As a writer, receiving criticism can be difficult to deal with. It’s not easy to hear negative feedback about something you’ve poured your heart and soul into. On the one hand, negative criticism can be hurtful and make you doubt your abilities, and on the other, it can help you improve your writing and grow in the pointed areas.
It is an essential part of the writing process, and learning how to handle it is key to becoming a better author. In this article, we’ll explore some tips for dealing with criticism in writing and how to use it to your advantage for growth.
Be open-minded
When receiving criticism, it’s important to approach it with an open mind. Try to see the feedback as an opportunity to improve your writing rather than a personal attack. Remember that every creator receives criticism at some point, and it’s a natural part of any process. It might be difficult to hear but it gives an opportunity for growth. Don’t take it personally.
Consider the source’s intention and determine if feedback is helpful or not
Before reacting to criticism, it is important to understand what the intention behind it is. Is it constructive criticism aimed at helping you improve your writing, or is it just someone being mean? Constructive criticism is meant to help you grow as a writer, so try to take it in stride and use it to improve your work. Take what you must and ignore the rest.
Look for patterns in critics
If you receive criticism from multiple sources, about the same thing, it’s likely that there’s some truth to it. Try to identify any patterns in the feedback. This can help you identify areas where you may need to improve your writing.
Remember that criticism is subjective
They are one person’s unique interpretation of your work, their thoughts and feelings. If one person doesn’t like it, it doesn’t mean that nobody does. What one person dislikes, another might love.
Pause
Taking some time off to reflect, to think from a different perspective, to think out the box matters. It could be minutes, hours, a couple of days – just take some time off that manuscript. Take down notes and consider what changes you can make in the next or previous drafts to make it better.
Respond kindly and ask questions for clarifications if needed
If you don’t understand the criticism or feedback you receive, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. This can help you better understand the feedback and how to apply it to your writing.
Accept it and improve
In conclusion, receiving criticism is an inevitable part of the writing process, but it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. By being open to feedback, listening carefully, and considering the source, you can use criticism to improve your writing skills and grow as a writer. And ultimately, the most important part of accepting criticism is taking action to improve your work. So, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, and remember that the ultimate goal of criticism is to become a better writer.
