The Power of a Feedback Flower

THE POWER OF A FEEDBACK FLOWER

By: Susan C. Haley

I’m a ponderer by nature. One thought, or ‘trigger’, invariably leads me into an analysis of all the possible nuances to an idea or question, the answers given that question, or the forming of a whole new question or possibility. It’s a rather harrowing way to be at times as it seems the ‘mind’ never rests. Conversely, my innate curiosity opens up incredible new horizons in my thinking.

I host a Readers Response column for a Writers Association’s quarterly publication. Getting involved in this endeavor grew from a seed sowed in a previous article I’d written titled “The Power of Networking – Four Principles”. In the reflection process which inspired that article, it came to me that one of the key elements required in nurturing a garden of fulfillment and success in the world of writing is learning to give as well as to expect or receive.

Some might say that an author gives simply in the penning of words on paper. After all, they give of their heart through their work. True, but behind that, what is the motivation? Is it to give or to ultimately receive? Or a combination of the two? Even if fame and fortune is not your impetus, but only the sharing of soul, creativity, or information, it will soon become crystal clear that to be read, one must mingle with others that also sow, write, and read in this garden of the written word.

Reading through the Spring issue of the publication to which I had volunteered my time, I was taken in by the refreshing stories and sharing by the contributors. Each shared a little snippet of their life, their writing experiences, or an inspiration that spurred them forward in the planting of their own plot within the writing garden.

On going to my feedback mailbox to prepare the ‘Response’ column before deadline, I was perplexed and, frankly, disappointed by the chamber of silence that was my mail box. Naturally, my ‘analysis’ instinct kicked in. Here I am, a County Chapter Leader for an Association with the motto “Writers Helping Writers”. One of the member benefits is this superb quarterly publication where we can share feelings, encourage, and help other writers. Not to mention the free stage for introducing our own work! Several had contributed marvelous stories and learning tips to the Spring Issue, yet I sat staring at an empty mailbox. Why? I thought. Are writers a selfish lot that care only for the aggrandizement of their own efforts and ideas? A writer myself, it troubled me

The Association consists of so many talented writers from so many walks of life. Some have already excelled in fields of journalism or teaching and are just beginning a new direction into prose, poetry, children’s stories, or informative nonfiction. Some are trying their hand at a genre close to their heart but never before attempted. A few have tackled writing their memoirs for family and friends which end up being pure inspiration to another who reads it. Still others are taking their first trembling step into the vast garden of the heartfelt or created word.

Every writer knows the shadows cast by the thunderstorms of rejection. Most writers also know the feelings of warmth when their work is given some small sunray of positive feedback and the rainbows return. And some are blessed with the pure fragrant joy of having their work lauded as touching the heart, and maybe even the life, of another. What a small bit of time it takes to offer that same flower of sunshine, encouragement, or downright praise back to another. What a small effort is required to make someone else’s plot bloom gloriously within the garden.

There should be no competition in the Writers Garden . The more varied the nurtured blossoms, the more vibrant hues in the splashes of color, the more intense the beauty. When you read something that inspires an ‘ahaaa’ moment, causes a tear to meander down your cheek, tickles a memory, shapes a smile on your face, generates a spark of anger that motivates an action, initiates a resolve, or even gently lulls you into a restful sleep, take a moment and send the sower of those words a sunray. Or simply tell a friend. You might make a difference in changing the world. One never knows when the Writers Garden may do just that – one word, one heart at a time.

I leave you with those thoughts and . . . “May you always have rainbows . . .”

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