Read Time: 2 minutes
I must accept the feedback you gave me.
Because in last week’s survey…
You said what you’d like to see from me in the future:
- Yes on more fiction writing tips
- Yes on personal & creative insights
- Yes on fiction writing class under $1MM
You also shared words to describe me:
- creative, quirky, kind
- genius, disarming, cohesive
- self–deprecating, enlightening
- informative, articulate
My creative spirit reading your answers:
- “I’m a kid in a candy shop in a house of mirrors!”
THANK YOU for your generous responses my creative kin.
Your analysis got me thinking about what it takes to finish big projects like writing a book or earning 1,000 true fans.
Of course it takes a lot of patience, practice, and purpose…
But most of all, I’ve learned it requires one critical component that I lacked for way too long…
Feedback.
Looking back, I feel like avoiding criticism was the worst creative mistake I’ve made.
Criticism is the cost of entry if you want to create your potential.
So if your goal is to write a worthy novel or create something significant, I suggest you get feedback as soon as possible, and I’ve got three ideas to get you started:
1/ Go undercover
Countless websites let you to share ideas and stories without revealing your identity.
Post anonymously and ask for feedback:
- If they hate it, take the private hit & keep practicing
- If they love it, suddenly you’re a faceless talent
2/ Ask friends, family or fans
Friends and family love you too much to break your heart so they won’t tell you if you’ve got a steaming pile of prose. That’s not the point of this step though.
The goal is to assess the lack of responses or general vagueness.
Same for fans because they want to see you succeed too.
Years ago, an aunt begged to read my work-in-progress. I emailed her a novel draft but never heard back.
Sometimes silence says more than words.
3/ Pay someone you trust
Forever funny flashback: My first writing coach offered me a refund.
Second: Don’t let anyone, paid or not, define your potential.
Also: This investment puts you in a different game while testing your critical endurance. Even if it’s tough feedback, at least you’re entering the pro arena which means you’re reaching for next level.
PROGRAMMING ALERT: I’m preparing a one-of-a-kind creative experience to help you outline a cohesive story for your novel.
Choose wisely, but choose.
I’m committed to creating in public and getting feedback to improve my potential.
I challenge you to choose the same.