They say honesty is the best policy

And while I’m all for a little white lie when someone asks how their new haircut looks (we’ve all been there), when it comes to giving writers feedback, honesty is what matters.

Still, honesty without structure or compassion can do real damage.

Writers are already some of the harshest self-critics out there. One careless comment can reinforce that inner voice that says:

“I suck. Why am I even doing this?

As a creative writing teacher, I’ve seen what unfiltered feedback can do and what constructive, structured feedback can achieve instead. It’s why my students leave my class knowing how to workshop like professionals: with honesty but compassionate know-how.

Here’s the approach I teach them, and the one I try to follow in my own writing life.

1. Always Start with Something Positive

I don’t care if you hated everything about the piece.

There’s always something that’s working. It could be just the idea behind it. Perhaps the choice of genre is effective. The attempt at an ambitious structure might also be working. Start there.

Why?

Because feedback isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s also about what’s working. The last thing we want to do is kill their passion or drain their energy. Then they give up.

We don’t want writers giving up.

We want them growing.

So lead with a clear, authentic compliment. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

2. Then Get Honest… Really Honest

Once you’ve acknowledged what’s working, it’s time to dig into what’s not.

This part matters just as much, maybe more. Because growth doesn’t happen with compliments. The best kind of feedback is clear, direct, specific, and respectful.

Don’t just say: “It’s confusing.” Instead, “I got confused in the middle of Act II because the character’s motivation wasn’t clear.  Maybe clarify why she chooses to go back to the house after he told her not to.”

Be specific. Be kind. Be helpful.

Offer Advice to Move Forward

Good feedback doesn’t just point out what’s broken, leaving the writer unsure and broken too.  Offer advice!

• Can a scene be cut or condensed?
• Would a character feel more grounded with a little backstory?
• Would a tighter point of view fix the wandering tone?
• Would subtle dialogue create more verisimilitude?

Even a small suggestion can shape the revision in big ways. The key is making the writer feel that their story is a work in progress,  giving them both hope and clear direction.

Wrap It Up with a Balanced Summary

At the end, return to the big picture.

Summarize the strengths. Reinforce the key issues to address. Give the writer something to walk away with, that yes, there’s work to do, but that it’s worth doing.

Because the last thing we want is to crush a writer’s spirit.

On Receiving Feedback…

Let’s be honest. Receiving feedback is tough. Even when it’s kind, even when it’s true. I’ve gotten critique that left me crushed. And yes, there were moments when I wondered if I should even keep writing.

But I always came back to one thing:

That line from my first college creative writing textbook…

“Your first draft is supposed to be sh*tty. That’s why they call it a first draft.”

Second drafts? Also messy.

Third drafts? Still wobbly.

That’s the process.

So if you’ve ever gotten feedback that made you want to quit, don’t!

Learn. Learn to shape your style.  Add more literary devices to your writer’s toolbox.  Keep making mistakes so that you can learn from them. 

What About You?

Have you ever gotten feedback that pushed you forward or nearly made you give up?

What helps you give or receive critique?

Drop a comment and share your experience.

Let’s make feedback feel like we’re surrounded by creative allies, not enemies.

This line from the movie Scarface always reminds me of writing feedback…

“I always tell the truth, even when I lie.”

Because we’re all still learning. And we get better by lifting each other up, even when we tell the truth.

Happy Writing!

~ M.C. Convery