Why Commenting Enhances the Writing Community
Comments are the fruits of inspiration and creativity.
When followers leave comments about my writing, I’m always anxious to read each one. The thoughtful commentary I receive is refreshing. From time to time, I come across a negative comment. However, positive thoughts always outweigh the negative.
I welcome discourse from readers. I desire to be thought-provoking and bring about new insight. My purpose for writing, whether it’s nonfiction or fiction, is to teach. I want a reader to leave with lingering thoughts about my work.
Comments can inspire a new idea for writing. A conversation between you and a reader or another writer can open up possibilities. In the course of the conversation, a seed may be laid, which whets the creative appetite. Furthermore, your comment may inspire someone else to write. Recently a fellow writer was inspired to create because of our conversation. Jenny Justice wrote a beautiful poem inspired by our conversation.
Comments build relationships beyond race, gender, sex, or sexual orientation. I’ve made friends in the writing community whose work I love. They support my writing, and I do the same. Conversation and dialogue are relationship builders.
I’ve had brilliant conversations about LGBTQ+ and learned so much. Women’s issues are spoken about with eloquence and passion by some brilliant women of all races and sexual orientations. I am impressed with the social justice work of my fellow African American writers, who speak on issues of race, education, sexuality, and socioeconomics. Their unique aspects add to the tapestry of our writing.
The International purveyors of words are wonderful. Writers from Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East add to the flavor of our vast writing community. I’ve had great conversations and made friends across the globe.
I must admit this is the first time I’ve been part of a functioning writing community. The craft is respected and spoken about by many talented writers with advanced degrees in psychology, writing, medicine, and education. My craft has improved since I became more active and discoursed with other writers. I find myself paying more attention to my writing and editing it to the best of my ability. I owe my finest work to my followers and fellow writers.
I enjoy leaving comments on other authors’ work. I believe comments should be thoughtful and offer perspective on the article. We all appreciate it when a follower writes a message that resonates with us. It creates a sense of appreciation and respect when we take the time to leave a few words on an article we love or may even disagree.
Negative comments can, in some instances, lead to another story. Several talented writers I follow wrote several pieces about negativity and how to use it for inspiration. It hurts us when a cruel troll tries to eviscerate our work and throw it on the trash pile. There is nothing wrong with polite disagreement, but when comments become acidic and hateful, it must be addressed.
A few weeks ago, someone left a racist comment on one of my posts. I wrote a comment about how I was accused of being a purse snatcher by a woman last Christmas season. I wrote how I was offended and how my gender and race played a part in her microaggression towards me. Ninety-nine percent of the comments were positive about this until this troll crawled from under his bridge and stood in my space.
He wrote behind the anonymity of a computer screen that I should not be offended because African Americans are responsible for the stereotypes perpetrated against them. He further stated I should expect this type of treatment because of the number of crimes we commit as a race. At first, I was stung; however, the incident inspired me to continue to tell my truth as a Black man in America.
Furthermore, I was tempted to give his comments power over me, but I chose instead to communicate a truth about his stance on racial issues in America. At that point, it was made clear to me that all I could hope, was that my response offered him seeds for further thought.
I write because of a drive hard-wired into my being. Even if I wanted to, I can’t turn it off. If I did, part of me would be lost. It’s because of writing I’ve met many beautiful human beings and I look forward to mingling with more. Peace.
Estacious(Charles White) is a 23-year educator. He began writing over 25 years ago. His work experience encompasses managing schools and teaching a variety of subjects. His passions are poetry, short fiction, playwrighting, and non-fiction. He won one of six prizes in the Rockford play festival for his play “Incarcerated Christmas”. He is married with three children and a native of New Orleans.