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Huh.
By Kristen | February 29, 2008
As it turns out, it’s not just me–or just you, for those of you who mentioned being similar situations. Yesterday, my husband picked up a book at the library for me:
Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive
All writers have stories of how some teacher, workshop participant, friend, or spouse gave them commentary that undermined their confidence and their writing. This “toxic feedback” has tainted feedback’s reputation as a whole, causing too many writers to avoid or mismanage this valuable resource.
In the first book to focus on this vital but delicate dynamic, Joni B. Cole applies first-person experience, real-life teaching examples, and her own unique ability to entertain while reaffirming the many merits of feedback. Cole shows writers how to use feedback to energize and inform their writing at every stage of the process. For feedback providers, she delivers insights into constructive criticism and the difference between being heard and being obnoxious. Finally, she offers advice to workshops and critique groups on how to thrive in this collective experience.
I haven’t read it yet, but the mere fact the book exists has made me feel better already.
Topics: Writing about Writing, Odds and Sods |
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February 29th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
And if you do decide to bail from the class and cut your losses, you might find Writing Without Teachers, by Peter Elbow, to be an extremely useful book. Lots of good ideas and advice, guidelines for offering feedback, thoughts on forming teacher-less writing groups, and (a very nice characteristic) brief. Fine little book.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I’ve been conditioning myself to be open to feedback. In the past it was difficult just because I was a young, defensive writer high on my new-found superpower. Now, I can welcome criticism (but I only take seriously those opinions I respect). Still, that sounds like a fascinating book.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I think you’d like it. Elbow suggests feedback rather than criticism: “This passage makes me think about this, gives me an impression of that, etc.” — letting the writer know the effects that his/her writing produces in the reader. The writer can than make his/her own decisions on what, if any, alterations to make.
March 6th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Your teacher sounds like a language mechanic, not a writer. Keep writing, Kristen. You’re good.