“…[W]riting is a solitary effort, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one — and that is the real gift of feedback” (p. 4)

The word “feedback” sends my heart racing in excitement and throws my stomach in a lurch at the same time, a feeling similar to the last time I rode a Ferris wheel.

On the ride up, I giggled in anticipation. When we crested the top and then started our descent, I gripped the safety bar. A few times around on that thing and I started to feel weary, even a little sick; certainly, I felt disappointed. I thought I could handle it. Everybody else seemed to be having a good time. But, when the operator finally said the words I longed to hear – “time’s up” – I was more than ready to get off.

Anticipation, elation, disappointment.

Joni B. Cole writes about these emotions, and more, in her book, Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive.

READ MORE HERE. Leave your name in the comment section to be entered into a drawing for a copy of Cole's book.