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

Criticism

[she-of-emeralds.livejournal.com]

Welcome!

Of course it's allowed to ask questions like that--that's what we're here for. :-)

Who is the criticism coming from that you have trouble handling? Professors, friends, family? Since you're in school, professors are probably the most important to deal with right now, but it works the same in most circumstances. So here's what I'd say. 1, it *isn't* personal; it's about your work, not you. You said you know that, but make it a mantra. 2. If you find yourself slipping into "OMG, I'm terrible because my work is 'mediocre'" mode, take a few deep breaths, step back, distance yourself from your work, take a walk around the block. Try to come back to it with an objective view. Maybe it's better than you think. 3. Sometimes it helps me to put the current project in a drawer (literally or figuratively) for a little while and doing something else before coming back to it with a fresh eye. I realize that being in school you have deadlines for papers and suchlike, but even one day can help.

Not sure that was as articulate as I meant it to be, but hope it helps. :-)

Re: Criticism

[bonniebix.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool, I checked the rules before I posted but I was just making sure!

I don't get a lot of criticism from my lecturers, actually. But generally I write essays for Uni; I don't start Creative Writing until next semester, so I guess I better have a good plan for taking criticism early!
The crit mostly comes from people I don't know, actually. I publish a lot of what I write here on my LJ and on my sites etc. They aren't nasty people - they really do make great suggestions and point out things that I don't notice myself, so they aren't trying to upset me.
I think the second suggestion you made is really good. There are so many times where I just sit in front of a manuscript, staring and waiting for it to make itself better when I could be doing something else. I need to start being objective about my work, also. So taking a step back sounds like a good plan to me. Thank you for helping me out!