Comments, Critiques & Crap

I think one of the most important things you can learn as a writer is to consider feedback a gift. Mind you, it doesn't always feel like a gift, but when someone in the business takes the time to consider your work, offer advice, make observations, or give impressions it can be invaluable.

A while back, someone had a suggestion about my work, a slight twist of a timeline that made a huge difference in my manuscript. Had she not taken the time to give me that, the story wouldn't have worked as well as it does now.

When we're able to hold our work at arm's length and take a more objective look, we can see the story for what it is -- not for what we want it to be. So, next time someone offers you feedback in a rejection, a revision letter, critque notes, whatever, consider carefully what they say. Sometimes, it may be exactly the thing you need to hear to unlock your story's true potential.

Other times, of course, it may be crap. But that's for you to decide.... :)