tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post6844333521870953803..comments2024-02-17T17:59:25.010+10:00Comments on Christian Writers Downunder: Criticism: A Thorny Gift by Jeanette O'HaganJeanette O'Haganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-4758586136200259612015-07-14T17:20:38.756+10:002015-07-14T17:20:38.756+10:00LOL Robyn - how dare they not recognise your brill...LOL Robyn - how dare they not recognise your brilliance! I love how you put it about critiques 'I know they all make me a better writer.' That's what I've discovered and now wouldn't do without them even if at times they can sting.Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-65375224300168093932015-07-14T10:36:28.665+10:002015-07-14T10:36:28.665+10:00Hey, Jenny. What a fabulous post. Even though I kn...Hey, Jenny. What a fabulous post. Even though I know it is, I've never really thought about criticism as being my friend. ;-) I remember when I first started writing, I sent my first story to a publisher. Then I waited for the big check (I figured my first story was surely worth 5 figures). :-) I raced to the mailbox day after day until I finally received the much-anticipated envelope. Knowing the check was in there, I tore open the envelope only to find a REJECTION. That was the cruelest criticism. But it set me on my path today. I am thankful for all the critiques I receive because I know they all make me a better writer. I deal with criticism fine now. But back to that letter. I thought, how dare they! *wink* I must admit that story was perfectly AWFUL. Haha.Robyn Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356555082768185840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-30785942523918099742015-07-14T09:56:39.255+10:002015-07-14T09:56:39.255+10:00That's a great point Rita. I think that's ...That's a great point Rita. I think that's the value of beta-readers who may or may not be writers. Readers know what they like and if our prose jars them out of the narrative or they react badly to the story - they may not know why that is, but, you are right, most likely some other readers will have the same reaction. On the other hand, we can't please everyone. So I guess it's a balance too. But perhaps it's wise to listen carefully to what our critic is saying (and give it a couple of days at least) before we decide they don't know what they are talking about. Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-77547975701851727632015-07-14T09:49:47.264+10:002015-07-14T09:49:47.264+10:00Love the word 'priceless.' I find it much ...Love the word 'priceless.' I find it much easier to receive criticism of my work than of myself. Another work in progress :) Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-33464183500713995942015-07-14T09:47:51.685+10:002015-07-14T09:47:51.685+10:00Thanks Jeanette :) Yes, I've come to that posi...Thanks Jeanette :) Yes, I've come to that position - from hating even the hint of criticism - to appreciating it (most of the time lol). Like you, I've realised that I can decide whether it's relevant or not, and feedback on my work helps me grow as a writer. I've also realised that making a mistake doesn't reflect on my value as a person. Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-22866966519482715822015-07-14T09:43:14.333+10:002015-07-14T09:43:14.333+10:00It's very rare that there isn't something ...It's very rare that there isn't something positive that we can say :) And so, true, we writers have excellent imaginations to fill the silence. I'm in that position at the moment - having sent a piece off to 3 beta-readers. Once got back straight away, the other two I'm still waiting - but I know both have lots of other stuff to deal with at the moment. Maybe, the wait is because my story didn't grab them, or maybe it's just because life happens. One way or the other, I'd like to know lol.Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-91018143465664139442015-07-14T09:36:01.752+10:002015-07-14T09:36:01.752+10:00Thanks Mimi :)Thanks Mimi :)Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-45408231721752247412015-07-13T19:29:03.357+10:002015-07-13T19:29:03.357+10:00My thoughts were faster than your typos ... if tha...My thoughts were faster than your typos ... if that's possible? Because I had to reread it twice to find the typos. Must be thinking alike. Loved your post. Thank you.Mimi https://www.blogger.com/profile/14537405836915800211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-68465927181446936702015-07-13T19:15:20.212+10:002015-07-13T19:15:20.212+10:00And it's too easy to think, the person who cri...And it's too easy to think, the person who criticizes doesn't know anything about writing. Ever felt that way? However if a reader says something they 'don't get' we'd better listen because perhaps many wouldn't say anything! (the silent treatment you've already mentioned.) After some years, it helps to let our thin skins toughen up and take it. You know...'the wounds of a friend etc' IMHORita Galiehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586506137798711397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-28963591058025099632015-07-13T17:48:38.283+10:002015-07-13T17:48:38.283+10:00Hmmm. I hate criticism of my work but if it comes ...Hmmm. I hate criticism of my work but if it comes from a thoughtful heart it can be priceless. Humility... Eeek.Sue Jeffreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06198695729535623216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-17170968085316924862015-07-13T17:46:28.177+10:002015-07-13T17:46:28.177+10:00I find criticism helpful most of the time. I may n...I find criticism helpful most of the time. I may not always agree but I will think about it and may take it on board. This is one of the reasons I value being part of a writing group. And yes, silence is so hard to take. I find myself thinking: aren't you even interested in what I have to say? But when it is my blog, I realise a lot of people find it hard to log in and so a lot of my feedback comes on facebook. Anything is great! ( But id do love comments on a blog!) Thanks, Jenny. Good post!Jeanette Grant-Thomsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07691677119939194892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-7142090023041337002015-07-13T15:44:40.313+10:002015-07-13T15:44:40.313+10:00I react the same way you do, Jenny :) I often find...I react the same way you do, Jenny :) I often find the best sorts of critics are those who also find something good to say too, so we're getting a bit of sugar to coat the medicine. <br />As you and Mimi both mentioned above, silence is sometimes worse than criticism, especially because it's so often not the right etiquette to ask directly. All we can do is imagine that they must have hated it, and we who write have good imaginations. <br />I appreciate the people who come up with constructive, helpful points for us to consider in a respectful and kind way.