The commenting challenge for Two Writing Teachers this weekend has the most incredible prize! I spent some time yesterday really looking into the Highlights Foundation and their writing camps, and wow...just WOW! Unfortunately, I know I won't be able to attend any of them, due to commitments already made. Because of that, I'm not keeping track of my comments and entering, but I'm still trying to comment on as many blogs as I can this weekend.
Why? Because we as writers need it. It feels good to know your words are reaching someone. It is encouraging and it helps push us forward. Do I write for myself? Absolutely. But I also absolutely write for my readers---otherwise, I could just write in one of my paper journals, couldn't I?
In every writer I know personally, there exists some anxiety, some doubt, and some desire for validation. It's normal for my 6-year-old who excitedly shows me her new story and waits for my reaction. It's normal for my seniors who want feedback on their new idea before it heads to workshop. It's normal for the published author who desires to hear from fans.
We write to communicate, so it matters to us that our words are reaching someone.
I mentioned it last year during the SOLSC, and I mention it again now, mostly because I need the reminder. It is so easy for me to read something wonderful or something that moves me, or something I find hysterical yet never let the writer know.
This challenge reminds me just how lovely those comments are for writers. It feels validating and supporting to receive them. I know when I get them it spurs me onward, and when I don't--much as I hate to admit it--I really have to give myself a pep talk sometimes!
Two Writing Teachers has given us this amazing community of writers, and I'm forever thankful. Now, I'm off to go read some amazing slices and leave some feedback. I encourage you to do the same.
This month I will participate in the Slice of Life Challenge!
My goal is to Write. Share. Give. each & every day of March.
Check out Two Writing Teachers for more info!
I agree! I am retired so would not want to take a "space" from a deserving teacher to attend the workshop. However, like you I comment as much as possible throughout the day, because as you said, we need it!
ReplyDeleteI like everything you say about commenting. I always get a little charge when I open my email and see 5 or 6 new comments on a post. My words have been read! Someone gave me feedback! I would imagine the winner of this amazing commenting challenge prize will post over 200 comments this weekend, and I know that will never be me, so I'm not even trying, but like you, I am trying to comment more.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts about commenting are so spot on. We can write for ourselves but it is so good to know that our words have reached someone else too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouraging commenting.
ReplyDeleteI have taken this commenting challenge to heart and found that I have gained so much from spending the mornings reading through the slices. I feel like it's a great way to connect with others. I know how much it means to me and how I look forward to seeing if anyone has commented on my writing. I know my writing isn't moving or really that good, but I'm putting it out there. It feels good to get a little acknowledgement just for the fact of doing it. I'm enjoying leaving a note for those that I read.
ReplyDeleteCommenting on others's blogs validates how important feedback is to our students. Knowing someone has read our words validates what we do, and when someone really connects with our words, it makes it even more special.
ReplyDeleteComments really do mean so much - I often learn from a question or a perspective shared and can be surprised by the reactions. This writing community is so supportive!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right! I have learned so much about the essentialness of commenting through Two Writing Teachers and this fabulous challenge. Thanks for spreading the word - write on! comment on!
ReplyDeleteI love getting comments on my blog so I try to comment as often as I can on other peoples blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true! A person who takes the time to comment on my blog posts (even though sometimes they're not all that great,) it makes me feel so happy that I COMMUNICATED with somebody. Thanks for the encouragement to be as faithful a comment-er as I am a writer!
ReplyDelete"This challenge reminds me just how lovely those comments are for writers. It feels validating and supporting to receive them." These lines resonate with me. Even though I know my fellow slicers are kind and would never say, "Your writing stinks," I feel lifted by their comments. And I inwardly thank them! Thank you for this lovely slice.
ReplyDeleteI remember your post from last year about the importance of making comments. I took it to heart then, and now. I have made a point of making more comments this year!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy receiving wonderful feedback too. I try to comment on other's blogs because I want them to know what they write matters. Great discussion that you have started here.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy receiving wonderful feedback too. I try to comment on other's blogs because I want them to know what they write matters. Great discussion that you have started here.
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