Don't Assume

I've been reading a lot lately (submissions, papers, books etc.) and the one thing I am finding is that many writers are assuming their readers get it. This is a HUGE mistake.

You have to remember that your writers have never been where you have been. They don't see your characters the way you do. Because of this, it is important that you take the time to fully develop everything that is going on in your story.

Let me clear this up though. I am not looking for a huge back story dump, or excessive narrations describing the room the characters are standing in. I am talking about a three dimensional picture of the characters, plot and story. This is going to come from dialogue that is purposeful. Dialoge tags that show action and behavior of the characters.

This all stems from the show vs. tell argument we always talk about.

Here is your homework. Give your writing to someone that doesn't read the genre you write. Make sure it is someone that can be honest with you as well. If they don't get it, then you made a mistake. If they can't accurately describe what you wrote down to the smallest details, then you are missing something.

Good luck!