Everyone wants feedback on their work \u2013 or do they? That might sound like an odd question, but let me tell you a story. When I was in college I once did something really stupid (only once?) and was on the receiving end of some negative feedback from people in the group I hung out with. Frankly, I was pissed. Who the hell were they to judge me! I grumbled about this to an acquaintance who gave me a funny look and asked, \u201cYou like it when they compliment you, don\u2019t you? They\u2019re judging you then too. Do you complain about that?\u201d I was stunned, and just kind of stared at him. Not because I was angry, but because I realized he was right.<\/p>\n
So what does this have to do with writing? Simple. Many people look upon positive feedback (praise) not just as good, but as justified and deserved. Negative feedback (criticism) on the other hand is hurtful, unjust and undeserved, which means the giver of that feedback is an evil jerk. Now ask yourself this question (and answer truthfully). You know the novel or story you just finished is really great don\u2019t you? Of course you do. So if you get negative feedback you\u2019ll be in shock, won\u2019t you?<\/p>\n
So how do you learn to take negative feedback? Actually the first step is to learn how to give feedback. By learning to give careful, well thought out feedback, you learn to examine another person\u2019s work carefully and writing a detailed, respectful review. When you learn that, you will also be able to appreciate a helpful, if critical review of your work. So how do you do that? Well, here\u2019s a few suggestions:<\/p>\n
Always find something positive to start with. There is always something you can find if you think about it. Was the concept interesting? Did the character(s) do something that set them apart? Was the writing generally good (grammar, etc.), or was the style interesting? Anything that can come in for some small bit of praise \u2013 use it. Remember the song from the Sound of Music \u2013 \u201ca spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Never use harsh words. Don\u2019t say \u201cyour story sucks\u201d unless your goal in life is to be an internet troll. Couch your criticism in terms of what needs to be improved. \u201cYour writing is totally descriptive \u2013 break up the paragraphs and try adding more dialogue.\u201d \u201cI\u2019d start to get carried away by your story but then I\u2019d hit a number of badly misspelled words (or typos, or bad grammar, or whatever) and that would just take me right out of the story.\u201d \u201cI had a hard time connecting with your main character because your description of her was inconsistent. As soon as I thought I understood, and liked, her she\u2019d do something totally out of character.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notice that I\u2019m not pulling any punches, but I am trying to talk to the author in as helpful and non-judgmental a way as possible. Remember, detailed feedback is always helpful.<\/p>\n
Another thing to consider is your own personal biases. If you are not a big fan of the story\u2019s genre or you are just totally unfamiliar with it \u2013 say so. Sometimes in a writers\u2019 group or an on-line site you come across someone who tries to be very helpful to you and you would like to return the favor, but that person writes stories you are totally disinterested in. Go ahead and review, but emphasize mechanics (spelling, grammar, etc) and let them know your biases. If you dislike fantasy, don\u2019t review a fantasy story and say, \u201cI really had a hard time following this.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Of course you did \u2013 what did you expect? Now that doesn\u2019t mean that the book wasn\u2019t poorly written and confusing, but at least if you admit you are unfamiliar with the genre, the writer can take your criticism in the proper framework.<\/p>\n
Truthfully, no matter what you do you will always come across those for whom the slightest criticism is a mortal wound. I\u2019ve had cases where I\u2019d post some gentle criticism and go back a few days later only to find the story post gone, never to come back. But at the same time I\u2019ve also gotten a lot of appreciative comments from writers who understood that my criticism was just there to help.<\/p>\n
So in conclusion, give feedback the way you (hopefully) want feedback. Frank and helpful, but not nasty.<\/p>\n
Okay, next time Receiving feedback.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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