Criticism as a Catalyst: How Feedback Enhanced My Writing Journey
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Feedback
Approximately five months ago, I embarked on a writing journey with the goal of sharing my work with others to enhance my skills. How did that unfold? Quite positively, I must say!
Most individuals, myself included, lack some hidden, magical talent waiting to be discovered. In fact, much of my initial writing was rather subpar. I’d like to share my experiences and the lessons I learned along the way.
Section 1.1: Sharing My Work with Friends
Navigating this stage was somewhat challenging. At the outset, I shared several drafts of my short stories and an article with friends, excited by my newfound passion for writing. They were intrigued by my efforts.
I made sure to emphasize:
"I want your honest opinions; please tell me what you truly think."
However, the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive—great news, right? Time to prepare for those literary awards! Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
While my friends weren't being dishonest, several factors played a role in their feedback:
- They have personal connections to me.
- The fact that I was writing at all likely impressed them.
- They don’t fit my target audience.
- Additionally, their own writing experience is limited primarily to academic contexts, where the bar for excellence is simply coherent English.
So, what did I gain from this experience? It bolstered my confidence and provided some warm feelings, but in terms of tangible writing improvement, they only pointed out a few punctuation mistakes. My conclusion: sharing with friends can be uplifting, but it may not yield significant insights.
Section 1.2: Seeking Feedback from Fellow Writers
This proved to be a pivotal moment for my development. While not every skilled writer excels at critique, having someone who understands the nuances of the craft can be invaluable. Once I felt satisfied with some drafts, I expanded my audience through two key avenues:
- Joining a university writer’s group.
- Posting my work on a collaborative critique website.
Both approaches had their merits and challenges, so let’s delve into that.
Subsection 1.2.1: The University Writer’s Group
The friendships I formed in this group were invaluable, making the experience worthwhile on its own. Writing can often feel isolating, and sharing that journey with others is incredibly fulfilling.
Moreover, this experience shifted my perspective. Often, our internal narratives don’t translate well to the written word. Discussing not only my work but also that of my peers opened my eyes to how readers might perceive my writing. I highly recommend connecting with like-minded individuals for mutual growth—it can be incredibly rewarding!
That said, personal connections can sometimes cloud the critique of your work.
Subsection 1.2.2: Online Critique
Engaging in online critiques can provide some of the most candid feedback available. Participants expect honesty, which can be challenging yet beneficial. You must develop resilience; writing is deeply personal, but the insights gained are worth it.
Online critique has had the most profound impact on my writing journey. While it can feel severe at times, it’s almost always truthful. This form of feedback has illuminated some fundamental issues in my writing and how I can gradually address them.
An additional perk? Critiquing others’ work sharpens your own skills! Issues in your writing that seem invisible when you’re emotionally invested become glaringly obvious when you analyze someone else’s piece. I’ve also encountered wonderful individuals in these forums who dedicate their time to help new writers. The community is built on mutual respect for the craft, and I encourage you to participate. The gradual improvement is, in my opinion, half the joy of writing.
Thank you for taking the time to read! If you’re interested in horror, surrealism, or other unique narratives, feel free to explore some of my short stories.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Critique
In this video titled "GIVING CRITICISM - Terrible Writing Advice," the presenter offers insights on how to effectively give and receive criticism, which can significantly influence your writing journey.
The second video, "Managing Critique on Your Work & Implementing Feedback | Writing Tips," focuses on how to handle feedback constructively, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers.