Ever receive feedback on your writing that crushed you to the core?
Learn 5 ways to make sure you not only survive, but get the most constructive feedback on your story, and more generative results.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to participate in the feedback process, so you can leave with a more energized, excited vision for your story.
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Episode at a glance:
[03:48] Constructive vs. Destructive Feedback
Most of us want to hear what’s not working in our story, as long as it isn’t delivered with malicious intent.
It’s great to hear good things about our story. And it’s important we know what’s working. But flaws in our work-in-progress are inevitable, and necessary. It would be a disservice not to be called out on them.
[05:03] Our best readers intuit what our story is striving to become. They open us up to our work’s possibilities. But the best way to get constructive feedback is to take an active role in the feedback process.
[06:16] Know what story you’re telling.
Often writers become overwhelmed because they’re telling too many stories rolled into one. It’s not clear what the story is actually about. Getting clear on what and who your story’s about is paramount before you hand it over to readers for feedback.
[07:53] Become your own best editor.
Get a fix on what you already suspect isn’t working in your draft before you submit it for feedback. Putting your own critical eye to your pages makes you an active participant, not just in the critique of the story at hand, but in your development as a writer.
[10:37] Ask questions.
There are two types of questions to help you get the most constructive feedback. 1) questions you’ve prepared ahead of time to guide the discussion, and 2) follow-up questions to help readers articulate specifically what they want more or less of.
[15:51] Keep a beginner’s mind.
Stay curious and eager to write your best work, and stay open to your work’s possibilities. A beginner’s mind is not just for beginners, it applies to the Masters too.
[17:28] Drop your vanity.
When we offer our work up for feedback, we all secretly want to hear that it’s good, that our story’s a done deal – it just needs a quick polish. The discrepancy between our own notions about our work and a reader’s response can crush us. So don’t let your own preconceived notions about your work dismantle you.
Links mentioned in this episode:
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