Nov 14, 2022
How do you deal with negative feedback? Do you have tips for critiquing other writers’ work?
We all love those positive reviews. You know, those 5 stars that sing our praises. The words of encouragement from a beta reader or early critique that tells us how wonderful our draft is. We also know that sometimes the words aren’t so kind.
I’m lucky because the high school I attended pushed us to write essays and introduced us to the art of making revisions. As they were schoolwork, not personal writing, I didn’t feel a huge sense of ownership, and the changes the instructors requested were part of a grade, not a reflection on my writing.
So, when I first joined a critique group, the idea of revisions didn’t upset me. It was all part of the learning process—I was a novice and ready to learn from those with more experience. Luckily, it was a supportive group, with everyone helping everyone.
It’s not always like that. I’ve been in a group with a person who seemed to get a certain level of satisfaction at tearing down other authors, including me. It took me several meetings to figure out what they were doing.
How do I deal with that kind of person? Once I figure them out, I treat them with courtesy, but don’t take their criticisms to heart. However, I search for a kernel of truth in the critiques I receive. But I also try to remember that you can’t please all the people all the time. Still, it’s not all sunshine and roses—I have received feedback that stung deeply and took some self-reflection to get past.
I also try to avoid being one of those people. How do I do that?
The most important thing I strive for in a critique is to point out the good as well as what needs improved. Does a particular phrase stand out? Does a plot point surprise me? A character seem to resonate? Let the author know. If I can’t find something good to say, I’d rather say nothing at all.
It’s the balance that’s important. When I’m critiquing, I make it my goal to encourage, and mentor, not criticize. Yes, I will note things that can be improved, but I try to do it in a way that it builds up the writer.
How do the other authors on this hop feel about negative feedback? find out by following the link below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
Nov 14, 2022
How do you deal with negative feedback? Do you have tips for critiquing other writers’ work?
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Yes, I find it’s best to concentrate on the positives if I read a book by somebody I know. It’s a bit of a minefield otherwise.
I try to do the same thing for folks I don’t know .
There’s definitely a balance to find between praise and criticism. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
There has been a time or two when I abandoned a critique for someone I didn’t know in real life because their writing just didn’t appeal to me
I try always to remember there’s a person on the other end of my critique and I should treat them like I’d want to be treated. I don’t need false praise. I want to improve my book or I wouldn’t submit to it criticism, but over the years, I’ve encountered some critics who I think had issues to resolve way beyond my writing. I definitely don’t want to be one of those.
It’s important to separate the writing itself from the subject. I’m not a big fan of horror, but I find it interesting to critique. I can learn from it.
I’ve done critique on romance, which is decidedly a genre I don’t read for pleasure and I learn from it as well.
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We’ve all met and been critiqued by “that” person. And somehow we all live threw it.
Tweeted.
I always wonder what’s wrong in their life that they have the need to try and make other people miserable.
It does hurt when a review accuses me of being something that I’m not. I have to remind myself that they don’t know me, only the words that I write.
They also forget that our characters aren’t us.
“It’s the balance that’s important. When I’m critiquing, I make it my goal to encourage, and mentor, not criticize. Yes, I will note things that can be improved, but I try to do it in a way that it builds up the writer.”
Agreed. This is the way an adult reviews a book.