Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive
“Drawing on her experience as the leader of a long-running writing workshop, Cole addresses the delicate process of giving and receiving constructive criticism. She offers helpful techniques for writers who want to respond productively to one another's work, incorporate such responses into their own writing, and perhaps even run their own workshops. Though the focus is on informal settings and exchanges among friends, Cole's suggestions are useful for students and teachers as well.”—Library Journal“There is a time in the creative process when everything else falls away, including the need for feedback. It is a measure of Cole's own tolerance and intelligence about writing that she knows this. Everything she advises is designed to bring the writer to the point where feedback is no longer necessary. Until the point where each writer's own individual truth can become fully available, though, feedback remains an inescapable part of the whole writing process. I can't imagine a better guide to its rewards and perils than this fine book.”—American Book Review“Despite the alarming title, young writers, about-to-be writers, maybe-writers, and dreaming-of-becoming writers will find a friend and ally in Toxic Feedback . . . the book is so helpful, likable and even kind that it deserves two thumbs (and the rest of those typing fingers) up." —Valley News“[Cole's] writing is very engaging, very friendly. She reminds me of some of my favorite writing authorities; Natalie Goldbery, Annie Lamott, and of course, Stephen King. And as these accomplished authors do, Cole actually imparts useful wisdom, not just on finding and understanding feedback, but on the general process of writing. ”—Blogcritics.org