Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion with Dave King. I hope you all found his answers helpful.
During this discussion, Debra brought up an interesting point about receiving criticism of our work.
It can be overwhelming to receive so many conflicting opinions. When that happens to me, I'll simply read through the advice and set it aside for a while. Then I'll come back to it after a few days. Keep in mind, any feedback on your work is simply "advice." That means, take it or leave it. If I get three people that mention the same "problem," then I consider changing it. But if it's just one person and no one else, I ignore it--unless it's something that really speaks to me. In the end, go with your gut. I've seen several writers lose their voice (and their passion for writing) when they've tried to please everyone. You're not going to please everyone. That's just the way it is with "art." :-) Even bestselling authors receive criticism, and sometimes hate mail.
How do the rest of you deal with criticism/feedback on your work?
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I love to get feed back on my work. If I agree with what they've noticed, then I change it. Since I am so close to my story, other people can see things that I miss.
ReplyDeletePunt!
ReplyDeleteIn actuality: not well. Especially when a reader doesn't "get" me.
Good feedback is the juice that keeps hope alive, that addictive fix which propels me forward into more writing.
(Nicole)
You know, I thought I was doing well with the whole taking what I liked from the comments. Now I'm reworking the first chapter and I feel like I've run the thing into the mud. It and my query letter. I look forward to finishing all of my upcoming crits, reaching the end of the book and letting it soak up the excess water for awhile! LOL
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