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The reason for this strip is that blogs, yes can be an out of control trend, but also they make writing that more accessible. For those of us who prefer to do nothing else, this isn't an option. I like to peruse the blogspot database and see what others are writing about. One happened to remind me of what my ms' (manuscripts) go through. The blog outlined how the woman's husband, who is not a particularly artsy person, in fact she refers to him as "sciencey," reviews her ms and points out all the discrepancies. I do not submit my husband to this for the sole reason that "he doesn't care for the mushy stuff." I believe that means he doesn't like "romance."
As a writer, I already know everything that's taken place or that's ever going to take place in any story I write. I'm a little biased as to how things read and whether it makes sense. So, I rely on my mother. I live by my own belief that says, "If she can understand it, anyone can." Which is true, technically. Even though I get frustrated and only want to finish, I find it annoying that I have to explain what she's already read and how it pertains to what she's currently reading. It all works out for the better in the end.
The one flaw in all of this is that she has the same problem with movies. "Who's that guy?" "Oh my, is she gonna die!?" and "How'd he frame her? I don't remember him sticking that into her pocket!" You can see why I wonder what she's able to retain and how she connects clues together. It's a good thing I don't write mysteries!
By the end of about two weeks of working through the ms with my mother, I find I'm glad to be finished but still frustrated and annoyed. I still put myself through this every time and not so she can praise me and smother me with pride, but because when I take it to the editor and show her, I can feel that the clarity is there and everyone can understand what I want them to. Of course, I have to hold back for the sequels.
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