I'd like to start by saying that as a new writer I love feedback - positive, negative, ambivalent. All of it, and I am very appreciative of anyone who takes the time to comment on my work - not just on here but in my writing group and elsewhere. Now for my question. Does anyone have any tips on how to decide which feedback to respond to? I'm not talking about the correction of grammar etc as obviously this should be changed, and my grammar is not what it used to be. But more the feedback about the style, pace, tone of your writing? Writing is such a subjective thing and I know what one person loves another person will hate, and others will simply not have a feeling about one way or another. And the old adage you can't please all of the people all of the time is no better demonstrated than when asking for feedback on the baring of your soul (that's how I feel about writing anyway). But how do others decide which feedback to listen to when it's contradictory? I'm lucky to have had some very positive feedback and also some very helpful constructive feedback too, as well as some that's just been plain rude (not from anyone on here I hasten to add) but I've got a fairly thick skin and even the rude ones have made me think. And I have no doubt it's helped me to improve my writing significantly. But what if the feedback starts to change your writing style? And you're not sure whether this is a good or bad thing? I feel so close to my work, even after a few weeks of not looking at it, that I just can't see which is better - the before or the after?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Hi Clare.
There is danger of a would-be author being pulled from pillar to post, from reading to many books on novel writing, and from listening to much well-meaning advice. As for developing a writing style – there are no shortcuts.
The best way to get to grips with the art and craft of novel writing is to read widely. But you should read as many books as possible by authors in your chosen genre. More importantly, they should be award-winning contemporary authors - learn from the best.
When a would-be author is struggling with a particular aspect of novel writing, or the art and craft of novel writing, they should look to the works of acclaimed authors. Read their novels thoroughly, then deconstruct them to discover how they work.
Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts - Larry L. King
Hi there, Clare,
With the writing you have to decide who your audience is- are you writing fro other people's taste, or are you writing for yourself? I've always found that writing for yourself is on a more personal level and is stronger for that- it usually makes the read more captivating.
I've enjoyed what little of your writing I've seen and if I were you, I'd stick to what you are doing. You already have your own style and I'd like to see more of it, which is a marker that you are doing the right thing.
Good look with your writing, and let your confidence grow.
Kevin.
Thankyou Ellen and Jimmy for your helpful answers. I suppose it will take time to find my own voice, I've only been writing again for a few months and need to learn when to trust my own judgement. And in the meantime I find all feedback is very helpful to me, whether I agree with it, or I impelent it or not. So again, thanks to all of you wonderful people on here who've taken the time to read and comment on my work. I take every bit of it on board and I have no doubt it improves my writing.
Clare