Learning from Critiquing

My world since June has been devoted to learning about the world of writing. I've read books and blogs. I've listened to other writers. I've joined writing challenges and submitted manuscripts. But I think joining critique groups have given me an insight into what makes some books travel past the slush pile.

I have read some really nice stories. These nice stories have no zip, no personality, no reason to keep reading. I totally understand why an editor only needs to read 100 words or less to decide if it is publisher worthy. There is little originality, but they are nice sweet stories and boring. 

I have reread some of my stories, they too are nice/sweet and yikes! boring. There's no zip, no reason to keep reading because the plot is soooo predictable.

Another lesson learned as I travel this path

.

It needs a twist.

It needs a reason to keep reading.

It needs to be more than nice.

It needs to be unpredictable.

Isn't that just what I have been reading and hearing? Yes. I guess I needed to also see if for myself.