Friday 28 October 2011

FEEDBACK: Self-Sabotage

My blog post 'Self Sabotage' went a week without comments, until Bruce Wayne Brady left some feedback, perhaps explaining why. 

Bruce Wrote: I've read this post 3 times in the past few days. After reading it again and seeing a lack of comments, I had to say what I was afraid to. This post hit so close to home for me that I felt guily after reading it, like you'd reached into my personal memories and scolded me. I was embarrassed that I'd done all of these things. 

Then, I thought, you couldn't post this unless you knew what if felt like too. I realized that many of us read but few of us comment, because sometime we don't know what to say. Other times, like with this post, you've said it all.

I must ask you Kid, did you write this, (as it seems with all of your posts,) from personal experience? If so, thanks for sharing so much of yourself in your writing. I think that's why I connect to this blog. You seem to put a piece of yourself into the work, which gives it heart.

Now, excuse me. I have some barriers to break through.

My Response: Thanks for the very useful feedback! So often, when things I write are met with dead silence, I worry that I've missed the mark; or worse, that I've offended people or talked absolute nonsense. So it's great to get this feedback!

I did write this from personal experience. It's pretty much the only way I know how to write! It's a common thing for me to get an opportunity or a phone call that is essential and exciting, yet I shy away from it and want to find all the excuses. The things I write as 'inspiration' are as much for me as anyone. I just feel it's good to know we're all in a similar boat -- which is why it was so comforting to see your thoughtful response. 

Care to share?

3 comments:

  1. I didnt read the post in Q cos I dnt get on bloga as much thz days. But hz respose suit da whole thing. And I think I am of same idea with Bruce. And I feel as u feel when I get no feedbks.

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  2. Self-sabotage is a universal theme, that's good to hear. I once saw an interview with Meryl Streep, and she said that every time she's about to start a movie, she nearly backs out the night before, certain that she'll ruin it if she's in it. MERYL. STREEP. Arguably the best actress...well, of all-time.

    It seems that the difference between a successful artist and a failed artist is not that the former doesn't have self-doubt, but that he ignores it and pushes through to the other side. It's a good thing to remember.

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  3. Hi Kid, just finished what I've been working on so catching up on blog posts now. I do think Bruce makes a good point and I also think sometimes it's difficult to leave a comment when everything has been said by the writer.

    Good post though and something I'm sure the majority of writers are guilty of doing at some point. Just because there aren't comments on posts it doesn't mean people don't relate to them.

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