As a writer, it can be difficult to deal with criticism. We writers are very emotional people, naturally - as the two go hand in hand. And as emotional people, dealing with criticism is often the hardest part of the job.
Of course, this isn’t just the case for writing. Whether you’re a fashion designer, a painter or even a politician, there are always going to be people who don’t like what you do. And today, when everything is online and people can comment on one another's work so easily, there are always going to be those who aren’t afraid to pull your work to shreads. Everyone has a different opinion, a different style and a different take on matters.
Over the years, I’ve developed a few mechanisms to deal with the criticism and to move on from it. I thought I would share them, and hopefully give you some pointers in case you ever find yourself in this position. Here are some of the ways I deal when I find out someone doesn’t like my work.
1. Always remember that it is not a personal attack. While your first instinct may be to huff and puff and get angry, it’s crucial that you don’t do anything straight away. No one ever thinks clearly when they’re angry, and once the crazy gives way to calm, you may begin to see things in a different perspective.
2. Use it as a chance to improve. Whether you agree or not, chances are this may have happened at work and that you have a boss to report to. At the end of the day, that person is still your boss and though you may not like their opinion, it’s much easier to talk to them, ask what they didn’t like about your writing and learn from it, than it is to make a fuss.
3. Next time you are asked to put something together, make sure you have a brief, or a good idea of what you need to do. Sit down with your boss or your colleague, find out what they want, what the piece is for, how it’s going to be presented and even ask for some past examples. Use all this as a guide. Now you’ll have direction, and you’ll be far more likely to meet the brief.
4. Last, and perhaps the most fun, is to create another outlet for yourself, where you can be as creative as you like. Whether it’s a blog, a novel, a diary, or even something as old fashioned as a pen pal, write how you need to at work, and save the good stuff for later!
If you have any other suggestions, or have an experience you would like to share, please let me know below!
Love from,
Emma Lou
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