I’m now rereading a novel I wrote.

It’s not part of the Duffy series (though some familiar faces make appearances.) It is very hard to step back and be objective.

I sent it to three very good friends who are voracious mystery readers for feedback. They all liked it and all had suggestions. They didn’t agree with each other’s suggestions much but all the feedback was excellent.

My original plan was then to send it to some of my writer friends.

Coincidently, I’m reading a book by Malcolm Gladwell called “Blink”. It’s fascinating study about how good decisions are made. He points out that our instincts, usually the sum of all our unconscious knowledge, should be listened to and followed. He also makes the point that too much information clouds good decision-making and interferes.

I’ve decided I’m not sending my manuscript around any more. I’m going to edit it and have a copy editor go through it for grammar and punctuation.

I’m a little nervous about it. But something tells me that it’s not a good idea to write by committee. It’s good to get feedback… but not too much.

I don’t think it is just that I want to be done. I think it is is something about instinct.

It’s my writing. I’m the storyteller.

I’m going with my gut.