Learning to Take Constructive Criticism
Constructive criticism. We all need it. Otherwise, it would be much more difficult for us to be able to identify the weaknesses within our work, and we would fail to grow.
But how do we as writers learn to deal with the harsh reality that not everyone will enjoy our work?
If you’ve ever spent any significant amount of time in a writer’s group or forum, then you have probably already heard the phrase “writer’s need to grow thick skin.” As hard as this is to hear, it is true. Some people will love your work, others will hate it, and some will think that it is just okay. As hard as it is to realize that not everyone will enjoy your writing, you can take their criticism and use it to your advantage. We have all read at least one book that we disliked. Does this mean that the book was bad? No. The simple fact that it was published means that some people actually enjoyed it. It is the same with your own writing.