Monday, May 23, 2016

Thanks, Witch Dawg!

I'm feeling the rejection again. Trying to write, teach, etc., and am getting some not-so-positive feedback for a couple of projects, (but some is constructive criticism on a new project, which is to be expected, so I don't mind that!). But when put all together, it can bring you down a bit, so I loved this quote I found on Twitter from Sean Gardner @2morrowknight:

The best way to avoid criticism: never do anything. Or, do what you love, have a great life & let others spend time criticizing

 ~Ricky Gervais

Today one of my friends told me about the name calling used in some criticism of her work, which was so outlandish it was hilarious. So thanks for sharing, Witch Dawg!

I was also reminded of an article I wrote many years ago that an old editor hated. She asked me if I was in a coma when I wrote it. Said I needed to rewrite it, etc., to be fit for print, yada yada. The same article was scheduled to run in a sister publication, so I went to that editor and told her what had happened, and that I was going to rewrite it and would send her the revised version.

The (second) editor said "It's fine, I'm running it as is."

So opinions and evaluations and critiques are subjective. And that's good to remember. If I had given up after the first criticism, I never would have written a book about writing (Strengthen Your Nonfiction Writing), or continued to work on my two (unpublished, but not for long) novels.

Write soon, (regardless of what the critics say)


Mary

8 comments:

  1. That's so true, Mary, and a very timely reminder for us all!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    1. I was feeling bad about the rejection, but when I heard this from a friend, it really put everything in perspective.

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  2. A great post...shows strength and wonderful attitude!

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    1. Thanks, and sometimes I have a good attitude, and sometimes not so much!

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  3. How true, Mary. Criticism is all subjective. You are a wonderful writer. Your nonfiction book was a treasure to read, and I know your novels will be too!

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    1. Thanks, Donna! You're making me blush. I may get a tattoo that says this!

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  4. Mary--TWO novels that will be published soon? That is incredibly impressive. Are you aware I yelled the word "two"? I am now bowing down to you. And I'm green with envy.

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  5. I've been working on them for a LONG time. Like an EMBARRASSINGLY long time. And it's positive thinking that they will be published. I believe in them, but it's not a sure thing at this time but it will be (more positive thinking!!!)

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