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-91662411783543700262015-07-13T14:23:47.510+10:002015-07-13T14:23:47.510+10:00Whoops - sorry for the typos. My thoughts were flo...Whoops - sorry for the typos. My thoughts were flowing faster than my fingers lol.Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-43949425359036121102015-07-13T14:21:06.978+10:002015-07-13T14:21:06.978+10:00I agree with you Mimi about silence. It leaves you...I agree with you Mimi about silence. It leaves you wondering and give you no chance to address the issues. Of course, it may just because people are busy with their lives, especially when it comes to blog posts. I do worry when I haven't heard back from my beta-readers. Sometimes, it's just that they have others things to think about, but other times it might because my story hasn't held their attention at some point. I guess, either way, it would be good to know.Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-47613264866225890652015-07-13T14:17:17.924+10:002015-07-13T14:17:17.924+10:00Thanks Anusha - I think that's how I've co...Thanks Anusha - I think that's how I've come to see it - an opportunity to improve. Even when readers misunderstand, that tells me I haven't been clear enough. I have come to value my critical friends and beta-readers more highly than rubies, a good editor like diamonds.Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-34304232632660362212015-07-13T13:35:20.625+10:002015-07-13T13:35:20.625+10:00Thank you Jenny, great post! It is the quiet criti...Thank you Jenny, great post! It is the quiet criticism that gets me the most. Such as not a soul responding to a FB post or no-one reading or no-one commenting on a blog post. <br /><br />I don't mind so much when people explain why they criticise my work because I understand that we all have a different perspective and sometimes I agree and at other times I don't. And sometimes I just plain don't understand where people are coming from or why they have to be so harsh about it. <br /><br />But what really gets to me is the silence ... I go; what did I do wrong? Anyone please tell me so I can better myself and not make the same mistake again. Yes for me silence is the worst criticism.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing.Mimi https://www.blogger.com/profile/14537405836915800211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-45743378591376118422015-07-13T11:50:24.810+10:002015-07-13T11:50:24.810+10:00Great post Jenny. Yes, it critique (not criticism)...Great post Jenny. Yes, it critique (not criticism) is a thorny gift, I agree. Years ago I wrote a book for school leavers in Sri Lanka - a story cum exercise book for those for whom English was a new language. I was devastated the first time I met with my critique group who tore some of my ideas to pieces. They didn't get it! Arrrrgh! But - I learnt the hard way that critique is good and is needed in order for me to write better. I still am leaning it. But yes, there's much wisdom from gifted writers and editors I need to take on board if I can ever reach the heights I aspire to.<br /><br />Besides I think it's humbling and so it's much needed in order for us to see the true nature of our writing so we can improve it. A gift! YES!<br /><br />Thanks for a lovely post Jenny! Anusha Atukoralahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00859837228901127984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-82931049623817120642015-07-13T11:37:37.767+10:002015-07-13T11:37:37.767+10:00Love that verse too :) It can be hard to keep that...Love that verse too :) It can be hard to keep that balance & depends a bit on what hat one's wearing (crit friend, beta-reader, editor) etc. I think your reminder about encouragement last week is important. On the other hand, part of being a writer is dealing with criticism. Far better it be from a beta-reader or editor - than a scathing attack in a review. Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-52996556520307494642015-07-13T11:29:30.388+10:002015-07-13T11:29:30.388+10:00Great post Jenny. Just this morning I heard the s...Great post Jenny. Just this morning I heard the story of someone who was so devastated by criticism they'd received on their novel draft, that they gave up altogether. It's so important to be able to give feedback in a way that encourages people rather than tearing them down. And being able to receive criticism well is also something we have to learn. I really love that verse about 'speaking the truth in love'. I think that can cover a multitude of sins :) Nola Passmorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08425394685430146759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-42851111225608619852015-07-13T10:56:23.029+10:002015-07-13T10:56:23.029+10:00I know what you mean Lynne. Depending on how close...I know what you mean Lynne. Depending on how close the bone or the heart the criticism is - it might take hours, days or months to recover. I almost gave up writing last year after one particularly drastic and (it felt like) brutal feedback. On reflection - that critic had some points though I think s/he actually wanted me to write the book s/he would have written - not the one I wanted to write (and others have enjoyed). Took me a few months to recover - but it reminds me that while we should consider everything the critic says, we don't have to take it all on board. I think one thing to remember is that we are not our book :) And, imperfections don't make us any less valuable to God - or our true friends. Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-2169426420232864492015-07-13T10:26:00.167+10:002015-07-13T10:26:00.167+10:00The objective part of me tries to remind myself th...The objective part of me tries to remind myself that it's a gift, but the other side of me wants to curl up in my bed and never come out the minute I receive the slightest of criticisms. I've never been one to take it well.Lynne Stringerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03482326578634252234noreply@blogger.com