Another week is history. It was a pretty productive one. I made some progress on my WIP. I had to figure out an ending that would make more sense to more people. I have to admit I was a little too esoteric on the ending, and it raised some questions as to feasibility in the minds of some beta readers. One of the great things about beta readers is they tend to tell it like it is, and when something makes vague sense to them, it is time to change things up a bit. So I spent the week going back over the ending a few times and hopefully it will work better for everyone. I can say I’m pleased with it, so I think a number of good things came out as a result of the beta reader’s comments. Today’s John Ku talks about advice. Have a great weekend.
Advice by John W. Howell ©2016
We all get advice,
Well-meaning friends give the best…
Not to be ignored.
Fiction Favorites 
Never tried a haiku before. let’s have a go…
I could give advice
To the people of the States;
Don’t vote for Clownstick
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Very good. The subject is a little dreary but your meter is great.
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John, that had to be a big mental adjustment. Kudos for taking it in stride. (I worked on the probably never to be released Dead of Winter for 3 years (no other books being written meanwhile either). When I finally got to the end, it fell flat with me. So I feel for you.
Great Johnku. Mega hugs!
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Thanks Teagan. Took climbing into big boy pants. Hugs
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Enjoy the weekend. Good news on the ending.
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Thanks Charles. I think its going to be so much better.
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Thanks for sharing your good news, John. Have a great weekend!
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You as well Jill.
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Great news John. I guess you could also say “when asked to give advice, give it.”
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Yes. So true Dan. Was excellent advice as well.
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Kudos to you, John, for listening to your beta readers. Endings are tricky things; what works for some readers may not work for others. But it sounds like your beta readers were all on the same page regarding your ending (pun intended) and you are heeding their advice. Even though criticism sometimes stings, isn’t it still a good feeling to have readers so engaged with your work that they will take the time to read and offer constructive criticism? Have a great weekend, John. I’m so glad it’s Friday. I’ve been “asked” to take on another employee’s project because that person is leaving. Supposed to be temporary (“until we hire a new employee”) but I honestly cannot take on more work. I plan to tell Boss #1 and Boss #2 that it is not doable. Wish me luck 😉
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Good luck Marie. Bosses hate to hear that one of their best employees can no longer hold up the entire ship. You need to be strong. (they will respect your for being honest.)
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Thanks, John. I saw the boss who gave the task and said no, it wasn’t feasible with my workload. She said okay and that was that. Anticlimactic but what a relief 🙂
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YAY. That’s off your chest for the weekend. Have a good one.
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A wonderful salute to your beta readers and the why you value their input.
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They are the best
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Well done, John! Aren’t beta readers wonderful — what would we do without them? Mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are one thing; errors in clarity, time progression, and such are another. Sounds as if you’ve gotten — and heeded — good advice. Now the writer deserves a restful weekend!
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Thank you Debbie. Fire on the beach to watch the full moon come up is the plan
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Sounds perfect!
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With amores
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Was supposed to be Smores.
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So true 🙂
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Yes it is. 🙂
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Looking forward to reading the finished product soon John! Beta readers rock and so does your Johnku 😉
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Thank you Jan. I love my Betas
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Sounds very productive. Worthy of celebration in fact.
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I’m excited.
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I’m about ready to help you celebrate. I’ve been working on small stuff all day today.
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You go. I’m drifting over to the Cab right now.
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My wife just brought in a mini growler of bock from McCall Brewing. They know their stuff and I’m excited to open it. I’ll hoist one to your rewrites.
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Please do and know I love Shiner Bock.
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Your beta readers have done a good job from the sound of things John.
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Very true, Guy
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No one could ignore you, John – or you work.
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Well. maybe most of the world can.
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Hi John! Loved the haiku because it is so true. Some times it is difficult to take constructive criticism but ultimately that’s what beta readers are for. We writers are very protective of our darlings. 😉
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Yes it is true. It is like sending your kids to school. You know there will be things others won’t like but it needs to be done.
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Nice John Ku, friend. Cheers to another productive week for you.
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Thank you Audrey
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