18th Feb 2008
feedback versus critique
I want to be very clear that the last post was about getting feedback, important and clear, about an article that I am working on from a colleague. In no way was it a critique of a finished piece. I think that the distinction is an important one. The article was (is) an early draft and I knew I was taking a risk by sending it to someone else because it was not polished (or even done) but at the same time I knew I had written myself in a corner, so to speak, and needed someone else’s help to get out of it. That kind of feedback is like gold — you don’t want to squander someone’s time and energy for no reason, you know?
And the feedback she gave me is excellent. I was reacting more like I did in high school or college — wanting just to write something once and have it be good. Sometimes even I fight against what I most believe, that writing is something to be worked at throughout your life. To write well is not to have a gift, but to be stubborn enough not to give up.
I love your last line. I often tell my students that writers never finish a piece, we just get to a point where we say “enough.” But I like your idea better - it’s a matter of persistence. And you’ve inspired me to keep slogging away at an article that has been dogging me for nine months (it’s time to give birth). And to keep submitting pieces for publication. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten something accepted (but I’ve received many rejections). But at least we’re still in the game.
I’ll be at AERA. I arrive on Tuesday and leave on Friday. Let’s try to get together sometime for drinks or dinner.