When Words Collide 2026

Feedback can save a story or sink it, and most writers are never taught how to tell the difference. Notes come in, emotions spike, and suddenly the path forward blurs. Many writers lose confidence, start doubting their instincts, or feel pulled in too many directions to revise with any clarity. This workshop explores what actually happens in that moment—and how to move through it with steadiness instead of panic.


In this workshop, developmental editor Sarah Brinley explains how to shift from emotional reaction to strategic decision-making. Drawing on her background as both a registered nurse and an editor, she outlines a clear process for receiving critique without letting it derail your momentum. You’ll learn how to recognize your first internal response—whether it’s bracing, withdrawing, or freezing—and how to pause long enough to separate discomfort from insight. Sarah also breaks down how to identify which notes matter most, how to spot patterns across different readers, and how to translate comments into a focused revision plan rather than a scattered checklist.


By the end, you’ll have a repeatable way to turn feedback into direction instead of doubt—and a steadier, more resilient approach to navigating critique throughout your writing life.