Writing & New Age

Lesson 8: Summary.

Section 8-2: Feedback.

Feedback is as important in submission of written work as it is in a learning environment. Feedback is an essential element of a writer's career. Each time you submit and have published your writing you will receive feedback from editors and readers. Get used to it. Usually when you receive feedback from readers it is positive. Occasionally you will receive strange feedback-the best thing to do with that is to a) overlook it, b) file it away (in the event you are written on a controversial topic-it is good to retain strange or inappropriate commentary), c) discard it, d) respond to it in an intelligent manner, or e) discuss it with contemporaries (brainstorm) before responding-always, if you have a sensitized reaction-don't act until you have performed some meditation or breathing exercises. You have to remember as an author, you are now responsible for what you put in print. Like a two-edged sword, along with the enjoyment of being published, comes the responsibility for writing appropriately to your readership.

Much of this book contains specific instructions for evoking the appropriate imagery to cure afflictions ranging from acne to warts, and including cancer, hemorrhoids, and scoliosis. A separate chapter focuses on imagery for promoting good health. The book includes pointers for developing successful imaging techniques and will appeal to those readers interested in alternative medical practices.

Editors will give you feedback. Their feedback can be quippy, short, and direct. A lot of negative things are presented in comedic fashion about editors, but think of them as your best friends. They know their business and their business is to sell your work as well as their own. They are working to help you succeed. I have always found most editors to be conscientious and helpful. Many times providing references to other resources if they cannot utilize a submission. I try to make it a point to send a thank you note for even negative commentary from an editor. It is good to thank them for taking the time to respond, as their desks are innudated with submissions.

Friends will provide you with plenty of feedback to your writing. And, they may also supply feedback to your newfound ideas of Guided Imagery, visualization, meditation, and self-hypnosis. Many folks believe such pseudosciences are silly to perform-remember though, top athletes perform them. Friends can be helpful and deliver positive insights to your writing too, but I have learned over the years that friends and family get overwhelmed in reading and reviewing my work. Often they don't acknowledge writing as work at all. They seem to want me to "get a real job." They love me and care about my well-being, but-writing is view by many much like painting-something you do as a hobby. Therefore, I have learned to keep my writing to myself in as far as friends and family. This is a decision you will have to make for yourselves. Remember too, that stories you share, that may have little bits of character Aunt Matilda exhibits built into them aren't going to be her favorite reading material. Especially if she's a buxom woman, with an unusual gait, who may smoke a pack of luckies each day, and has a strange habit of making odd noises with her tounge pressed against her teeth. You can use her character in another character, but when the family reads what you have written that may not be what they want shared with the world at large.

Feedback is a beautiful thing. Embrace it. Look forward to even rejection mail. Many times little notations there lead you to a next step in the progression toward success. Be happy to have gotten a response. Many writers don't receive them, especially if you receive an expedient reply, take it as a compliment. Once you have gotten a successful submission, develop a bond with your editor, keep that a healthy relationship. You may want to submit to them again and again.

There are a multitude of list servs, writer's groups, writer meetings, libraries with readings, open mic venues, etc. to go to and receive immediate reactions to your work. Employ these resources when and where possible, but be certain to not allow them to dominate your time. I suggest for a list serv and for writer's groups to set up separate e-mail accounts for their purpose. You will learn quickly that the volume of e-mails they involve are too numerous for a typical e-mail account. Also, it is more difficult to be removed from lists and groups than it is to be added. So be selective in choosing ones to join.

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