Writing is communication, and you don't know how you're doing until you put it in front of someone else's eyes. You also learn from critiquing other writers' work.

In this quote, Carol Berg, a fantasy author, emphasizes the idea that writing is a form of communication that cannot be fully evaluated until it is shared with others. She suggests that writers can’t truly gauge the effectiveness of their work until they put it in front of an audience—whether that audience is a single reader, a group of critics, or the public. This highlights the importance of feedback and how writing exists not just for the writer, but for the reader, making their response crucial in the creative process.

Berg also points out that writers can gain valuable insights by critiquing others' work. She believes that criticism is not only a way to help other writers improve but also an essential tool for self-improvement. By analyzing and evaluating the work of peers, a writer can learn new techniques, recognize weaknesses in their own writing, and develop a better understanding of what makes writing effective. This suggests that critique is a reciprocal process where both giving and receiving feedback contribute to growth.

The quote reflects the idea that writing is a dynamic and evolving craft, one that benefits from external input. It’s not enough to write in isolation; writers must engage with others to truly understand the impact of their words. In this sense, feedback becomes a critical part of the writing journey, helping authors refine their voice and message.

Ultimately, Carol Berg’s quote highlights the interactive nature of writing. It is a process of communication, learning, and improvement, where feedback—both from readers and fellow writers—plays a vital role in shaping and enhancing the writer's work. It encourages writers to remain open to critique and see it as a valuable part of their creative development.