[The following is only a glimpse of the topic … not a transcription. Also, this episode is about 6 minutes long.] In the last episode, I encouraged anyone who is in a position read and respond to a writer’s work to affirm, affirm, affirm what’s working. I’m not talking about a formal reviewer online or at a newspaper who is reviewing a book. I’m thinking of someone in a … [Read more...]
Positive Reinforcement: Reward What Works (Ignore the Rest)
Back in 2006 I read an article in The New York Times called “What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage,” by Amy Sutherland. Tired of nagging her husband to change minor habits such as habitually misplacing his keys or leaving used tissues in his wake, Sutherland switched to positive reinforcement. The idea came to her while researching exotic animal trainers and how … [Read more...]
Reward the Good and Ignore the Bad: Does It Work?
Not long ago I wrote about Destructive Criticism vs. Healthy Critique when working with writers. The post generated a variety of responses as the conversation continued in the comments. Shepherdsgrace, for example, had a terrific experience in a writing workshop that included input from the professor and classmates. She explained: when I was in college I had the … [Read more...]
