In this month’s “Ask the Coach” article, I’m responding to a question from a reader about staying motivated and disciplined after receiving discouraging feedback.
Hi Jenna, I recently had a major setback: some pretty discouraging feedback from a reader. What are some tips for staying motivated and disciplined as a writer, particularly when facing rejection or setbacks? I’m writing on spec.
In my response, I share seven steps for handling setbacks and moving forward:
- Recognize the need for recovery time — and take it.
- Consider the source.
- Ask for outside support, depending on the severity of the situation.
- Reconnect with your inner motivation and original vision for the story.
- When you’re ready, review the feedback through your storyteller’s lens.
- Craft a revision plan (or not!) based on your decisions.
- Aim to build a writing practice or habit.
We all face painful or challenging feedback as writers. Not everyone will like our work. The key is deciding if and how to use the feedback we receive for maximum effect after we’ve given ourselves time and space to recover so we can keep writing with clear hearts and minds.
Want the full scoop? Get all the details in the full article on Script Mag:
If you’ve got writing questions, please send them my way!
I’d love to answer them for you in my column.
I’d love to answer them for you in my column.
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