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Update to my last post
I recently posted about receiving some negative feedback on a writing sample and how that made me feel. I’ve since sat with it for a while and have had time to really absorb what was suggested by the reviewing authors.
I also looked at this situation through a new lens.
I knew when I submitted the sample that I’m still a work in progress when it comes to writing. I was looking for honest feedback from an objective party so that I could see areas where I needed improvement. I know how much I want to hone and perfect my skills and how much writing means to me.
To be honest, the feedback I received wasn’t as bad as I’d originally perceived it. The reviewers felt my story was an interesting idea, I just needed to tighten up the writing. Their suggestions were valid.
If I want to succeed as a writer, and I do, then this was the best thing I could have had happen for me. A group of NYT best selling authors liked my story idea and felt it had promise. That’s something. Now I just need to work on some small things to make my work shine. Not many people get the chance to do what I did and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity.
I realized a few things from this situation. I took the feedback hard because I truly care about what I’m doing. I could have let it defeat me and walked away. I almost wanted to, at first, but instead chose to reframe it and use this experience as a chance to grow. That’s something I’m proud of and I don’t say that lightly.
In my house positive feedback was thought to lead to pride. I was always taught that pride was a bad thing as it made you vain. While there is truth in that, a little pride is necessary. There’s an obvious line where pride becomes arrogance and that’s what I need to be mindful of.
I’ve been struggling a lot lately, more than anyone in my life knows. The past year, especially, has been a challenge like I’ve never faced before. At times I’ve felt like I wouldn’t make it through, but I’m still here. I guess that’s something, too.
