How do you react to suggestions or criticism

by Adrian Sroka
12th March 2014

Its your story. You know it better than anyone. If you have let others view your work, did they just lance boils or offer remedies?

Replies

I don't think there is any need to pay attention to criticism if as you say they just lance boils.

Constructive criticism should be heeded and the 'remedies' tried. This does not mean you must take on board everything said. Ask yourself why the recommendation has been made and if you think a change in your text will improve your work give it a go but don't change the whole piece,copy and paste a section, change it using the remedies offered and when completed read it through, preferably aloud and compare it with your original version. If you feel your work has been improved, use it. Best not to have 'boils' worthy of the lance in the first place.

Best of luck,

rosa.

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Rosa
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Rosa Johnson
12/03/2014

Hi Adrian,

I haven’t got round to sharing any excerpts from my books yet, because they’re still very much works in progress! However, last month I posted a couple of my short stories on a disability forum, as part of a blog I write about living with arthritis. Feedback has been positive so far, but if I receive constructive criticism and/or suggestions for improvement in the future, I’ll be happy to discuss this as part of working towards becoming a better writer.

Great answer from Renee, by the way :-)

Fliss

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Felicity
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Felicity Teague
12/03/2014

This is a really tough question Adrian. For what it's worth, here's my opinion.

Does the criticism come from your target audience? This is important with any book. You will never please everyone.

If the criticism is about grammar ... I would listen :)

If it's constructive and agrees with my own reasoning ... than I would listen to that too.

:)

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Renee Paule
12/03/2014