How do you navigate giving feedback on a peer's plot twist without discouraging their creativity?

If you do not intend to maintain a positive tone, you probably should not be giving feedback. The purpose is take the task forward, not to halt it. When the person receiving the critique understands that your suggestions are constructive, they would be more open to your advice. In addition, positivity is not just about the word choice. It has much to do with your tone and your body language. Even the most appropriate words said in the wrong tone and with the wrong expression can spoil everything.

It's important to start by using encouraging and positive words in such situations, then inserting your feedback in a nice way. For example, instead of saying: "you lack accuracy here, eventhough your writing style is very smooth", you can simply say: " I admire the way you discribe your ideas, and your swift transition from one topic to another, although it might be confusing sometimes. It's an area that I am sure you can perfectly improve.

?? Give Feedback Tactfully: Start by acknowledging the creative effort and unique elements in their plot twist. ?? Share what you liked about it to show appreciation for their creativity. ?? When suggesting changes, frame them as potential enhancements rather than criticisms. ?? Use specific examples to illustrate your points and offer constructive alternatives. ?? Encourage an open dialogue, allowing them to discuss their vision and collaborate on refining the twist without stifling their creativity.

Offer constructive feedback that balances honesty with empathy, focusing on the twist's clarity and impact rather than personal taste. Ask open-ended questions to encourage refinement and growth.

I try to give feedback the way I would like to receive it: instead of jumping to conclusions, I ask questions. This approach helps me understand where I might have been unclear or where there’s room for unintended ambiguity. I like to start by mentioning what I enjoyed and then ask questions about the parts that were unclear to me or that I didn’t like. However, as a professional, it's also important to recognize whether something is a matter of personal 'dislike'—which is completely useless for feedback—or whether it’s about something more substantial.

After clearly expressing what seems unclear to me, I try to work together with the author through questions to find ways to make it smoother. I avoid offering my own solutions unless asked, focusing instead on guiding the conversation to help the other person having an 'aha' moment and find the right solution for themselves.

The plot twist is the other person's creation. Therefore, there might be things that you do not understand. If you find that the plot twist seems ineffective or out of place, the solution is simple: ask the writer questions that reveal what their original intention was. The answers will reveal to you the reason why the twist seems jarring to a reader like you. Now you can offer more relevant suggestions.

Writing and sharing what you've written with someone else is always an act of trust. That's why it's important to enter into a positive, supportive conversation where, as the person asked for feedback, you remain open and engage in collaborative brainstorming through questions and probing. This helps the author to realize that their work is taken seriously, and—what I find sometimes even more important—return to the original reason they started writing the story and what it’s truly meant to be about.

When giving feedback on a peer’s plot twist, emphasize what works and suggest alternatives subtly. As an editor, I focus on framing my feedback constructively, ensuring I respect their creative style while guiding them toward stronger outcomes. Encourage them to explore different angles, but also affirm their creative instincts. This approach not only fosters creativity but also honors their unique voice, ensuring the feedback process is collaborative and encouraging.