Short Stories – Page 60

is for gratification. You might be wondering what gratification has got to do with my chosen theme of writing. Please read on and allow me to explain.

When we first write a story, however long, it may be ultimately for others to read, but we write it primarily to give us satisfaction. As we refine that same story, through careful and ongoing editing, we are preparing it for other people to enjoy.

Why then have I encompassed my multiple sensations with gratification?

In my own writing, I’ve occasionally found a tear come to my eye – no, not because the writing was so bad! I have felt the emotion of my character; be it love, pain, joy or whatever else. Sometimes, depending on the passage (pardon the pun), I’ve been sexually aroused, because I’m at one with my character. I’ve felt anger, disappointment, frustration, happiness; all through the depth of feeling of a character.

When an occasion arises, and I don’t feel any of these emotions, I know the writing isn’t working; it isn’t good enough.

Is this always the case for me?

Yes, be it poem, short story, or novel. I must feel a connection, an empathy with my characters. If I don’t feel it through the written word, through my own creation, then how is anybody else supposed to feel it? They will not.

The reward for the reader is to feel they have been entertained, and they have the satisfaction of knowing that the author worked towards that goal.

For the writer, the reward comes when there is a positive review of the writing. Okay, some of us may now be seeing a small cash reward too, and that does feel pretty special; to be paid for your writing.

In summary, gratification is an appropriate word in my theme, because when the writing is to a good enough standard, the result is mutual satisfaction for writer and reader.

Thank you for reading. I’ll be back tomorrow with thoughts on ‘H‘

is for feedback.

When I use the word feedback, I don’t mean a spontaneous comment. Look at the construction of the word; it is a response.

A review is a good example of feedback, and I have my own set of rules when writing a review. Yes, I know there will now be some of you that will not be surprised by that admission.

I believe that in life, if you don’t have something constructive to say, then don’t say anything. When still in the retail management role I held by the maxim: ‘Praise in public, reprimand in private’. A combination of those two trains of thought takes us some way to understanding my attitude to writing, or not writing reviews

1. Even if I don’t like book or story, I make a point of not demeaning the author, or their efforts.

2. If a piece of writing is particularly bad, whether it be a story or book, I do not write a public review.

3. If I find; typos, incorrect syntax, or a glaring error, I make an effort to give the author a private ‘heads-up’ by email.

4. When I write a public review, it normally takes the form of a ‘praise sandwich’. My intro will be a positive statement, followed by the body of the comment which may have some constructive criticism (if appropriate), followed by a summary which will be another positive statement, even if it’s only a couple of words of encouragement.

All of us that call ourselves writers enjoy what we do, otherwise we wouldn’t do it. Nothing damages confidence and self-esteem more than a completely negative review. If we write a mainly critical review, we should try to find something positive to say.

As writers, we shouldn’t be competing with each other; we should be supportive. I believe that those of us who have learned lessons should be prepared to help others. I came to writing seriously in my mid-50’s and I continue to take heed of other writers of all ages.

Let’s go forward by using feedback as a positive tool, to enhance our community and improve the relationships in our chosen profession, (or hobby in some cases). Together we can take the joy and success to new heights. This is a call to arms my literary friends.

Thank you for reading, and I’ll see some of you tomorrow for G, let me think …

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