Stepping up...

For every writer, there are certain stages in their development. When they first start out, they make mistakes. Grammatical ones, errors in pacing, character development--whatever. That's natural, and it's to be expected.

At that stage, many reviewers will forgive those mistakes. "Oh, it's their first or second novel. They're growing, developing."

No, not all reviewers will be that lenient, but many are, I've found. Goodness knows, I made my share of mistakes back when I started. (I still make them, only far fewer).

At the second stage, though, after your fifth book or so, the reviews can and often do become harsher. Those who read your earlier work expect more. They expect tighter pacing, better and fuller character development, a more cohesive plot--the woiks. And because they do, their reviews reflect that.

Is that a bad thing? No, not necessarily. It forces the writer to up their game, draw on every bit of effort, inventiveness, and ingenuity they can come up with. Most rise to the challenge. Some don't.

It all depends on the genre, of course. Writing certain genres demands basic ideas. Or, the fancier plot devices are eschewed in favor of certain things. (Hardcore erotica that verges into porn comes to mind. There, great writing isn't a priority. The emphasis on sex scenes is, but I digress...).

For other genres, it's imperative that the writer continue their development. The question is how. Below are a few basic steps. I realize that there are many, but these are the basics. One, they go back to their prior work and see where it can be improved, the ol' woulda shoulda coulda thing. I've done that, and it works well.

Structuring your writing for pace and flow is incredibly necessary. Many newbs or semi-newbs tend to write long, run-on sentences or add in too much unnecessary detail. Both are not useful. Say what you want to say, and then move on.

I'm very much a minimalist writer. Anyone who's read my work can tell you that. I'm very much influenced by the late Elmore Leonard who said to cut the fat and leave the meat. (Paraphrased). I've used that mantra ever since my second novel and I'll continue to use it. It works for me.

Number two is to make a plan. I realize that many writers are pantsers, and if it works well for them, fine. More often than not, though, pantsing leads to a lack of cohesiveness.

Making a plan doesn't have to involve a lot of preparation. Some basic notes on what happens in each chapter, what the characters say and think, what happens next...they'll all work and work well. All it takes is a little forethought and you're golden.

The third way is to employ the watchful eyes of beta readers. Beta readers can and should be merciless--but tactful--in their assessments. In my earlier days, I never employed beta readers. I relied on my own sense of what was right, and my editors often suggested ways to improve what I'd written.

However, in the past couple of novels, I did ask a few people to beta read for me. Fight Like A Woman comes to mind. It was a gender switch novel with a lesbian love angle, so I asked the most obvious people for help.

And they delivered. I had a few lesbian writers/readers go over the manuscript in order to make sure I wasn't screwing up somewhere along the way. Sure enough, I did mess up here and there, and they set me on the correct path. So, for the not-so-newbie writer, beta readers are invaluable.

Finally, know your weakness and focus on them. All writers have them, even if they're loathe to admit it. All writers have strengths, which they're quick to play up. Mine happen to be action and dialogue. (See what I did there?

With weaknesses, you have to improve them if ever you're going to be taken seriously.

So, now you know what to do. Writers have to continuously up their game. Up yours.