Dear fellow writers!

I write you to give some thoughts about your class projects, and how I think I can be of better service as your stories develop.

Since this autobiographical fiction class launched, several students have posted work. From my end, reading your writing has been a thoroughly gratifying experience, and I've tried to honor your creative bravery via well-thought-out feedback. Some students have responded to my feedback by indicating that they plan to write another draft. That level of dedication is wonderful to see.

My request: Should you edit your work after I've given you feedback, please don't delete the original draft/project. Instead, just edit your original project file by adding (and clearly labeling) the new draft of your story, leaving the earlier draft of your work at the bottom of the document. This will serve several functions. It will allow me to see the feedback I'd previously given, and to more easily understand the direction you've gone. For you guys as students, it will mean you all gain the experience of seeing peer work grow through the editing process.

I will continue to give as much feedback as my time and resources allow... but I would also encourage you to comment on each other's work! Peer encouragement always feels great to receive, and additional voices of critique will help you all have a better sense for how your writing plays with a disparate group of strangers. After all, I'm only one reader. I don't hold the objective truth for what does and doesn't work.

Thanks so much for taking my class, you guys. In these isolating and uncertain times, your stories soothe me. So for those of you who haven't posted your writing yet: I really hope you will! I'm very excited to learn more about all of you, so please join me around our virtual campfire and share a tale or two.

Sincerely Yours,

Adam

Adam Janos

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