I’ve shared this message before, but it bears repeating. Just this past week, my husband pointed out that I had made a major change to a chapter of my newest work based on someone else’s recommendation. He was right—the change didn’t fit the original intent of my story. My first version had been stronger. I should have trusted my gut.
As new writers, we often listen to everyone but ourselves. Friends and critique partners mean well, but if you’re not careful, some will try to reshape your novel into what they think it should be.
I was recently revising a scene based on a critique and stopped mid‑sentence. What am I doing? The critique partner who suggested the changes is talented, and I respect her opinion. Others who read the same chapter loved it, offering only minor notes. So who was right—the three who praised it or the one who wanted significant changes?
The more I examined her suggestions, the more I realized she had her own vision for the story—and I had mine.
That said, she has also given me excellent advice. Because of her, my dialogue is more natural, my POV more consistent, and my story more believable. Her feedback has been invaluable.
But I had to remind myself: this is my story. No one understands its dynamics better than I do. No one knows it from beginning to end but me. No one can tell it the way I can.
When you receive feedback, weigh it carefully and ask yourself: Is this making my story better—or turning it into something it’s not?
Remember: it’s your story.
-Jan R
Enough already! At least that’s how I feel sometimes. I’ve been through my book more times than I can count. In my own defense, no one taught me how to write. I had a great story idea and decided to give it a whirl.
Writing your first novel-Things you should know 