| About the Book | Reviews |
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"The format of the book is most
attractive, including boxed insert tips as well as end-of-chapter
profiles of published writers and question-and-answer pages from both
Cole herself and her interviews of other writers (Grace Paley and Ted
Kooser probably the most well-known). Always, Cole appears to be the
sort of writer, excuse me, feedback provider, another writer would like
to have—snappy, loaded with experience, ready with personal nuance for
even the hoariest advice, off the cuff, and other good things. In a
distinct sense, the writing experience of this guidebook authorizes
itself in the best possible way: through the personality of its guide
... I can’t imagine a better guide to [feedback’s] rewards and perils
than this fine book." "Cole’s book is certainly needed; the
feedback process merits far more attention than it usual receives." "Drawing on her experience as the leader
of a long-running writing workshop, Cole addresses the delicate process
of giving and receiving constructive criticism. She offers helpful
techniques for writers who want to respond productively to one
another's work, incorporate such responses into their own writing, and
perhaps even run their own workshops. Though the focus is on informal
settings and exchanges among friends, Cole's suggestions are useful for
students and teachers as well...Cole enlivens her compositional and
pedagogic advice by interspersing interviews with writers on the order
of Grace Paley, Khaled Hosseini, and Jennifer Cruise. These segments,
along with many other portions of Toxic
Feedback, can stand alone and would spur discussion in any
writing group. Strongly recommended for academic libraries and public
libraries supporting writers." "Toxic Feedback should be required
reading for every writer. Whether you're a novice or professional
writer, Cole's advice will change the way you give and receive
feedback, and make your writing much stronger in the process. I only
wish Toxic Feedback was available when I started writing." – For Writers and Readers Click http://forwritersandreaders.com to read full review "Let me just say that it's a 'MUST
READ' for anyone who is considering the career as a writer and
for every writer looking for healing from toxic feedback. It's one of
those books that makes you wish you could meet the author in person,
take a few of her workshops, and then spend the weekend in a writer's
retreat—with her—chatting about everything writing." "[Cole’s] writing voice is very engaging,
very friendly. She reminds me of some of my favorite writing
authorities; Natalie Goldberg, Annie Lamott and of course, Stephen
King. And as these accomplished authors do, Cole actually imparts
useful wisdom, not just on finding and understanding feedback, but on
the general process of writing. …Cole laid out the chapters in her book
Toxic Feedback in a logical sequence, but each one
has the lovely advantage of being able to stand-alone. She also gives
the reader an additional bonus by including anecdotes by several
well-known authors such as Jennifer Cruise, Ernest Herbert and Julia
Alvarez. These supplementary pieces add clarification of the main point
of individual chapters." "Managing feedback—it's something we do
all day long, perhaps not even realizing it. So why not see the
positive side of feedback—even if it's toxic! That's the perspective of
Toxic Feedback's Joni B. Cole. As a talk show host
I've had an opportunity to speak with many writers and one theme is
constant—feedback. How necessary the feedback is in order to write,
rewrite, rewrite and so on. Learning how to best process this feedback
is key in making one's writing as sharp as possible. Toxic Feedback
also speaks to those who are doling out the (sometimes) toxic feedback.
It cautions that the way something is said can make all the difference
in the writer's world. What would have happened if Khaled Hosseini had
given up and not had The Kite Runner published? Thank
goodness we'll never know! Joni has included stories from Khaled to
fiction writer Jodi Picoult, plus many others. You will know that you
are not alone in your quest for publication and that all feedback can
be seen in a positive light!" |
 Buy the book! |
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"THE most useful book for writers I've read since Anne LaMott's Bird by Bird." – Rebecca Longster, writing instructor, Purdue University "As soon as I started reading, I didn't put it down. Cole's approach—honest, open, humorous, direct—is refreshing, valuable and something not to miss." – Vicki Forman, creative writing instructor, University of Southern California "Toxic Feedback totally reinvigorated my interest in my writing group" – E.Morgan, writer and teacher |
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