Feedback

Ring, ring

"Hahaha!"

"What are you laughing at, JC?"

"Ah, I just read one of the articles on your website."

"So, what do you think of it?"

"I can't believe what nonsense it is! To think you actually write something like that! Hahahaha..."

"Why, I never...! How could you say such a horrid thing about my writing??"

"Eh, I was just giving an honest comment lar. Why you so sensitive wan? Errrr, hello? Hello???!!"

Toot... toot... toot...

"So... what do you think of my story?"

"Re-Write. Re-Write. Re-Write. Always read awkward areas out loud. You'll automatically hear the errors. Also, it's predictable. Throw me a twist. Good luck! I always hate revision, but after its done I find I have a much better piece."

"Thanks, appreciate your honest and helpful comment. Ok, here's another piece I wrote based on what I learned from your feedback and others on my other stories. Go have a look."

"Wow, it's clear and cohesive, always nice to read of friends helping each other out. I'm glad this girl knows that not having a guy she's hot for isn't the end of her world. Also, it's realistic and practical, I had fun reading this story."

"Gee, thanks!"

1. Seven years is a long time. If by then you haven't grown to a level where you can accept constructive feedback for your work/passion/offerings, you would never improve and thus, never move on to a higher level.


2. When people criticise your work, learn not to take it personally nor to respond in a dramatic fashion. Remember what happened to the emperor of whom everyone was afraid of voicing their true opinions? He walked stark naked down the streets. Unless you are part of the nudist colony, you probably wouldn't want THAT happening to you.


3. To most authors, their writings are their babies. So, if you value your life and the well-being of your person, please be sensitive when you give your feedback. How many of you agree that JC deserved to have the phone hung up on him? *evil laugh*


4. Receiving good feedback is like inhaling the sweet scent of fresh flowers. Of course there's no guarantee that you won't get bee stings every so often while sniffing those flowers, but getting good feedback after herculean efforts spent in re-writing is really worth it. Because through it all, you find that you have grown to be a better writer.