Writing has the tendency to get too complicated sometimes. And to boot, the writer ends up blaming the readers as being uncivilized boobs if they "don't get it."
Here's a thought - what if the complication wasn't as sophisticated.
Sophistication requires two parties. Not just one.
If you feel your work is so complicated, it may just be a mess.
File this under the "what works for me" file.
I utilize friends to read over the text, but also those who would tell me if they didn't get something. Didn't like something else.
That doesn't mean that I don't keep it, but I do keep their comments in mind.
My friend Andrew read over The Harvest. Loved it. Except for two issues he had. Why would Ian have the nerves to be able to clean up after the exorcism session at the stucco house. The other was something he misread (dealing with the old man in the ambulance).
Both of these issues were important to clarify in the story. Otherwise, they are not going to be of service to the reader.
While it sucks to see something you have worked on, bled over, dealt with, be torn down by readers, it needs to be done. In order to be a better writer, it is required. At least for me.
Everyone has editors, but few have readers. People that tell you what works, what doesn't. I believe that is because writers want to believe that, since they have invested so much in "their world," that all that is required is for the spelling to be checked. This, in my opinion, is minor compared to ensuring that you shape your work properly in how people receive it.
Some things, especially homages or "meaning" may escape the reader. It's not their fault. A lot of times, if you receive negative responses because of it, that's because the reader is feeling the same way you are. They want you to succeed. If you're bombing on stage, it makes the text unentertaining. And who wants that?
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