Sensitivity Readers

I think I'm pretty close to starting writing on the new part of The Paladin. For those who don't know I've decided to break my manuscript into two parts. I had a lot of trouble cutting enough words after my first few runs. I took out lots of stuff, but was still way over the suggested word count for a debut novel. I was literally deciding which chapters and scenes I could remove, dreading the effect that would have on the plot, when it came to me that I could just break it in two.

Now of course that means that with two parts I need to have some new story added in, and I have been working my substantial tail off figuring out what to do with the new parts I have opened up. I'm excited because it's going to let me stretch things out a bet, give them a little breathing room. I can let my characters grow and establish relationships with the readers that they just didn't have the time to do in the first go round.

I've been doing a ton of research and I think I'm about ready to move to the next stage, which isn't actually going to be putting pen to paper. I'm going to look for some sensitivity readers to consult and bounce some ideas off. Are you not familiar with sensitivity readers? Basically, when you write you'll need a few types of editors to look over your work. Of course the general editing will be for grammar, spelling, and other mistakes, but you might need a continuity editor or one specifically focused on plot. One more you might consider is a sensitivity reader, someone from a certain demographic that you plan on portraying in your work who can give you an honest impression of both the authenticity of your work and whether or not you've been insensitive to groups you may not understand.

Hopefully I'll be able to find someone willing to take a little time out of their day to chat with me before I start writing so I can get an idea of where I want to take this part of the story. It's not that I plan on doing anything inherently insensitive, but then again, I don't think anyone in the writing community does. It's just a good idea to make sure you understand things the way people of that particular community understand them. It's part of research. If you don't have first hand experience, get it from a first hand source.

That's all for tonight. I have a load of paperwork to get finished for this new job and work early tomorrow morning. Have an amazing night.

DFTBA