedback from trusted sources on our own manuscripts.
Keep an open mind to suggestions. Balance them against what you know of your readers' tastes, and be extra mindful when more than one of your critique partners says something isn't working in your story.
We write for readers. Their opinions are important, and only in serving them well will we build an audience.
But we also have to protect our hearts and our stories.
A list of pet peeves isn't a solid anchor for a story. The comments often conflict with each other, and don't necessarily speak to what's most important in a genre.
By mindfully studying our genre and our target audiences, we anchor our manuscripts in tried and true methods of engaging readers, making our stories that much more likely to bring positive reader reactions.
If you've ever been derailed by an online post where readers list their pet peeves, may this post encourage your writer heart. via @emilyrconrad #amwriting #amediting #seriouslywrite @MaryAFelkins
A list of pet peeves isn't a solid anchor for a story. The comments often conflict with each other and don't necessarily speak to what's most important. So how do we serve readers? @emilyrconrad #writing #seriouslywrite @MaryAFelkins
By mindfully studying our genre and our target audiences, we anchor our manuscripts in tried and true methods of engaging readers @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite #writetip #writing @MaryAFelkins
PS - If you're in the mood for a somewhat sappy romantic short story, the one I referenced in this post is "Thirty-One and Falling," which is available for free here.
Photo credits
Woman looking over top of opened book photo by Kevin Lehtla on Unsplash
Woman reading in library photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash
Woman browsing bookshelves photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
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Emily Conrad writes Christian romance and a blog to encourage women of faith. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two rescue dogs. She loves Jesus and enjoys road trips to the mountains, crafting stories, and drinking coffee. (It’s no coincidence her novel Justice is set mostly in a coffee shop!) She offers free short stories on her website and loves to connect with readers on social media.www.emilyconradauthor.com
Facebook.com/emilyconradauthor
Instagram.com/emilyrconrad
Twitter.com/emilyrconrad
JUSTICEThe love of a lifetime, a quest for justice, and redemption that can only be found by faith.
Jake thought he was meant to marry Brooklyn, but now she's pregnant, and he had nothing to do with it.
Brooklyn can’t bring herself to name the father as she wrestles with questions about what her pregnancy means and how it will affect her relationship with Jake.
If Harold Keen, the man who owns the bookstore across from Jake's coffee shop, has anything to do with it, the baby will ruin them both.
Can Jake and Brooklyn overcome the obstacles thrown in their path, and finally find the truth in God's love and in each other?
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