Monday Mess: Audience Feedback. Right.

I'm exploring a new genre with my new WIP. It's a genre I love to read. It's a genre my sons love to read. It's YOUNG ADULT FANTASY.
Now, I know that can mean a lot of things, but mine is Medieval Fantasy, in a parallel universe. There is magic. There are no magical creatures. Yet. I reluctantly asked the kids (who were trapped with me in the car this weekend as we drove to Grandma's house for Easter dinner), "Will I need to add a magical creature?"
The 12 year old, who was clear in the back, piped up, "YES!" followed instantly by the 18 and 15 year old who commanded, "NO."

Right.

I can't believe the self-doubt that is accompanying me on this one. I am really enjoying writing this and developing the characters and conflict. I LOVED creating the magic. The 15 year old helped me work out the war and politics end of things, and together we created a map of the countries, rivers, lakes, mountains. He wants to make a calendar. I have 61 pages and I plan on taking 15 of those to Boot Camp and the Storymakers Writers Conference in a couple weeks. I have no idea which 15 pages.

Because a member of my target audience (15-18?), my 15 year old son, is reading my story . . . and his feedback has been critical and helpful . . . he thinks I'm too wordy and yes, the female lead's character is a little baffling to him . . . but it's good and it needs something and . . . and . . . and I HAVE NO IDEA IF I'M DOING THIS RIGHT. Blah. Am I any good at this? Not just any good, but am I SIGNIFICANTLY good at this? Isn't that what a writer has to ask every now and then?

But I really am having fun writing it. I can't wait to get back to it. That counts for something, right?

Right?