Writing is an interesting activity. The process of writing is essentially completed in isolation until the writer decides she's ready for an audience. Once that decision is made and the words are offered up for public consumption, there's nothing the writer can do to change how her work is received. It will either resonate with the reader and be read with appreciation, or it won't.
I recently subjected myself to an interesting process. Writer's Digest, a publication and website intended to provide information, education and support for writers in all genres, has a community section. Part of the community consists of on-line writer's groups. I recently joined this community, specifically a group called Critique Corner. Members of this group post items they've written (up to 2,500 words) with the intent of receiving constructive criticism on their pieces. From what I've read in books and blogs, all writer's suffer from being too close to their work. After having bled on the page, it's hard to see the flaws, or even the areas where a few tweaks would improve the writing. A group like this can read a piece with a dispassionate eye and critique honestly.
After having commented on a few pieces posted by other writers, I took the plunge and posted a nonfiction essay/story of my own, "A Bear in My Garbage." I have plans to enter this in a writing contest, and wanted good feedback on how it could be improved. Feedback I received.
Honestly, this process was a bit painful. I'd steeled myself for the likelihood that not everyone would like what I'd written, but I was hopeful that someone would recognize my inner brilliance (we must always hope for that, mustn't we?). Unfortunately, it's always easier to point out what you don't like about something than to identify what you do. While some commenters made a point of saying something positive before jumping into areas where they saw room for improvement, others did not. The tone of some comments made me wonder if I should hang up my keyboard forever.
After eight or ten comments, I removed my story from the critique board. I did find a number of insightful comments that I can use to improve my story, and for those I am grateful. They are also lessons I'll be able to carry forward into future writing. I decided, however, that I had enough to work with that I didn't need to leave my ego out there on the line any longer just to improve this story.
I won't hang up my keyboard just yet. I'll even probably subject myself to this process again, but enough's enough for now. I'll go back to the splendid isolation of being a writer, but I'll also be looking for a writing group of my own to join. I think, no, I know, I need a more supportive critical environment for my writing at this time. I want the honest feedback, but I'd like it to be delivered in a kinder voice.
Thanks for listening.
