Tell us about a time when you had to incorporate feedback and suggestions from multiple sources into your writing.
Novelist Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
One of the most memorable experiences I had incorporating feedback and suggestions from multiple sources into my writing was during the process of writing my first novel. As a new author, I sought feedback from various sources, including fellow writers, beta readers, and my editor. I received valuable advice and suggestions that helped me enhance my storytelling and character development. For example, one beta reader pointed out inconsistencies in a character's behavior, prompting me to revise and deepen the character's motivations. Additionally, my editor provided insightful feedback on plot pacing and suggested adding tension in certain scenes. Through their feedback, I learned to be open-minded, receptive to suggestions, and willing to revise my work to make it stronger.
A more solid answer
During the writing of my first novel, I actively sought out feedback and suggestions from multiple sources to improve my writing. One of the key sources was my writing group, where I would regularly share chapters for critique and discussion. Their feedback helped me identify areas where my storytelling could be strengthened and where my character development needed more depth. For example, they pointed out instances where my protagonist's actions seemed inconsistent with their motivations, which prompted me to revisit and refine those scenes. Additionally, I collaborated with beta readers who provided valuable insights on pacing, suspense, and plot twists. Their suggestions pushed me to think outside the box and add more tension to certain scenes, making the narrative more engaging. Lastly, my editor played a pivotal role in shaping the final manuscript. Their expertise in narrative structure and pacing helped me fine-tune the overall flow of the story. Their suggestions prompted me to revise certain chapters, rearrange scenes for better impact, and tighten the prose. By incorporating feedback from multiple sources, my writing became more dynamic, cohesive, and impactful.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer expands upon the basic answer by providing more specific details and examples of how the candidate incorporated feedback and suggestions into their writing. The candidate mentions actively seeking feedback from a writing group, beta readers, and an editor. They provide specific examples of the feedback received and how it influenced their storytelling, character development, pacing, and overall narrative flow. The candidate also highlights the impact of the feedback on their writing, making it more dynamic, cohesive, and impactful. However, the answer could still benefit from further elaboration on the specific improvements made and the candidate's reflection on the feedback received.
An exceptional answer
In the process of writing my first novel, I recognized the importance of incorporating feedback and suggestions from multiple sources to elevate my writing to a whole new level. To achieve this, I established a comprehensive feedback loop involving fellow writers, beta readers, and my editor. Within my writing group, we created a nurturing environment where we shared our work and engaged in constructive discussions. The feedback I received from this group helped me identify patterns in my writing that needed improvement. For instance, one member pointed out that my dialogue lacked authenticity in certain scenes, prompting me to dive deeper into each character's voice. In parallel, I collaborated with a team of dedicated beta readers who provided invaluable insights into the pacing, tension, and plot twists. Their suggestions often challenged me to think differently and take narrative risks, resulting in more exhilarating storytelling. Additionally, my editor played a significant role in polishing my manuscript. Their editorial feedback focused on the novel's structure, character arcs, and overall coherence. They pushed me to explore new possibilities, offering suggestions that transformed my writing into a finely crafted piece of art. Incorporating feedback and suggestions from these diverse sources empowered me to not only refine my writing but also develop new skills in storytelling, character development, and creating immersive fictional worlds.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer further elaborates on the solid answer by providing additional details and examples of how the candidate incorporated feedback and suggestions into their writing. The candidate emphasizes the comprehensive feedback loop they established, involving fellow writers, beta readers, and an editor. They highlight the nurturing and constructive environment within their writing group, where discussions led to identifying specific areas for improvement, such as dialogue authenticity. The candidate also emphasizes the collaborative nature of working with beta readers, mentioning how their suggestions pushed them to take narrative risks and resulted in more exhilarating storytelling. Additionally, the candidate recognizes the pivotal role of their editor in polishing the manuscript, with a focus on the novel's structure, character arcs, and overall coherence. The candidate's reflection on the impact of the feedback goes beyond improvements in writing, mentioning the development of new skills in storytelling, character development, and world-building. However, the answer could still benefit from discussing the candidate's personal growth as a writer and how they applied the feedback to future writing projects.
How to prepare for this question
- Reflect on past writing projects where you received feedback and suggestions from multiple sources. Identify specific instances and examples to discuss during the interview.
- Consider how the feedback influenced your writing and what improvements you made based on the suggestions received.
- Highlight the collaborative nature of incorporating feedback, mentioning the different sources you sought feedback from and the value they added to your writing process.
- Discuss how you applied the feedback to future writing projects and how it impacted your growth as a writer.
- Emphasize your openness to constructive criticism and your willingness to revise your work to make it stronger.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Written communication skills
- Open to constructive criticism
- Ability to incorporate feedback
- Storytelling and character development
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