When I felt that my first novel was in good shape, I submitted it for review with the Saskatchewan Writer's Guild. It was a strangely old-fashioned process where I had to print off the manuscript and send it through Canada Post. I waited three months before receiving their feedback, again through the mail.

The feedback pointed out viewpoints and elements I hadn't considered. However, some comments I didn't agree with at all. I sat with this feedback for some time until I could decide which changes I was willing to make.

I learned a valuable lesson in the process. You don't have to do everything people suggest. You are the author and can control where you want your story to go. However, listening to suggestions will provide insights, and receiving feedback will usually make your manuscript better.

—Cindy