I've talked about this with everyone from apprentice writers to National Book Award nominees. Usually early their careers, people want feedback as a form of validation. They want to put to rest those fears of "Am I really a writer?" and "Am I good enough?" Of course they are looking for feedback as well, but a great deal of it is feeding that more basic need of acceptance.

I've noticed that the more novels a writer gets under her belt, the less important that feedback becomes. That's not to say experienced writers don't seek and appreciate feedback of all kinds, but that the hungering after any sort of interaction with their work can be sated as it piles up.

Then again, everyone is different. I no longer offer up anything other than an "attaboy" to any of my peers unless I am specifically asked. Then I feel comfortable being honest.

Shawn