FEEDBACK [feed-bak]
noun : a reaction or response to a particular process or activity.
Anyone who has explored the creative process understands the value of feedback. Exposing our “works in progress” to the critique of our peers takes courage but also a commitment to producing the best art we can create. Feedback can take our creative endeavors from average to excellent. Art House Dallas wants to provide an encouraging environment within a small group setting to explore your strengths and potential areas of growth as an artist.
Please note that in 2023 we are exploring a new genre-specific format for Feedback for Writers. This session will be for picture book writers only.
Registration details are provided below. Please plan on reading submitted works before coming to Feedback for Fiction Writers. In order to be prepared, work from each writer in your assigned group will be sent to you beforehand.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, September 28
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST
Location: Nehemiah Coffee | 505 E Lamar Blvd Suite K100, Arlington, TX 76011
REQUIRED: Registering for this event assumes your commitment to reading four writings of five pages or less prior to the event (no more than 20 pages total). They will be emailed to you before Feedback for Writers. Once registered, please send a copy of your piece to info@arthousedallas.com one week prior to the gathering, at the latest.
We’ve added a small ticket price to Feedback to help accommodate the logistics of these ongoing programs and increase quality for all attendees. If this is an undue burden, you are more than welcome to apply on our Scholarship Form here.
Featured Writer: Shannon Jewell
Shannon Jewell grew up listening to the sound of her mother’s voice reading dozens of painstakingly crafted manuscripts. These manuscripts eventually turned into published books, which then became award-winning books (and even a movie or two), including the National Book Award winning novel, When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.
This upbringing fostered a love of language and compelling characters, leading her into the theatre world and ultimately the public library sphere. She has over a twelve-year history studying picture books and reading to thousands of children. Along with her library work, she is the founder of Story Child, which brings literacy and arts-based programs and trainings into early childhood organizations. Shannon has been a long-time member of Art House Dallas’ Fort Worth Writer’s group. She is forever grateful for the creative fellowship it provides.
GUIDELINES FOR FEEDBACK :: WRITERS
Feedback for Writers is a place where expression, discussion, and new ideas are encouraged. Art House Dallas wants to connect you with one another and pave the way for developing friendships. So, join us for a night of learning and inspiration through the sharing of ideas with fellow artists.
When you express an opinion about the piece, whether it fits your taste or not, it's more important to explain precisely what is good about it and which are the weaker areas that could be improved.
Please remember that any kind of negative criticism is always going to be a bit painful, so be tactful and accurate. Most people tend to over-react to negative criticism, despite the need to improve, so you should compensate for that a little bit.
Come Prepared: Come with a complete enough work that your peers can give constructive critique
Keep an open mind: Know that everything is a work in progress and there are always different approaches to creating and executing a project.
Let the work Speak: Often as artists, our insecurities will get the best of us and we want to over-explain or give a disclaimer.
Twice as many positive comments as negative. Be as specific as you can.
Do not present a problem without suggesting a solution. In other words, do not just say what you think is wrong.
Do not make any jokes, they are much too easily misinterpreted.
POSSIBLE AREAS OF DISCUSSION
Vibe, Originality, Complexity
Questions? Please email us at info@arthousedallas.com