Honing Your Craft - Thick Skin

Hi everyone. Thanks for your continued interest in my articles. Today we’re discussing Honing Your Craft, and Growing A Thick Skin.

As writers we can learn from classes, workshops, critiques, or books. The real learning is done through trial and error. We improve with every project we tackle. It may be a long, slow, process, but we do improve.

I’ve tried free-hand, poetry, fanfictions, and now novels. From the beginning readers said my fanfictions were creative, and the characterizations were deep, especially my Original Characters. People who hate OC’s complimented mine.

As I plunged into novel writing, I’ve learned the world building aspects, and wordage issues. Many critique partners have remarked how dynamic my writing is, others have mentioned how engaging my characters are. Most people adore my characters. Some don’t.

It’s vital to accept that as writers, we can’t please everyone. Some people just won’t get the story or characters at all. My advice is to write it your way, then get it critiqued. Listen with an open mind.

No one will ever know the story or characters the way the authors does. They came from the author’s imagination.

However, if the majority likes it, then take the negative crits with a grain of salt, and keep doing what you feel is best. Weigh each critique, or review carefully, especially an editors feedback. Learn what you can from them to improve your craft, then move on.

Do not obsess over a negative bit of feedback. That will only make you question your abilities and leaves the door open for the inner critic to sabotage a good story. That inner critic can be a serious downer if you let it. Writing is about creativity, and passion. Our inner critics try to quell our passion, and stalls our creativity.

Growing a thick skin is important. It keeps us from taking every bit of feedback personally.

Always remember you’re a writer. Write. Don’t let negative feedback bum you out for long. Sometimes it’s mean and downright rude. let it go until you’ve calmed down, then return and dig through for any possible helpful tips it may contain. Some don’t have any good tips, those you have to ignore. Remember, as long as someone took time to leave a critique or a review, it means they’ve talked about your book. That keeps your work in circulation, which will draw more readers, good, or bad.

Also remember that when it’s rude and sounds like a personal attack, most readers ferret those out real quick, and most people ignore those. Don’t let them bum you out. Keep your chin up and write. Improve your craft and continue growing.

Okay readers, sound off. How do you handle those negative reviews, or critiques? How do you keep from letting them drag you down? What are some of the tricks you’ve learned while honing your craft? Do you think every project helps writers improve?

Side Note: Calling all blogger buddies. I’m looking to schedule a blog tour during the first week of April for the Release of my YA Paranormal Romance novel Dangerous Temptation.
I’d like to set up an itinerary before then, so people know where to go. Do any of you have any open spots and want to be a stop during the tour? If so, please let me know. I’m in the process of setting up the tour now, and creating the press release kit. Thanks everyone.

This article appears in an editor’s/writer’s collaboration here.

About these ads