What Feedback On Writing Has Been Instrumental for Growth as An Author?
Literature Experts
What Feedback On Writing Has Been Instrumental for Growth as An Author?
Authors often treasure feedback that sparks their evolution, and we've gathered insights from an Editor in Chief and CEO who emphasizes the importance of consistency in writing. Alongside expert advice, we've also compiled additional answers that have been instrumental for writers, including the encouragement to learn from literary giants. This collection of eight pieces of feedback encapsulates the transformative advice that has helped writers refine their craft and voice.
- Focus on Consistency, Not Quality
- Refine Narrative Structure
- Embrace Your Instructional Voice
- Enrich Your Vocabulary
- Cultivate Brevity in Writing
- Employ an Active Voice
- Utilize Reader Commentary
- Learn from Literary Giants
Focus on Consistency, Not Quality
Today you're not writing your best work, so focus on just writing. This is what relieved me from the stress of trying to improve every day, trying to produce something that is better than what I wrote the day before.
You cannot be 1% better than the day before, every day. Just try to write something. Focus on consistency, and you will improve naturally over time. Don't stress about the quality, because some days will naturally be worse. Give yourself some slack, and you will be surprised by the results.
Refine Narrative Structure
Receiving feedback to 'make my story straight' was a memorable moment in my writing journey that significantly contributed to my growth as an author. It urged me to refine the structure and coherence of my narrative, ensuring that the plot, characters, and themes align logically and flow smoothly throughout the story. This feedback challenged me to enhance clarity, maintain consistency, and engage readers more effectively, ultimately elevating the quality and impact of my writing.
Embrace Your Instructional Voice
We hired you to write a book about creating poems from life experience because we enjoy your instructional voice. 'Don't be so heavy on quoting others,' my editor at Walking Stick Press (an imprint of Writer's Digest Books) said of my manuscript draft years ago. He gave me the confidence I needed to metabolize what my teachers had taught me and write to my readers in my own words and voice from my own experience. I went on to write many more instructional books after that book, 'Writing Personal Poetry: Creating Poems from Your Life Experiences.'
Enrich Your Vocabulary
Incorporating a broader range of words has been noted to give narratives an added layer of complexity and richness. It can elevate the reader's experience by providing them with a vibrant tapestry of language that keeps them engaged. A well-chosen word can convey emotion and setting far more effectively than a common one.
As an author, it becomes possible to paint more vivid pictures in the reader's mind, making their journey through your writing unforgettable. This practice could transform simple storylines into captivating literary works. Explore new words and use them to enhance the texture of your next story.
Cultivate Brevity in Writing
Advisories often highlight the power of brevity in communication. Writers are encouraged to strip away superfluous language to uncover the crux of their message, which can result in a much stronger impact on the reader. Clear and concise writing makes it easier for readers to understand and connect with the work.
It is about making sure that every word on the page serves a purpose. By removing redundant phrases, the prose becomes more potent and direct. Challenge yourself to write succinctly in your next piece.
Employ an Active Voice
A consistent piece of advice is to shift from a passive to an active voice in writing. This change often revitalizes the prose, infusing it with energy and a sense of immediacy that engages readers. Active sentences propel the action forward and keep readers invested in the storyline.
This approach also assists in creating a stronger connection with characters and their experiences. The goal is to captivate the audience with a lively and dynamic narrative. Make a conscious effort to employ the active voice in your upcoming writing projects.
Utilize Reader Commentary
The use of reader commentary as a tool for crafting a more compelling narrative can be extremely valuable. Insights gathered from readers can illuminate which aspects of storytelling resonate most and which could be fine-tuned for greater effect. This dialogue with the audience serves as an invaluable guide for developing one's writing style and technique.
As authors refine their work based on this interaction, their ability to captivate and entertain their readers improves. Engage with your readers and let their insights shape your narrative's evolution.
Learn from Literary Giants
A common recommendation for authors is to scrutinize the works of the literary giants. Analyzing time-honored writing allows an understanding of foundational prose techniques that have captivated readers for generations. It can offer inspiration and guidance on constructing enduring narratives, compelling characters, and evocative settings.
By studying these masterpieces, authors can unearth the ingredients of storytelling that stand the test of time. Allow yourself the opportunity to learn from the classics and mold your unique voice.