Dealing with criticism

[raven_estrella]

I'm in my fiction writing class now! So far it's been really fun. Lately, though, I've been thinking a lot about criticism--and the best way to deal with it. Obviously, criticism is built into creative writing workshops (like the one I'm in now). And creative writing workshops are a big part of my major. So I have to deal with criticism (or "

Comments

[pink_siamese]

One thing I do with criticism is divide it into two categories: that which is subjective, and that which is objective

[music_lover3]

I agree with that. That's some good advice.

[raven_estrella]

Wow. You're so right. I think I do need to recognize the difference between objective and subjective criticism. So much of what comes out in workshops is subjective. I hate the feedback that runs something like this: "Why not change your ending to make the main character go off a cliff? Why not have her do ___? I think you should add a party scene..." etc, etc. It's not helpful at all. Because following that kind of feedback would mean going against the current of my own thoughts. It's like trying to conform to somebody else's personality

[pink_siamese]

There are places where the line between subjective and objective, and when you come across those places you have to trust your instinct. One thing you don't want to do is let other people's opinions truncate your author's voice. Reviews are valuable tools, but you can't let reviewers steamroll your story.

I posted a story awhile back and the feedback I got is a perfect example of what I'm talking about: the reviews were all anonymous and they were divided right down the middle. Readers either loved it or they hated it. One person's "brilliant, evocative use of vocabulary and superb building of tension through dialogue" was another person's "pretentious, windy, and too many big boring words." At first I was startled, and then I was pleased--such a love/hate reaction means that the story strikes a powerful chord, and that alone is an achievement. I knew it wasn't going to work for everyone. I mean, can you honestly think of any one author that everyone likes

[drunken0heart]

Interesting that I should come across this today as I was just criticised by someone. It was not about writing, it was about aspects of my personality. I was completely flabbergasted as I'm not that close to this perosn. It got me thinking about how criticism is only felt as acceptable in certain situations.

Or in none at all: it also reminds me of Douglas Coupland's Generation X, where the main characters only tell each other stories on the condition that there is no interruption or criticism.

[raven_estrella]

Ha, I like that idea. I often feel like asking people to cut the criticism for now. It's bad if somebody critiques your writing too early in the process. Then you just don't feel like doing it anymore. It destroys creativity and the willingness to take risks. It also makes me feel like I have somebody sitting over my shoulder censoring me.

I absolutely HATE it when people offer unsolicited criticism of my life or personality. It sounds like it was totally out of line and inappropriate in your case. I hope you told them to back off.

[laurenem6]

I think those kind of workshops have the potential to be helpful. But I also think it should be a point for the professor/teacher/facilitator to instruct on the best ways to give constructive criticism. For example, like you said, to always give a positive first (and sometimes last as well). And not to give only opinions - although those can be helpful sometimes - but to give concrete measurable and specific criticism.

[raven_estrella]

I agree with you. I was actually kind of disappointed when my professor neglected to talk about good vs. bad kinds of criticism. Having that kind of guidance can make all the difference in the world for a workshop. When there's too much negative feedback, who wants to continue with the story? I know I don't. People seem to feel smart when they criticize.