Recently, I got this AMAZING comment on my main WIP. It was probably one of the best I've ever had.
But, get this, the comment didn't say, "I LOVE YOUR STORY SO MUCH IT'S PERFECT!!!" (this is not to say that I don't like these comments).
This comment was telling me how I had rushed things here, and not fleshed out a character there. It was amazing.
I had been wondering the same things also, and this really helped to confirm my suspicions.
I replied by thanking the person and telling her how much I appreciated her comment. I also said that these were things that I was planning to fix in the following drafts.
But, unfortunately, that's not how all writers react to comments like this. Here are two ways you can respond to criticism.
This is the author that cannot stand criticism. You point out a typo and they grudgingly acknowledge it. They think that they're right all the time. It's their story, so they know what's best.
If they had received a comment like mine, they would have exploded with something alongs the lines of this:
"I'm sorry Miss Perfect! I didn't know that you were writing this story! IMHO, you're just jealous that I'm writing such an AMAZING story."
And then they would address each thing that the other person said, explaining how it was perfect.
I'm pretty sure we've all met a writer like this. This person isn't going to write an amazing story. Sometimes, it takes other people to see the flaws in our story.
This writer appreciates the criticism he gets. He sees that the commentator is right, and thanks the person. He makes notes to improve his following draft. I think I explained this author somewhat in the beginning.
What are some ways you approach criticism? Are these the ways you react? Talk to us!
Hello Anidori. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on t he blogger and the blog post. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you as a child of God writing for Jesus. I love getting connected with the people of God (irrespective of their denominational stand)around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 38 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come to Mumbai to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a rewarding time as well as life changing experience as you will get opportunity to capture the live stories of life in the slums in your words. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteHello Diwakar! Wow! That sounds so amazing! Unfortunately, I am not able to go any time soon. I have so much stuff going on, and I really doubt that my parents would like me go to India at this point in my life. Thank you, though, for telling me about your mission. You all will certainly be in my prayers! May God's blessings be with you!
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