It happens without warning. Two small brown dogs that live in my house will be peacefully sleeping, looking oh so adorable - when all of a sudden, they're frenzied balls of fur, barking their fury to the heavens.

I look around, certain there must be some sort of monster about intent on eating us all. But is there ever a monster lurking about?

None that I've ever seen.

I've actually tried to find the monster. I check all the doors, look out the window, peer under the bed. But, nope. No monsters anywhere. The two little dogs look at me like I'm as dumb as a post. They know exactly what they're talking about. I can just imagine what they're thinking. "Stupid human. She's obviously incapable of understanding what we mean."

Yes, they can be snotty dogs, but truth be told, I've been guilty of the same sort of behavior in my writing. There have been times when I've gotten feedback from my writing group or from an editor on my story that goes something like this: "I have no idea what you're talking about here."

Now my first reaction is to think, "Stupid human. You're obviously incapable of understanding what I mean." I know exactly what I'm talking about.

Just so you know, that first reaction is wrong.

It doesn't matter that I know what I mean if the only thing my reader's getting out of my work is frenzied barking. What makes sense in my own head doesn't necessarily make sense out in the real world. And a lot of the time all these unclear places need is some clarification. In other words, you just got some 'splaining to do. Then, when you present your material again, you'll hopefully all be on the same page - so to speak.

This why you need someone other than you to read your work. We all have our own private language that doesn't always translate all that well. It can often take another set of eyes and ears to catch those incomprehensible areas. Now you're on your way toward better communication which naturally leads to higher understanding among all people which ultimately leads to peace on Earth, right?

The little dogs are at it again, poking holes in my eardrums with their high-pitched yodels of alarm. I better go check. You never know, maybe I'll find that monster this time.