I think the key point here is that you feel the pacing in some parts is too fast, rather than other people saying it.
If you feel the pace is fast in certain areas, the first step is to then break them down and ask yourself what feels fast and why.
Is there enough setup and previous...
Just write a story that you would want to read. It's fine to ask around and take in advice, but in the end if you wouldn't want to read the story then you're doing something wrong somewhere. As for whether other people will want to read it, that's impossible to say. But I find sincerity is more...
To me this all depends on the type of critique. There are two categories here - appeal to emotion and opinionated logic.
The logical approach is helpful, usually (depends on the mental state of the person receiving it, and how opinionated). Even if you don't agree with someone's own personal...
I like gender-bender, but not in the same way others seem to think of good GB stories.
Bad ones are obvious, and that's where most of the hate comes from. Anything that turns into fetish fuel becomes a cesspool with enough exposure.
I see people putting Valrie as an example of good GB and I...
I think what Ral said is fairly on point here. People may dislike multiple POV for different reasons, but one thing all bad uses of it have in common is lack of focus. Depending on how you plan to tell your story, will also change whether or not you want to fixate on one person. If you're going...
Ignoring the basic writing rules when starting/learning to write.
If you begin with a solid idea of proper grammar, structure and dialogue then you are starting on a plateau high above the rest.
This doesn't mean focus on them until they're publisher level, but please don't ignore the basics...