Comments on: Handling Criticism

By: Medication Fears | ADD . . . and-so-much-more

Medication Fears | ADD . . . and-so-much-more — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 04:53:56 +0000

[…] Handling Criticism (for writers) […]

By: DawnB.

DawnB. — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:00:55 +0000

I’ve grown a thicker skin over the years and think I handle criticism well. At least from the writing world. It’s those in the non-writing world whose criticism I struggle with. *sigh*

By: Raani York

Raani York — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:52:27 +0000

You know, Kristen, I love your blog posts and this one is particularly helpful. I personally haven’t published my book yet… it’s planned but not on the market yet.
And yes… critique is one thing that scares the hell out of me.
Do I survive when I get it? I wish I could say “yes”… and take it easy… but fact is: I don’t know…
One could say now: Why did you become a writer if you can’t take it? And my reply is: because I love the writing-part… *sigh*

By: Julie Musil (@juliemusil)

Julie Musil (@juliemusil) — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 21:08:55 +0000

I absolutely loved the story about the strong trees. I even shared it with my son, and we compared it to his experience playing football. Your book will be great! Now get some sleep!!

By: Author Kristen Lamb

Author Kristen Lamb — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 02:37:46 +0000

In reply to Edward Owen. Aww, thanks Edward. I have more vlogs in the queue...now to edit them together, LOL.

By: L J Sentivanac

L J Sentivanac — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 23:56:43 +0000

LOL. I’ve learned to take the comments of my critique group with lots of salt – mostly in my open, gaping wounds. It was hard at first. One member of the group in particular seems to delight in his brutally “honest” critiques. Once even suggesting that my style was more suited to non-fiction. How helpful!
Now as I review the written red-lines, I look at the source and adjust my mindset accordingly.

By: Delia Ramsey

Delia Ramsey — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 20:26:59 +0000

Very good message. Very well said.

By: Edward Owen

Edward Owen — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 15:45:12 +0000

Love the vlog. So nice to have a voice and personality to go with the written word. You are such a doll. I think you are missing a bet by not getting your pretty face in front of more people. Yes, I remember my first critique group well. The book they discussed still has not seen the light of day there were so many errors. Still have your book suggestions on my Amazon want list. I try to learn a little every day. With as little as I know. it isn’t that hard to do. Can’t wait for the next post.

By: Author Kristen Lamb

Author Kristen Lamb — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 23:40:47 +0000

In reply to Lorraine Ruff. I love sharing it. Read Monday's post for more ;). Critique is a delicate art. We have to help writers without crushing their will to create. Yet, also writers need to develop rhino skin at the same time. Share anything you need.

By: Lorraine Ruff

Lorraine Ruff — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 23:23:28 +0000

Hiya, Kristen:

I’m so pleased that you wrote the rejection article when you did. We are having an issue with a gentleman who has decided not to return to a local bookwriters’ group because he took the criticism he received pretty hard. I hadn’t joined as yet, but I certainly observed and managed the issue when I was a general manager for a large PR firm in Boston.

So, with your permission, I’d like to share your thoughts and words that can get folks thinking about the responsibility of providing criticism to nascent writers.

All the best. You’re a pretty damn good oracle of good thinking that you lovingly pass onto us all.

Cordially,

Lorraine Ruff

Technology-run-amuck novelist

lruff@lorraineruff.com