Spoiler Telepathy

An important way that we’ve kept one foot in the writing universe while distracted from our usual routine is by attending our critique group meetings. In that environment, we are sometimes two people and sometimes just one.

If the work being critiqued is someone else’s, then Kent and Jen each provide separate feedback. Rune Skelley, per se, doesn’t offer any suggestions. However, when it’s Rune Skelley’s pages under discussion, then it’s Rune Skelley sitting at the table. We pass significant looks and sometimes literally pass notes to each other, but Jen usually finds just stepping on Kent’s foot under the table is enough to make her point.

The need for all this clandestine communication arises from spoilers. Maybe not every critique group runs this way, but we like to get “an honest read” on our material. Plot points and character motivations often look quite different when you’re clued in about where it all leads, which means a spoiled reader will see connections that others might miss. To get a feel for whether the story is tracking, we keep our readers in the dark.

But the whole point of the group is to talk shop. Sometimes you want to throw out hypothetical edits and see if people feel they’d improve the flow or clarity. Sometimes you simply need to confirm, “You guys know Wiggins robbed the bank and Jinks is just taking the fall, right?” Delving into real analysis of the text means flirting with spoilers.

This is where telepathy comes in handy. With a quirked eyebrow, Kent can ask if it’s okay to bring up a plot detail, and Jen will know which one he means. We can ride the line to keep our readers honest while still being able to have a conversation with them. And if Kent starts to babble, Jen can always step on his foot.