Look Both Ways

Feedback

Readers

SEND FEEDBACK!!

You don't have to be creative. A short, "I read your story and I liked it," is enough. I'd estimate that less than 10% of readers send feedback. Some authors, and these may include your favorites, write only when inspired by the love of their readers. If someone whose writing you like hasn't written anything new in a while, write him/her a note and say you'd love to see something new and, by the way, "I read your story and I liked it." Many authors thrive on feedback, they live for it, no matter how short the note.

If you want them to love you forever, take ten more seconds and write, "I read your story and I liked it. I especially liked the scene between Harry and Tom in the turbolift, it made me laugh.") You'd be amazed to know how many authors save every feedback note they get, and gloat over them fondly on those days when the latest story isn't coming along as well as they'd like.)

Contribute if you're on discussion lists. Speak up.

If you like stories where Harry and Tom have holodeck adventures together, then say so on the list. Odds are good that fifteen people will chime in and say they do too, and the next thing you know half the authors on the list will be churning out holodeck adventures.

If you have a different opinion of why Fraser refuses to get a permit to carry a gun in Chicago, say so when it's being discussed on the list.

Your opinion is as valuable, and as valid, as anyone else's. And many authors get inspired for new story ideas from discussions on the lists.

Authors:

RESPOND to feedback.

Very few readers, as we all know, take the time to send feedback notes. No one should tell themselves they're just too busy to send a note back to the people who liked their stuff enough to write them a note. I don't care if you're some superstar who gets a hundred glowing responses to every story. Send them all a thank you, even if it's no more than those two words. Especially those of you who moan and groan about the low number of feedback posts you get. If you're not thanking them for the feedback, trust me, they'll quit sending it.

 

Also, side rant:

Don't cheat the readers. If you MUST post a story In Progress, finish the darned thing. Don't get a bunch of people hooked on following your long, complicated plot, then lose interest and abandon it just as you have Blair at the bottom of that abandoned mine which is filling up with icy floodwaters.

Be kind to your characters. Write them the best stories you know how to write for them. Use a beta reader. Use two. Trust me - we all need the help. Whether you like death stories, humor, hit-me-I-love-you, landing on alien planets, or explorations of Sentinel abilities, treat your characters as if they were real, living, breathing human beings. They are to the readers. And you'll get feedback.