Open Thread: Oracle Hotline

[mithen]

--How do you handle criticism? Have you ever worked with beta readers or editors? A writing group?

I handle criticism... extremely poorly, which is probably the biggest reason I never tried to become a professional writer (the other reason is how lazy I am about self-promotion!) I had to work out an explicit system with my husband when he beta-ed my work that he had to give me a compliment here and there for every few criticisms, otherwise I'd just crumple. I've gotten better about it!

(Sadly, classes are about to re-start here so I'll have even less time to write than before. Paradise Island worldbuilding will have to stay mostly mental, but I'm still poking at it! How about you?)

Comments

[me_ya_ri]

I handle criticism by setting it aside for 24-48 hours, drinking lots of tea, and then deciding that the person is either a) no one I care about (in the case of random readers leaving reviews), b) a professional I should listen carefully to because there's money involved (in the case of pro editors buying my story) or c) someone giving me the best advice they can so I should pay attention and pick / choose what works for me (in the case of beta readers).

It works fairly well for me, but that 24-48 hour gap is no joke. I need that long to screw my head on straight and not take criticism as the end of the world.

[bradygirl_12]

That's a good philosophy, Meya!

I don't have to worry about concrit. I can't post stories! Don't know how to transfer files from my laptop to my phone, since I no longer have Internet access except through my phone. 😕

[mithen]

That gap is indeed the best possible thing, and is really hard to maintain! I really struggle sometimes to remember that not all criticism needs to be taken to heart, that it needs to come from a place of good faith and some level of expertise.