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'....
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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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!
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