Seek feedback from trusted readers from "summary" of Writing about Your Life by
When you're pouring your heart out onto the page, it can be easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. You're so close to your own words that it's hard to see them clearly. That's where trusted readers come in. These are the people who can offer you a fresh perspective, a pair of eyes that aren't clouded by your own biases and assumptions. They can point out the places where your story drags, where your tone feels off, where your message gets lost in the shuffle. And because they know you well, they can do all this without crushing your spirit. They can offer constructive criticism that helps you grow as a writer without tearing you down as a person.
But not just anyone can be a trusted reader. You need to choose these people carefully, selecting individuals who know you well, who understand your goals and your style. You need to trust their judgment, knowing that they have your best interests at heart. And you need to be open to their feedback, willing to listen to what they have to say and take it to heart. This isn't always easy. It can be hard to hear that a passage you poured your soul into falls flat, that a character you thought was sympathetic comes across as whiny. But if you can set your ego aside and really listen to what your trusted readers have to say, you'll be amazed at how much your writing can improve.
Of course, not all feedback is created equal. Some people will offer you nothing but praise, while others will tear your work apart just for the thrill of it. That's why it's so important to choose your trusted readers wisely. Look for people who can strike a balance between honesty and kindness, who can offer you both praise and critique in equal measure. Seek out individuals who have experience in writing or editing, who can offer you practical advice on how to tighten up your prose or sharpen your dialogue. And above all, listen to your own intuition. If something feels off about a particular piece of feedback, don't be afraid to trust your gut and ignore it.
In the end, seeking feedback from trusted readers is all about finding that delicate balance between self-expression and self-improvement. It's about opening yourself up to the wisdom of others, while still staying true to your own unique voice. It's about being willing to grow and change as a writer, while still holding fast to the core of who you are. So choose your trusted readers wisely, listen to
