I recently received differing feedback from two very astute readers on my in-progress collection of essays. The book itself is comprised of regular-length essays interjected by short pop culture vignettes. When I originally envisioned the book, I imagined that these short pieces would break up the longer essays and provide additional breathing space. Yet friend A, after reading the manuscript, encouraged me to compile all the vignettes into Part One, the first section of the book.

Friend B, after reading the manuscript, said they liked the weaving of vignettes throughout the longer pieces and thought it provided balance.

What’s a writer to do?

No matter who you are, what you are writing, or how long you’ve been at your craft, at some point you will receive feedback on your work that stands at odds. Perhaps it happens in your class or workshop, or maybe it occurs with you and your trusted readers. Regardless, differing feedback can cause you to question the validity of your whole project.

During such times, it makes sense to take a step back from your piece and give it some space. Work on something else, and then, after several weeks, reread your piece in as few a sittings as possible. After you do this, free write about what you like about your project, and also what seems off. Then review the feedback provided by your peers. Does anything align with your free write?

Think of this free write as a direct portal between you and your project.

Other writers will have thoughts on your work and these thoughts may or may not align with your vision. Sometimes we lose sight of what that vision is, especially when others’ chatter drowns out our own thoughts or we are just uncertain about the ideas we penned in the first place. The best thing to do? Take a deep breath and step away. Reconnect with yourself—your own voice will never steer you wrong.