Denial.
Defensiveness sets
in. How could they say that about your character? Can’t they see how perfect he
is? You go home and rant to your spouse about how clueless your critique group
is. You shore up a line of defence and tick the points off on your fingers
while your beloved nods and smiles.
Depression.
What? Your draft
isn’t perfect? After all that work… you realize that your blossoming talent
doesn’t hold up without some pruning. You may hole up for weeks, or months, in
this phase, daunted by the real work of writing: revision. Your balm: forays to
the library and to read all those other successes.
Integration.
You’re still alive, and is that a glimmer of
desire to have another look at your manuscript? Take a deep breath and look
clearly at the comments you received. Which feedback can be integrated and what
needs to be chucked?
Enthusiasm.
Okay, you know what
to do now. You’ve found some grace and you’ve taken the criticism. Outlining a
plan for revision, you’re ready to go. You’re over the worst of it. You’re even
kind of excited about it. You can write a bestseller!
Acceptance.
You move into work
mode and start working through the details.
You realize that
writing is suitable work for those who can handle the long haul. You recommit
to the work of being a writer. There’s a lot to do, but with support you can
write this thing!
To move through the
five phases more effectively, here are some methods.
To handle the
denial, ask yourself this simple question: “What’s true about this feedback?”
Take a step back from the work and be as objective as you can. Is it true that
there is a lot of exposition in your novel? Is it true that your characters
don’t seem developed enough? Making this kind of assessment strengthens your
skills as a writer. Taking your work apart, piece by piece, will allow you to
delve into the craft of writing.
For the
overwhelming emotions that drive you to hide under the covers, try giving
yourself an acknowledgment. This simple coaching tool can help you to recognize
your progress, and what you have done right. An acknowledgment could look like
this: “You gave the draft as much as you could when you wrote it. Look at how
far you have come since you said you wanted to write.” Working through the
emotions goes more quickly if you are able to talk them out with a
compassionate listener.
When you get to the
integration phase, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re maturing as a
writer. Realizing that writing is more than the first flush of inspiration is a
powerful step toward success. Give yourself a better chance at success by
outlining a plan, creating a schedule, and sticking to the work of revision.
Enthusiasm is the
fun part of the process. Here you reconnect with some of the original passion
for the piece, but with the added commitment and knowledge that you are willing
to show up to make your writing shine.
In the final phase,
the flare and spark of enthusiasm settles into a warm, steady fire.
You are fuelled by
the respect you have for yourself for sticking with it, for your love of
writing, for your admiration for others who have done this work and triumphed.
If you do find
yourself stuck, if getting feedback has stopped you cold, get help. Meet with a
writing buddy to talk out the feedback. Talk long walks and ponder your
commitment to the work. What drives you to keep going despite the challenges?
Understanding your
motivation to write, and to write that particular piece, will help you to move
through the five phases of feedback more quickly. Receiving feedback gracefully
is part of any writer's process, so make it work for you!
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