Writing Feedback Thoughts and Reason

 

(Image Information: image by mentatdgt)

As an amateur writer, I have to admit feedback has to be one of the most important pieces of the writing experience whether you are doing it for an assignment or professionally. I truly believe it helps the writer to develop adequate skills as well as understand what enhances a writing piece.

Coming from someone who receives plenty of constructive criticism, I can say without blinking an eye feedback it terribly difficult. No one wants or likes to be criticized, especially if it's on something you've put your blood, sweat, and tears into.

But, you have to remember—it's nothing personal.
(Now, you repeat it to yourself over and over when you want to cry or punch someone.)

The majority of the criticisms will be to improve the work. There will be certain things done incorrectly, which must be corrected. For example, the addressing of grammar issues—I constantly struggle with this—is not to make you feel horrid but to improve your work.

The idea of why its hard to take negative feedback and use it is discussed in this article. I agree a solution to either receiving or delivering feedback is to give it honestly and openly. 
As the article and mother
would say—No Sugarcoating

The praise should for something done well. This makes a difference and benefits the writer. When receiving feedback, you do not need to shut down or sulk, keep a stiff upper lip, and get down to business.

However, many people have the best intention but have no idea how to edit properly. Instead, they will try to change your writing into something they want to read. This is not helpful criticism, and its the worst type of feedback you can receive. You must learn how to adapt and course correct someone's work without trying to transform the writing into something you want. Its the author's work, and you must respect it.  Sometimes it's useful for creativity but not to enhance your skills.

Respecting the art doesn't mean you can't nudge the writer in the correct direction, which is where critiquing and recommending comes to play. From personal experience, I need help with grammatical errors. I also work best with straight forward advice with an explanation. My writing professors are best at explaining why certain aspects of my story or my words are not made clear for the audience.

Regarding the article about Neil Gaiman's speech, I have agreed with the sentiment of mistakes lead to art. Like I've stated previously, your mistakes help you learn and grow in anything you do especially in writing. This improvement is increased by taking into account your mistakes and criticism, which strengthen your talent.

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