“As you by now know, we have sent out 18 copies of The Portal’s Choice to beta readers to get any last minute feedback before the book is released (on May 6). Last week, I received the first response to the questionnaire we included with the book copy.

Reader #1 had just three minor questions. The first concerned a cell phone that Tallis suddenly had after earlier commenting that she is ‘the only kid in the world without a cell phone.’

This led me to question whether a writer HAS to include every little detail. I mean, can’t we just assume that the reader will understand that at Point A Tallis did not have a cell phone and that by Point B she had acquired one? I checked with my publisher and the answer is, “No. If you put something into your story, then it is at that point important. If you change it, you have to alert the reader to that change. If, on the other hand, it is not important to the story in the first place, take it out.

Great call, Reader #1!

Her second comment concerned something that Clement says. When talking about the ghosts, he refers to them as “we.” Reader #1 wasn’t sure who ‘we’ meant – was it the ghosts? Or, was he referring to himself and Tallis? Personally, I think his reference was obvious (he was referring to the ghosts), BUT, I am extremely close to the story. I KNOW what is happening. The entire point of having Beta Readers is to have fresh eyes look at it who can point out where THEY didn’t know what I meant. This is an easy fix and, again, great call, Reader #1!

The third comment concerned ‘Edwist.’ At one point in the book, I mention it, but did not explain (at that point) what it is. For someone who has not read the book before – and who knew very little about it before reading it – that was confusing. Thankfully, it is also an easy fix. Look for more definitions, including a definition of the word ‘Edwist’ as it is used in The Portal’s Choice, in a future post.

I am feeling very grateful at this point that the first reader had only three comments/questions about the story. Of course, there are still 17 more beta readers to hear back from…

On a positive note, she did leave this review:

“I felt from the beginning Tallis was a competent and caring young gal. She was likeable for her spunk and wit. I think she has a strength young people will see as a model. I
absolutely loved her! . . . This is a book that will open you to new ideas about the power we all have to command our lives. K.D. affirms the unique and valuable way, through focus that we are capable of more than we might believe!”

Check out the ‘Review’ page. I’ll be adding more comments as they come in.

Photo courtesy of Laurel Zuckerman