I am fortunate to have a husband, a critiquing group, another mystery writer (Dave), and a good friend (G) to bounce ideas off when I need to.  Without them, I’d probably be stuck in some dark padded cell neatly decked out in a white coat that buckles in the back.

     Granted Dear Hubby will sometimes roll his eyes when the idea I have makes no sense, but he will help me work through it until it does.  He has also come up with some ideas I didn’t think of and they have been great.

     When I’m in the throes of writer’s block, Dave will ever so kindly get online and have a long BS session with me in IM.  He never fails to help me find new angles, red herrings, or scenes.

     When I hand my finished chapters to my critiquing group, they will catch things I didn’t see.  Boy, do they catch them.  They will let me bounce ideas off them on chapters I’ve not yet written. 

     Don’t be afraid to use others as a soundboard.  However, be aware that some people aren’t going to be helpful.  Then there will be other ones, where you will wonder how you ever did any writing without them.