Previously I mentioned that my husband has The Tale of the Drakanox for its first reading. This is important not only to reward his support for my writing, but to pick up plot issues, just like with any critique. He’s one of those readers who likes to guess what the ending will be as he goes. It’s both entertaining — as I get to smirk and say “no spoilers” — and useful to hear his predictions.
Some of the things he’s mentioned:
A character is trying to redeem himself. My husband isn’t buying it. Okay.
A character I meant to be kind of sketchy, he thinks is fun and enthusiastic. Um?
A character you’re supposed to worry about, he is worried. Success!
A major plot event he’s just getting too, he said “this isn’t what I expected.” That’s absolutely something to follow up on with him. What did he think would happen, how did the story move away from that, and was it a good plot twist after all? Reader expectations are important. My goal is both to surprise the reader and to satisfy their expectations. Not to say I’ll change things to fit just one reader, but it’s always good to address major stumbling blocks.
These blow-by-blow reactions are always fun, anyhow.
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Wyrmflight 
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