It didn’t strike me as a problem, though.
Instead, this problem masqueraded as a goal: To write submissions so good, my critique partners had as few comments about weaknesses in my manuscript as possible.
The more positive comments I could win, the better.
As I advanced in my writing career, I took those goals with me. Only, then, in addition to wanting to avoid constructive criticism and earn praise from critique partners, I also hoped to achieve the same from editors and readers.
Why do these tandem goals—avoid criticism and earn praise—now strike me as problematic? Well, because after years of chasing them, I see the futility.
First, though feedback is an asset, all of these sources are only human. They may be wrong in their opinions. There might be room for improvement in the areas they praise, just as there may be nothing wrong with something they criticize.
Second, there’s always more to learn. I may learn the style one critique partner favors well enough to avoid many of the weaknesses that person sees in a manuscript. Talk about pride that goes before a fall, because as soon as I switch critique partners or work with an editor, their fresh eyes easily find out areas for improvement I hadn’t considered before. I will never outgrow my need for feedback, so the goal of not needing it? Unattainable and thoroughly disappointing.
Third, any time we judge our success by the reaction of others, we risk losing sight of what God is doing and what He’s called us to.
And that leads me to a better, healthier goal: To steward the gift God has given me.
That perspective reminds me that my stories are not my own. They are God’s, work I do in His service.
He’s the boss.
And taking that analogy further, this is a very large company. The Boss has other employees who are qualified in areas where I am not.
When I work for an earthly company, I expect to have to work with others. I expect to give and receive feedback. I expect to have to make adjustments based on the suggestions of my boss and my coworkers.
It's not personal, nor is it a sign that I've failed or am somehow lacking.
Rather, each person has a purpose and a skill. None of us can accomplish alone that which we can achieve together.
Similarly, I can’t expect that my one role in this endeavor with God—to pen stories—will be sufficient on its own.
There’s a reason God’s given some of us the gift of writing and some the gift of editing. The beauty of our gifts increases exponentially when we use them together.
Yes, I’ll still write the best stories I can. I’ll still take encouragement as I can get it.
But it’s time to stop considering the fact that I need feedback a failure. It’s time to stop judging the value of my gift by the praise it garners.
Feedback is a sign that I’m being a wise steward. It means I’m letting others share their gifts. And working together, we’re stewarding our gifts and serving the God who called us.
There’s a reason God’s given some of us the gift of writing and some the gift of editing. @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite #amediting
Each person has a purpose and a skill. None of us can accomplish alone that which we can achieve together. @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite #amediting
The beauty of our gifts increases exponentially when we use them together. @emilyrconrad #seriouslywrite #amediting #amwriting
___________________
The love of a lifetime, a quest for justice, and redemption that can only be found by faith.
Jake thought he was meant to marry Brooklyn, but now she's pregnant, and he had nothing to do with it.
Brooklyn can’t bring herself to name the father as she wrestles with questions about what her pregnancy means and how it will affect her relationship with Jake.
If Harold Keen, the man who owns the bookstore across from Jake's coffee shop, has anything to do with it, the baby will ruin them both.
Can Jake and Brooklyn overcome the obstacles thrown in their path, and finally find the truth in God's love and in each other?
Amazon
