So today I want to share something I think is important for
writers to hear. I had the opportunity to "go to bat" for my writing.
Which I did. I ended up with a very harsh critique.
I seriously questioned throwing in the towel. I think we've
all had a harsh critique. It could be jealousy; or just an uncaring, unthinking
person. Or any other hundreds of possibilities.
Then some kind soul said one of my stories blew their mind.
I took those words to heart more than the critique. I decided I need to keep going.
The critique stated that my grammar is horrific. I use too
many adverbs. Plus the one thing that bothered me the most. I shouldn't share
personal stuff. I'll cover the rest in a
moment.
We are all humans. And our greatest strength that keeps us
connected, and brings us together, is our shared journey. I believe that.
In sharing personal stuff I reach people and connect with
them. Writing aside, it's valuable in and of itself. As for the writing it
paints me as human. People then know I go through some of the same moments they
do. This bond is what we all share.
So for this professional writer to tell me not to connect
bothered me. The idea that it was okay to be mean while offering a critique
bothered me as well.
So here and now, I solemnly pledge not to be mean in
offering my help, advice or any critique I may give. I hope those of you that
write will promise this as well. I believe we have a better chance of success,
walking forward together, rather than bashing each other.
I believe any critique can have some merit. I have taken
the bits that have some truth in them and I am striving to improve. As for the
meanness I am doing my best to let go of that.
So if you get a harsh critique, keep in mind that it doesn't
mean that everything they say is true, or that you should let that stop you
from trying. Take the useful parts and grow from them. Most important remember
the feeling when you are critiquing someone else. Be helpful, be truthful, but
don't be mean.
1 comments:
Writing is growth. We all start somewhere & no matter how "good" we get, there are always those who are better. As you suggest, there are also those who would elevate themselves @ your expense. One of the traits all authors have in common, one literary luminary once said, is that we have a capacity for punishment bordering on masochism. Coupled with persistence, it enables a resilience @ once inspiring & intimidating. Hang in there, baby. It could be YOU!
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