I was able to walk away from my bigger writing project this summer while the top editors were reading and offering their suggestions. I got my writing back last night with suggestions, questions, and editing guidance. I appreciate all of their feedback and it's pushing my own thinking. However, 24 hours later I'm still feeling ICK about the process. It's not ICK over their feedback. It's not ICK over using google documents. It's not ICK over the feeling of them asking for more writing and me wondering if I have any more in me.
It's ICK about not having a face to face writing conference. I'm desperately missing a face to face conversation with our top editors. I know his/her kind face, pausing, thinking, and questioning is soft spoken, filled with reflection. It's also nurturing and guiding in a way different way than these little boxes. I want a smile from these little comment boxes. I want the little boxes to see my puzzlement or worry, but they don't.
As I think about this process, I find things that aren't ICK. I love using Google Documents and love the little comment boxes where others can record their thinking and I can check them off when I have resolved them. I also love using the comment boxes for my own notes for feedback or recording suggestions from a face to face writing conference. I enjoy co-collaborating using Google Documents.
This experience is going to impact my writing workshop this year. I'm going to have to provide feedback to my students in person. I may use a comment box or a sheet of paper or post it note but when that writer is receiving a chunk of feedback at one time, especially the first time I want it to be in person. I want to help the writer embrace a range of emotions and be available to them, if they have questions. I don't want my students to feel ICK about writing.
Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for fostering this writing community.