Trust

Trust is stone two in the book, "Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones." And there's a reason why it's stone two.

After listening to feedback, whether from yourself, from others, or from God, you need to weigh the source, and decide whether or not you should trust in it--even on a case by case basis.

If someone tells you your character doesn't appear real, or your dialogue is stilted, or you bring in too much description and not enough setting, listen and then weigh the comment. You may want to get opinions from other readers before settling for the first one, you may even want to set your manuscript aside for a few days before going back to it and re-reading it with your reader's eyes.

Whatever you decide to do, remember there will be times in your life when you give yourself feedback that is not true, or receive feedback from others that is more harmful than helpful. But the feedback you receive from God is neither untrue or harmful. And if we trust in it, we find that our writing improves and opportunities to share our work increases.

Photo by: Jurvetson, courtesy of Flickr

I am continually amazed at the feedback I receive. And sometimes (dare I say it) I have wanted to quit. But then I remember what I know as truth and I can't help but trust in that.

Today, take a look at the feedback you've received. Weigh it, decide if some upgrades to your writing can be made or if you should slough the comment off like water from a duck.

Trust.