by
Virgil Allen Moore
There are few things in a writer's life that sting as much as criticism. However, it is a side of the craft that we all must touch in order to get through our careers. If you've ever written a term paper that a teacher marked down for overall tone, or if you've written that masterpiece and your co-workers think it's too odd to sell - I know where you stand. Dealing with negativity is part of the learning process in this life, especially as a writer.
There are times when you want to cut the critics into little bits with their own tongue, and just maybe you've thought about where to hide the pieces. Sorry, that's my vindictive side talking out too much. I really have spent too much time writing dark fiction!
Now when you realize homicide isn't a viable option you need a way to handle those hurtful words that were dealt to your ego. There are many paths that you can take:
Option One: The first is to learn from it. I know that sounds overly goodie-goodie, but read their words carefully. Try to find out why they came to that conclusion about your work. If one person thought that way, others might as well. You need to find out what caused negative review/comments and better your writing for it.
Option Two: Behead them with better words. If they didn't like a part of your book, make them spell it out. Draw their words out in a way that forces them to define their actual misconceptions of your work. If they resorted to name calling or any other childish words, harp on it. You're the writer dammit! Own it! Make sure they understand if they're going to heckle you, blood will be spilled and they will not walk away happy.
But if they define themselves in a way that holds water and gives you a reason to re-think your writing, thank them. Yes, you read that correctly, thank them for pointing out something valid that will help you in your career. Basically, refer to the Option One. However, if they're just whining, gut the bastard.
Finally, the last way to go is to be the better person. Walk away. If they don't hold a valid standing ground, and if they don't stop being childish in their reasoning and words - let it go. Completely ignoring an idiotic comment is the best way to kill it outside of hiding the body (See Option Two).
Criticism is a fundamental part of life, remember that.
Others judge everything we do and say. The things that make you you and everything you are, is under your power alone. No one can tell you to think the story you've written is one way or another. You wrote it and it's all because of you.
There is a power in words, and there is strength in creation. Your pen allows you that creation because you have the vision to see what others don't and the talent to paint with words.
Remember that Dreams Create Reality and you will be able to deal with any criticism life give you.
But if they define themselves in a way that holds water and gives you a reason to re-think your writing, thank them. Yes, you read that correctly, thank them for pointing out something valid that will help you in your career. Basically, refer to the Option One. However, if they're just whining, gut the bastard.
Finally, the last way to go is to be the better person. Walk away. If they don't hold a valid standing ground, and if they don't stop being childish in their reasoning and words - let it go. Completely ignoring an idiotic comment is the best way to kill it outside of hiding the body (See Option Two).
Criticism is a fundamental part of life, remember that.
Others judge everything we do and say. The things that make you you and everything you are, is under your power alone. No one can tell you to think the story you've written is one way or another. You wrote it and it's all because of you.
There is a power in words, and there is strength in creation. Your pen allows you that creation because you have the vision to see what others don't and the talent to paint with words.
Remember that Dreams Create Reality and you will be able to deal with any criticism life give you.
