Writing and sex have a lot in common, and I explore another way this is all too true in my latest ERWA column, Sexy Writing Partnerships: Mastering the Art of Reading, Responding, and Roasting Brussels Sprouts. Originally I'd meant to put in a paragraph or two at the end of an earlier column about writing groups, but my memories of the good and the bad of writing feedback were so overwhelming, I decided to devote an entire essay to the topic. And that was just the beginning--is there anything to get a writer going all night over a bottle of red wine than sharing stories of mean critiques? Well, if you have the wine, I've got the tales, but I've also learned a lot about the kind of critic I want to be, a work in process of course. If you have any suggestions for further tips on how to give and accept feedback on a very sensitive issue for a writer, let me know!
And I noticed fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk are already available at my local uber vegetable market. Gonna get roastin'....
2 comments:
What an exceptionally helpful and informative article, Donna! Thank you so much. Wow, I am/was reminded of my experiences in a graduate creative writing program as I read that, and I really sensed how clumsy, for lack of a better word, my offerings and perception in the context of critiques (both giving and receiving) were at that time. This piece strikes me as such a useful offering—thanks again for so generously taking the time to write and share it!
Thank you, Emerald! I really found that the topic set off a lot of deep emotions for me, and I'm sure your experience in an MFA program would add a lot to the discussion. People assume it's an easy, even natural, thing to do (like sex). But there's a lot of hurt feelings and misunderstandings for such a "natural" act!
Post a Comment