Second Draft Progress

I haven't started editing yet, but I've gotten a bit of feedback on the first draft and I have to say I'm incredibly pleased I handed a few copies around to be read. It's great to get outside perspectives on the book, and see where I haven't quite managed to get across what I intended. I think the couple of changes I've already decided on will tighten up the narrative very well, and I can't wait to find out how else I can improve things.

I was also given an idea by an old friend for a background element that will add a lot of depth and direction to my hero, so cheers for that!

A few years ago, I definitely couldn't have done this. Before, I would have only wanted to hear positive reports and would have become very defensive if suggestions like this came to me. It's taken me until now to have the maturity as a writer to accept this stage as the part where I have to work to make this thing as good as it can be.