I agree—the constant feedback is exhausting. And, if we aren’t careful to put limits on how much we listen, we become slaves to it. And that is just not good for our souls—OR our creativity! Happy book birthday, all the same. Eat a piece of cake, you deserve it!
And I'm still learning, but I find that I have to keep stepping back, over and over again, to assess all the ways that I'm putting myself out there and opening my work & ideas up for feedback, and to ask: "Why am I doing this? For whom am I doing this? Do I have to do this?"
And, my favorite question of all: "What choice do I have here?"
I think we often get the message that we HAVE to do such and such in order to build a platform and 'make it' as writers, and consistently asking myself that question about the choices I have helps me regain the power to say, "No. I don't need to listen to everyone who is weighing in, here."
I agree—the constant feedback is exhausting. And, if we aren’t careful to put limits on how much we listen, we become slaves to it. And that is just not good for our souls—OR our creativity! Happy book birthday, all the same. Eat a piece of cake, you deserve it!
🍰 thanks Deidre! And f you have other strategies for staying above the fray I’m open to all ideas!
You're so welcome.
And I'm still learning, but I find that I have to keep stepping back, over and over again, to assess all the ways that I'm putting myself out there and opening my work & ideas up for feedback, and to ask: "Why am I doing this? For whom am I doing this? Do I have to do this?"
And, my favorite question of all: "What choice do I have here?"
I think we often get the message that we HAVE to do such and such in order to build a platform and 'make it' as writers, and consistently asking myself that question about the choices I have helps me regain the power to say, "No. I don't need to listen to everyone who is weighing in, here."
Another thought provoking musing. I am really enjoying following these thoughtful pieces. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for letting me know - a real encouragement!
I love that key word: choice!