Rediscovering art, writing and raising grandchildren

 I hope there is value in this discussion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_V-l5aghR0

     I am pleased you have received your reviews back, all of them. That is an achievement in itself, you must have a great circle of friends, keep them close. I get the fact you are confused by a couple of responses but consider this. Your friends may not be reading within their genre, and are not experienced, reviewers. They are doing this because they are your friends and have volunteered to help.   As to the others, great outcome. Where to from here? Despite the advice/observations returned to you, be selective in what you take out of the comments. Remember, it is your novel. Thank each person for their efforts, they may offer their valuable services again. The benefit of this, they are invested in your work and, are now experienced enough to accept your guidance on what you require.   However, simply because a reviewer comments on something, that does not mean a re-write of that chapter. However, if a comment is made that your main character, or any character. Has blue eyes on pag

The question you ask about seeking reviews caused me a lot of anguish back in the day. I was quite naïve, wondering how to proceed in a manner that most benefited me with an outcome that improved my work.   I trawled through writing organisation sites looking at advertisements. Subsequently, I sought out a professional reviewer. That cost me money, time, and frustration at the poor response I received. Two more times I sought reviews, only to receive inadequate advice.   Look closely at the reviewer and what is offered. Ignore their testimonials, they’re never going to present you with a bad one. Ask yourself, what is it this person will do for my dollar before you invest?   Before I write more, I will provide you with advice on a paid way forward, and a free way to understanding your writing needs.   The paid way. Investigate the reviewer as if you were creating a character from several explored sources. Is this person working in the genre you write in? No good asking a romance review

  Congratulations on deciding to write your first novel, and thanks for reaching out. Many find writing a novel a daunting prospect, yet are compelled by some unknown force to do so. For others, it is an act of pure joy.  Whatever your starting point, I wish you well developing your project, and pray I will see your work on the best sellers list shortly. As we have not discussed your starting point, I will offer advice on my style, developed over several years. Most important to me are two tasks — writing and editing. I suggest you find that time to write that works for you.  Later, make more time to reflect to edit with a critical eye. What works for me, is rising early. I brew a pot of coffee while the family sleep, and study what I last wrote. The first task, edit dialogue into engaging, meaningful words relevant to my plot. I will hit other editing high points when I write next. At this early point in your writing, a constant reappraisal of your work is a must. You