"DONT GET MAD, GET EVEN!"

                    Understanding Constructive Criticisms

 

 

 

So, you had a bad review, not to worry. It comes with the territory. No matter how hard you try, you won’t satisfy all readers. Not to worry,  believe it or not, sometimes we need constructive criticism.

 

Once we understand how it works, it can improve our writing skills. At some point, all writers require polishing and a slight tightening around the edges. Constructive criticism helps with this.

 

You may not think so after a few scathing remarks aimed at your work, and you may want to retaliate with a few choice words, but my mama taught me to say nothing if you can’t find something good to say.

 

Sound advice, although in the world of author-reader relationships, which includes not always flattering criticism of one’s work, makes you want to toss everything you learned about manners out of the window.

 

Face it. Not every reader will be pleased with your efforts, even when you’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into trying to write a great story. You can’t hunt down every reviewer and inflict damage on them no matter how it hurts to read not-so-flattering remarks about your work.

 

As pleasing as getting even sounds, constructive criticism is a good thing. They are teachable moments that we can learn from and become better when we listen instead of taking them personally.

 

An important takeaway is to pay close attention to what is being said. Are the words condemning your writing skills, or that none of what they read make sense?

 

Or is the reader so invested in the story that they stop seeing the characters as fictional but real flawed, imperfect like we all are.

I love that part, and isn’t that what writers want, to convey dimension and human nature?  

 

Keep in mind that depending on what the reviewers say, not all accuse the writer of creating unbelievable characters. But simply verified that we are all dysfunctional as humans.

 

There are decipherable clues that point out if you suck as a writer or a prolific genius.

 

According to the poet Alexander Pope, “To err is human to forgive divine. Once you understand how creative criticism can boost morale, you’ll be less likely to doubt your ability and hate negative reviews.