Poetry is an imitation of speech (Aristotle was right), so I read out as much as I can, and audience reaction means a lot to me. I usually post first readable drafts at my blog so I can get reactions from readers as well. I've changed things, even dropped poems, because of reaction or lack of it.
Always, both positive and negative. Readers are what it's all about
Reader feedback before the book is finished is crucial; I have four or five readers I will always turn to before I send a work to the publisher. My editors are life-savers too.
And a thoughtful review of a finished book - by a perceptive reader - can sometimes help you improve your skill as a writer, but in my experience that's rare.
Constructive criticism and observing reader response without letting ego get in the way is very helpful.
Yes, very much! Much as I love writing I'd drifted away from doing it in the quest to make a living - I didn't feel I could justify taking time out just to entertain myself, and it simply didn't occur to me that other people might enjoy my stories.
It was only when my Twitter friend Sam, aka @FutureNostalgic, invited me to submit a story to #FridayFlash and I got some really encouraging feedback on it from readers that I was inspired to take it up again, and I'm loving every minute of it.
As you can imagine, I'm tremendously grateful to every one of them for their encouragement, and very much hope it will continue!
Yes, I love to hear feedback from my readers. Good or bad (although, of course, I prefer good); it does give me new perspectives to consider and it is very helpful.
Enormously, and I welcome it - particularly if new angles to the story are brought to my attention
When I've had it, I truly think it has. Its a massive boon to see how a reader feels.
I'm a writer, I write. Its all happening in my head, and sometimes I know the story so well, I won't notice the missing bit of knowledge that unlocks the whole thing.
Also consistency over long pieces is a horrible thing to achieve, and you can fix those in your head as your reading, its your world, but its cruel on the reader, so its vital someone picks you up on the inconsistencies before its out there and too late.
I think the feedback I most long for though, is opinions on the characters and stories themselves, rather than the technical (as much as I am most able to do something about the technical), as I want to learn to craft engrossing, thrilling, and moving stories, rather than technical masterpieces.
Certainly I invite the constructive criticism, as this will help me become a better writer in the future.
Yes, especially when a number of people are saying the same things about my writing. That would be a trend and if you cannot pay attention to the trends, then you are missing what is happening to us collectively. It is a kind of death to creativity to not be able to see trends.
Immensely - sometimes the writer is so involved in the story, they fail to perceive it through the eyes of others and details and nuances can be lost. The reader helps the writer to home in again. It's always interesting to see how others respond to your work as well and the variety can surprise you if you allow yourself to be open and honest.
Only when it is good. Just joking.
I don't put too much credence on reader-feedback. Even reviews can vary so much. My task is to be scrupulously determined to write to my highest standard.
Until the day comes when I've a personal editor, reader feed-back is very helpful.
Absolutely! I love to gather feedback in all forms. I am not under the delusion that everyone will enjoy what I have written but knowing outside opinions and thoughts allows me to see "all sides" and make improvements when appropriate.
Of course. Especially on academic work. I always try to keep comments - good and bad - in the back of my mind for the future. |
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