Creative Writing- How To Deal With Criticism

This is such a tricky subject, but one worth discussing. If you put your work out into the wide world, you will get people who love your work and some that don't. Growing a thick skin is only something you will manage over time. I'm talking about allsorts of  creative writing, bloggers, report writers, journalists, authors (The list goes on)

I used to write business proposals and funding bids for charities and small business, now I am a blogger and an author. I have had my fair share of writing criticism (and compliments) over the years. 

When you write and you put it out on the internet for everyone to see...that is the game changer. Now I am doing just that, and changing my writing focus, I want to help people who struggle with criticism.

I struggled for many years as a dyslexic writer. 

I am going through my 'getting reviews from people' stage after selling my books, and if you can handle criticism appropriately, people will give it constructively. If you try and defend your work two much, it may look pushy and people will either tell you what you want to hear, or slate you. Take only CONSTRUCTIVE feedback in a dignified way. If its not constructive, politely decline from the feedback and walk away. 

I cannot emphasis enough about getting into 'online debates.' Don't do it, if its not constructive.

How many best selling authors do you see arguing on social media UNLESS it is something they are campaigning about. They don't because they haven't the time, and they know that stuff stays on the internet for a long time....

If your a blogger then its arguable that it helps to build a following to be a controversial. But remember what happens online will follow you.

Criticism

It's hard but sometimes we have to face facts that our work may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Take my published short stories as an example. I only have a couple of reviews from people I don't know, so most of my reviews are based on conversations from people I know. That's frightening to have them from strangers, and touch wood, to date I have had good feedback, but there will be a day when I don't. One of my bestest friends loves one of my books and hates another! ( Her words) It was the storyline she didn't like, so I can forgive her for having different tastes!

 I ask for detail from my friends and family, so I can learn. I actually learned to write fiction on Steemit and other platforms through 10 months of dedicated blogging, trial and error, asking questions and basically closing my eyes and pressing the self publish button. My reviews helped me understand what my readers expect of me, what they like/dont like and how they view me as a writer. It is valuable knowledge

I have avoided a lot of negativity by not getting involved in arguments and political disputes. It's difficult sometimes to hold back when you don't agree with something, but I don't want sleepless nights wondering about the idiot who has tried to belittle me.

That's why blocking buttons, mute buttons, and the unfollow buttons are a great idea.

So my tips to avoid/handle criticism as a writer.

• Blog for quality posts- Do not feed the haters by being aggressive in posts
• Write to the best of your ability- If they don't like you at your best, then maybe your not their cup of tea. Unfortunately that happens- You will be someone else's
• Don't reply to comments that are aggressive or condescending- They will look sillier than you if you do not respond
• Remember every day is a learning day- If you think someone has a point, learn from it and politely say thank you
• Create a network of like minded people- Get rid of any negativity and fill your circles with people who are constructive, then if someone offends you, you can get support!

I hope that helps. I am a sensitive soul and have been hurt before by over opinionated peers but I am tougher than people may think. 

It's hard to walk away from a losing battle, but if you stay if will never finish.

Not online anyway...