the importance of feedback

[Sateema Lunasi]

I just realized, after a beautifully insightful and helpful critique of some of my stories by Mickie, that my 5 MONTH LONG bout of writer's block is GONE. Just hearing someone willing to help and give me some insight inspired me and I am writing like crazy. I just wrote four pages in the last hour...and I think it is better than anything I have written before. I am trying to illustrate the importance of getting and giving feedback, critique and kudos where they are earned.

I will be happy to give humble critique to anyone who wants it. I am a beginner but I can help to give perspective of the average reader.

I hope to finish my new story soon (it might turn into a novel) and hope to hear from people. Luv to all,

Happy writing,
S

 

[Mickie]

Glad I could help! You're right, you know. Feedback takes us out of that void where we write only for ourselves and puts us back into the world. It lets us know that someone takes us seriously aside from ourselves. Actually, I've gotten into the habit of calling it reviewing instead of feedback, since I do get more detailed than most. There are some serious writers in this site, and even more aspiring serious writers. I'd hate to think anyone was put off writing by unintentially obtuse feedback. Just remember, you can't please all the people all the time, and some will hate your writing no matter how good it is.

A tip on reviewing -- Have to put this in here. I firmly believe that the subject is worth thinking about.
Include something good near the beginning of the review. And even the worst piece of writing has SOMETHING good about it, just as the best piece of writing can ALWAYS be improved. Include problem areas and do your best to give suggestions as to how to make them work better. Point out strengths of the writer and encourage them. Most important of all, put yourself in their shoes and be honest without being cruel.

Any other thoughts out there about the subject? Let us hear them.
Mickie

 

[Sateema Lunasi]

swoon

I could love you, Mickie, but, you're from Iowa
*wink*

 

[Ray Dario]

You guys have hit the nail on the head! There is nothing like a good critique to get the inspiration flowing again.

I appreciate your suggestions on how to critique someone's writing Mickie. It is called the sandwich approach, say something good at the beginning and end of the critique and put the "Meat" in the middle.

One more thing I would like to say is that when you recieve a critique on your work remember three things. First off, everything that is said is about the work, not about you personally. Second, everything that is said is just the opinion of the critiquer. Third Even poorly worded critiques contain some gem that you can use to improve your writing and that is what critiques are all about.

One more thing, if you are serious about writing, you might consider joining a critique group that specializes in your genre of writting, there are many of them on the internet and they can really help you improve.

Ray

 

[vgrey]

Groping in the dark...

The thing that really frustrates me about writing sometimes is the simple fact that it is, by definition, impossible for me to be totally objective about my own work. I simply cannot read it with an unbiased eye. It is a lot like being unable to see the screen when you are typing. It is a blind spot and I am lost without some other perspective to draw on. Even typos that would stand out like a sore thumb to me when reading someone else's work will slip by me time and again no matter how many times I proofread.

What someone gives you with a review is another perspective that you just couldn't get by yourself. It is an invaluable chance to see your writing through someone else's eyes. When it comes from another writer it is even more useful because they have been down many of the same roads that you are traveling and can have even more insight into what you are doing, or trying to do.

I do agree with the "sandwich" format for feedback. People have a lot invested in their stories and sometimes, without meaning to, we can hurt feelings with a severe criticism. As a working artist, I am often in an environment where people are brutally honest about their opinions and expect you to be equally frank. Because of that I have to watch myself so as not to seem indifferent to people's feelings.

I try to remember the kinds of questions (or doubts if you prefer) that I have about my own writing and I try to answer those questions for others.

Personally, as a beginning writer, I am not trying to write the great American novel. I will settle for literacy first, and any help that I get along the way is greatly appreciated.

VG

 

[nitengale]

One more thing, if you are serious about writing, you might consider joining a critique group that specializes in your genre of writting, there are many of them on the internet and they can really help you improve.

Ray

"Where would one find one of these groups?" She asked.

 

[Ray Dario]

I belong to a critique group called critters at http://www.critters.org . this is for my hmmm, non-erotic writing. It is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror critique group that has been very helpful to me. Even if you are not into SciFi/Fantasy/Horror I recommend checking it out. There are lots of resources for writers there as well as the critiques.

As far as finding critique groups for other genres of writing I would do a search through your favorite search engine (yahoo,excite,google...) and see what comes up. I bet you'll find something.

Hope this helps
Ray

 

[p_p_man]

Feedback is useful but...

...I once belonged to a writer's discussion group but couldn't handle the massive egos I found there.

Nowadays I write only for myself. I've found that I'm the best judge of whether one of my stories is good enough for publication or whether it's a borderline case.

I love having feedback and I do receive it on a fairly regular basis but I wouldn't lose any sleep if I didn't receive any at all. The enjoyment I get out of my work is in the fact that a magazine publishes it or Literotica posts it and, more recently, Literotica's Top Lists Category (but I put that down to the competitiveness that's in us all).

You can write your own feedback if you're totally honest with yourself. Read other peoples' stories compare them with your own and - hey presto you have feedback!

All I'm trying to say with this rambling post is don't get too hooked up on it. If you enjoy writing, and you obviously do (and incidentally I thought your work was very good - but I do agree with Mickie's point about loosening up slightly) then continue. Everything eventually comes good. Writer's blocks don't occur because you're writing for fun, improvements can be made to your work by relentless, and strictly honest, self criticism and plots begin occuring to you even in the most unlikliest of places and when you're doing the most mundane and unrelated tasks. My "The Chess Game" came to me completely out of the blue during a business meeting I had last week. And no the meeting was not related in any way to my writing, so no deep hidden meanings there.

Enjoy it, have fun and feedback will follow.

Almost forgot - this is not so much feedback but something you might like to bear in mind. Geoffery Archer the English author once said during a TV interview that he didn't write novels, he told stories.

And when you think about it that's what it's all about...

 

[Ray Dario]

P_P_Man,

I am truly sorry you had a bad experience with a writers discussion group. I would love to carry on this conversation because I disagree with a couple of your points, but I don't feel that this is the right forum for that.

I am going to start a thread in the Authors Hangout forum and I hope you will join me there.

Ray

 

[Katerina Val-Kyrie]

Again, as I stated in another thread, I think feedback is very important for all who write. Feedback, whether good or bad, helps us to learn and therefore improve with our next writings. When one of my readers comments on something they think could be improved, I take a serious look at it. Many times, I end up changing the area they suggested. Sometimes, we just get to close to our work and we don't see things as we should. I think feedback is extremely important because through others we learn an learning is what writing is all about.

Also, feedback lets us know that our stories are being read. We like knowing this, hell, we thrive on knowing our stories are being read, and even better, enjoyed. When I receive feedback, it always puts a smile on my face. I take the good with the bad and with each and every comment, I strive to do better. My goal as a writer is to learn, and in learning, you have to listen to your readers. You have to capture your audience and make them love you...and want more...of your wonderful stories.

Hugs KitKat