[PUBLIC POST] Positive Feedback!

[ljwrites]

As promised, this week we discuss the flip side of last week's post, positive feedback about your writing. What are some memorable compliments you have received? How was it helpful? When is a compliment less helpful, though still no doubt appreciated? How do you give positive feedback? What effect does positive feedback have on you? Feel free to discuss these or related subjects in the comments.

Comments

[ljwrites]

Yeah, critique definitely seems to be a separate skill from writing. Many writers, from my observations, are more intuitive than theoretical about what works or doesn't work in writing. I think it was Robert Heinlein who was actually afraid to analyze his writing too thoroughly, for fear of the centipede effect where what came automatically would become hindered by conscious thought.

Heh, I'm actually vain enough to enjoy the "You're such a good writer!" reviews. I loved it when someone told me my fanfic was one of the best stories they'd ever read, original or fanfic, even though I know it's due to their inexperience with (or inability to recognize) better works. It's like being told I'm the most beautiful woman on Earth: Not objectively true, but it's true in that moment with that particular person--unless they're deliberately lying for an agenda, which is unlikely in online reviews--and I appreciate the thought.

Being critical is part of a function of a beta and I tend to focus more on the bad than the good, too. I try to mix it up with the good as well as the bad.

[alexseanchai]

like being told I'm the most beautiful woman on Earth: Not objectively true, but it's true in that moment with that particular person

Huh, yeah, hadn't thought of it like that.

[ljwrites]

Yeah, you wouldn't tell someone in that situation, "I mean, have you seen Lupita Nyong'o? Cate Blanchett?" I see such superlatives as an expression of emotion and appreciation, something special shared in that moment between two people.

Incidentally I just asked my husband, a huge fan of Blanchett since we saw Carol, who was more beautiful, her or me, and he immediately chose me. I like it when they have a sense of self-preservation. XD

[alexseanchai]

Nod.

Heh heh heh :D