I thought this would be the perfect time to bring up my problem with feedback. I recently had two incidences with this that contradicted each other.
Let's start with the bad one first. I was writing a speech, and one of the older students
ripped RIPPED apart. Things that I thought were fine were terrible to her. Furthermore, she had me practice it in front of other people, and then they wrote down strengths and weaknesses in my speech. The weaknesses were all different, and they were also things that I'd worked on. It was infuriating!
On the bright side, I got a paper back today in English. The grade was good, but the teacher wrote "You are a talented writer." I ask you, who should I believe: some girl, or a teacher?!
They're both reflecting to you different thoughts you've had so welcome both, I say. Then decide what you want to believe. In the end, we all have to develop our own inner guidance systems, as difficult as that is. In the end, you and you alone are the ultimate guide to your own journey. Good luck with your writing. And welcome to the IWSG! :-)
ReplyDeleteEveryone is willing to give you their opinion, listen to all and only hold on to those that resonate with you. Often someone's opinion is more reflective of something they are going through that what you have just done. I wish you well. xx
ReplyDeleteWelcome to IWSG! You'll get differing opinions everywhere. It happens to us all. In your case, I would place more value in what the teacher has to say. An encouraging and knowledgeable teacher is worth a lot!
ReplyDeleteGo with the teacher. The writing world is a roller coaster, depending on the the likes of the person reading your latest will set the tone for their response.
ReplyDeleteAlways consider the source. While some random person might have valuable insight, a teacher has far more experience in this case. Through many years of college/grad school, I learned that fellow students were often not a good source of feedback since they're often dealing with their own struggles and perspective right alongside you.
ReplyDeleteAs to real criticism, I only take it on board if several people seem to notice the same thing, independently. And if someone tell you you're talented, believe them!
The negativity of the student raises a red flag. But always consider any feedback. It might be wrong or it could make you rethink something. As a retired teacher, I have to say, "Teacher knows best."
ReplyDeleteWelcome to IWSG! I'd also agree with everyone who says to trust the teacher.
ReplyDeleteCritiques are always hard. I always try to take some time away to digest it--even if I don't agree at first. If I still don't agree, then I move on, but other times I find that even if I don't agree, there was a nugget to be found somewhere in it. I'm constantly getting opposing comments though--too much detail here/love the detail here/not enough detail here--all in regards to the same scene. So, look to the person's level of experience or what I'm hearing the most.
If the teacher says your talented, I wouldn't take it lightly. :)
Take everything with a grain salt. Look behind the words and see if maybe what they said was exactly correct, but maybe a small bit holds merit. Always take into consideration the credentials of the critique. ALWAYS. Most people thing they are experts and aren't. I say go with the teacher. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michelle. Critiques are simply opinions. When it really comes down to it as a writer, you go with your gut.
ReplyDeleteI'm working with five different editors right now. I choose which edits to accept and which to ignore. Writers are funny creatures. If they like your work they hate you for being good. If they don't like your work they despise you for being bad.