Book Review: Toxic Feedback
Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive
by Joni B. Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to admit, when I heard Joni Cole had asked Write Anything to review her book Toxic Feedback (University Press of New England, 2006)–an elemental discussion on how to give and take criticism, I was looking forward to reading it. I just finished the final edit of my current thriller ( is it ever really final in the writing world?), which meant I no longer had to submit to the well-intentioned-but-depressing opinions of my writer's group. They just don't understand how to provide positive critiques–the type that motivate a writer to do better and not give up. Every time I've been the bulls eye of their reviews, I've come home swearing to never write again. There are two possible reasons: 1) the members don't know how to critique, or 2) I don't know how to accept criticism.
Or both. Who knows? Either way, when this opportunity showed up in my email box, I figured the Universe was talking to me.
Granted, I didn't miss the conundrum of critiquing a book on criticism. What if I didn't like Cole's book? Could she accept my 'toxic criticism'?
A little background on Joni Cole. She's the creator of the popular series This Day and 2011 Pushcart Prize nominee, as well as a leader of fiction-writing workshops for over ten years. Within the first ten pages, I knew Cole understood me. I, like so many writers I know, am sensitive, easily-insulted, always with a brave front that is only skin deep, desperate for acceptance of my novel, sure that despite my nine published books, I am not any good and my naysayers have seen through my kingly trappings. When I get the writer's blues, it's more like the blacks. Cole provided armor against the toxic criticism of my well-intentioned friends. She shares information like:
only 14% of feedback is dead on (I am so relieved). The rest is from people who don't know our genre or have a personal agenda that doesn't include the success of our manuscript
most criticism isn't as bad as it sounds. We at the receiving end of it merely think it's a razor blade aimed at our jugular.
we are the boss of our story, not them. We decide if a character is shallow or a scene needs more sex or truth should be replaced with more exciting prose
Cole's book is easy to read, with lots of anecdotal experiences from successful writers about their experiences with toxic feedback. She addresses the nightmare of a writer's world with a light sense of humor and a depth of understanding that tells me she's seen one too many flawed critiques. Of course she has. Cole's writer's workshops attempt to guide new authors not only in writing skills but how to handle the inevitable criticism that comes with the territory. Most of us equate 'feedback' with 'criticism'. She explains the concept of feedback, defines it, discusses it from the viewpoint of those who give and those who receive, shares educated thoughts on its relevance in a writer's ultimate success. She offers ways to tell writers if feedback is true (such as, is there a consensus of opinion on a particular point) and tips for processing it (resist the urge to explain your position; ignore feedback until you are ready for it). Cole has a folksy, friendly voice that makes me want to listen, like a friend who understands my concerns, my backstory. She reminds readers that 'criticism' is neutral. It isn't always the bad stuff. As often (or more often–maybe as much as 3:1) it should be what the writer is doing correctly so they don't throw the baby out with the bath water. She even provides guidance for taking criticism from your editor (you don't have to capitulate) for those of us with editors who actually… edit.
In short, I liked everything about this book–except for one item: the cover. Skeletal hands slapped over a keyboard? Is that really the intent of her book? Cover notwithstanding, I strongly recommend this for everyone involved in a critique group, writing a book or leading a writer's feedback group to be sure everyone approaches critiquing in a non-toxic manner.
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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , an ISTE article reviewer, an IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: book reviews, writing Tagged: book reviews, books, critiques, feedback, joni cole
