Over at Sterling Editing, Kelley is talking about how it is to learn, as a writer, to take criticism. She is also asking interesting questions about being edited.
Accepting feedback is a skill all people have to learn; artists have to learn early. We get a lot. We need a lot. It also can be quite damaging if we don’t know what to do with it.
So if you have opinions, techniques, or hard-won lessons you want to share–ways you’ve found to handle gracefully critiques of your art, your work, your parenting skills–why not drop by and do so?
Nicola — I think you hit the nail on the head: I have no problem listening to, or accepting feedback; but often have no idea what to do with it. Interesting…
I hope you don't mind the link, but I just wrote on this subject this morning:
http://peevishpenman.blogspot.com/2009/10/dont-fear-reader-by-cebailey.html
I think for me, I have to value the feedback enough to pursue it, because I want to be a better writer. I try only to entertain negative feedback when it is both specific and comes from two unassociated sources. That helps put it in perspective.
I can't improve from praise :).
DianneorDi, let me know what you figure out, and how we can help.
C. E. Bailey, link away. And I hear you on specificity–though am not sure I agree on the need for 2 sources.
I'm asking for a brain transplant for Christmas… ;D