Hello everyone!

[bonniebix.livejournal.com]

Hi all!

I've been writing for a while now (years, in fact). I'm an English Literature student at Uni (Gothic and Classics), so I adore reading and writing. But I have a bit of a problem that I'd like some advice on how to handle. If this isn't allowed here, please delete it =)

I'm terribly bad at handling criticism, but I want to be able to take suggestions because I am aware that I'm a mediocre writer. Any advice on how to take things better? I realise people aren't doing it to hurt my feelings, but I think I'm just too attached to my work.

Again, I'm sorry if this isn't allowed.

Comments

[iknowthewords.livejournal.com]

I think you have to care about creating a work that is actually GOOD more than you want to keep any line or paragraph or something someone says needs to be changed. You need to look at it as a constant progression of improvement, or else you'll be deflated when someone makes suggestions and doesn't have a whole lot of compliments to give. When this happens, you just need the mentality of getting back in the fight and rewriting until it comes out ringing true. Because you can do that. And you'll grow so much as a writer when you do.

I learned this lesson from my experience as an art major, but I know it's true of writing as well. Don't spend even 2 seconds dwelling on everything you got wrong. Just get back in there and fight for the thing. Eventually you will have a beautiful piece of art in your hands. (:

[bonniebix.livejournal.com]

This is a great piece of advice. I'm generally pretty defeatist and tell myself something is crap when someone nitpicks it; I rarely get back into it and try and make it better.
I spend a great deal of time dwelling on the errors people point out and its really unproductive =(