The awkward moment in fanfiction when...readers don't understand what you're doing

That awkward moment in fanfiction when...readers don’t understand what you’re doing

One of the biggest tips of writing is to “show” not “tell”.

Unfortunately writing involves walking a thin line between knowing and speculating.

As a writer, it’s hard sometimes not being able to tell the readers straight out and coming across completely wrong guesses based on the clues and subtle cues you, as a writer, left for others to find and interpret.

That’s the key word: interpret.

Interpreting means the chance of misunderstanding and being totally lost, and though I value transparency, letting the readers figure things out for themselves what is happening is important.

The reason for the “show don’t tell” advice is simple: Spelling everything out all the time makes readers feel stupid and underestimating the intelligence of your readers is a huge mistake.

But overestimating your readers can also be a pitfall.

It’s all about figuring out the balance, and that is unfortunately something that can only be done through trial and error.

Here’s some help: make sure the story is 40% vagueness, subtle hints and cues to act as a mystery and for something for your readers to contemplate while the remaining 60% should be obvious to ensure your readers aren’t bombarding you with confused reviews, and also so they have something to base their theories on.

Word to the wise: try not to take it personally when your readers are confused. It simply means you need to add more clarity to the story and that can be an easy fix in the next chapter, and a good thing to know for your next story.

Have you guys ever come across vague elements in stories; did the author resolve them in the following chapters? Have you as a writer been told a chapter was too confusing, and do you know why?