Aleth08
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2019
- Messages
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Today, I wanted to share some things with the fellow authors. Backstory first: I've been a writer for almost 2 years now. Of which I started taking writing seriously about 9-10 months ago. Been working on improving it ever since. But as it is the case with all, my initial work is a mess. So from all the comments, reviews, negative or positive, I've received, I realized some things. Very basic things that most people already know. But I think it gets ignored, or many writers dont follow it.
So, just wanted to share it and create a reminder for those who're looking for it.
When you get a negative comment or a review, it crushes your spirit. No matter how veteran you become, I think this will never change. So when you experience this, remind yourself that you cant please everyone. No story will get a 100% positive feedback. Preference plays a big role in this. In this situation, try to read the positive feedback you got. It will remind you that your story is liked by someone. Its not all dark for you. And if you havent received any positive one yet, then wait. Someone will like it.
Next, if you get a negative comment that points out your mistakes. Dont fret. Dont take it as the reader giving you the final judgement. Its not your final level. No writer was born a best seller. They all improved. You should instead thank that reader for helping you improve your work. If you dont feel grateful to him at the moment, leave it be. Once you become numb to that specific comment, you can come back to it and deal with it. Continuing in this one, also dont take every criticism readers make too seriously. They are not experts. So, if it doesnt seem right to you, double check it with someone else. Maybe watch educational vids online to confirm it.
Next, as I said in the above point, no one was born a best seller. So know that your first draft, and maybe even your first story, will most probably suck. So dont get depressed if you feel your story cant stand up to the others. Or feel better after reading this if you are depressed because of that.
When you're writing, dont write for the readers. Write for yourself. Many readers reminded me of this when I felt down because of some harsh comments. I couldnt really understand it back then, but now I do. Write what excites you, otherwise you'll loose your fuel.
Next, many writers succumb under pressure of readers. And change their story. Its good to take their feedback into consideration, and adjust your story accordingly, but dont change it because one reader said he liked it the other way. One particular theme for this is the MC being smart or dumb. Its actually very subjective, as I've come to notice. One reader might call your MC dumb for making a certain decision. But others might praise him for just that. So know that this is purely based on personal preference, dont believe anyone if they say so otherwise.
Finally, try and learn to recognize the type of readers. Some will nitpick the shit out of your story from early on. And most of it will be based on their preferences. If you see such comments, try and ignore it. For it will neither help you improve nor will give you motivation. Another type is someone who rages at a certain part of the story. Dont lash back at those readers. Realize that they are raging because they feel strongly about your story. They liked it enough to rage like that. Another is someone who'll judge and criticize every decision made by your MC. These types are similar to the nitpicking types, dont take them seriously, becuz they dont take your story seriously.
Anyway, this was all from what I've experienced so far[I might've missed some things, but others will add on I'm sure]. If you disagree with any of the points, feel free to oppose it. I would also like to hear your opinions.
And finally, whatever you do, keep writing.
So, just wanted to share it and create a reminder for those who're looking for it.
When you get a negative comment or a review, it crushes your spirit. No matter how veteran you become, I think this will never change. So when you experience this, remind yourself that you cant please everyone. No story will get a 100% positive feedback. Preference plays a big role in this. In this situation, try to read the positive feedback you got. It will remind you that your story is liked by someone. Its not all dark for you. And if you havent received any positive one yet, then wait. Someone will like it.
Next, if you get a negative comment that points out your mistakes. Dont fret. Dont take it as the reader giving you the final judgement. Its not your final level. No writer was born a best seller. They all improved. You should instead thank that reader for helping you improve your work. If you dont feel grateful to him at the moment, leave it be. Once you become numb to that specific comment, you can come back to it and deal with it. Continuing in this one, also dont take every criticism readers make too seriously. They are not experts. So, if it doesnt seem right to you, double check it with someone else. Maybe watch educational vids online to confirm it.
Next, as I said in the above point, no one was born a best seller. So know that your first draft, and maybe even your first story, will most probably suck. So dont get depressed if you feel your story cant stand up to the others. Or feel better after reading this if you are depressed because of that.
When you're writing, dont write for the readers. Write for yourself. Many readers reminded me of this when I felt down because of some harsh comments. I couldnt really understand it back then, but now I do. Write what excites you, otherwise you'll loose your fuel.
Next, many writers succumb under pressure of readers. And change their story. Its good to take their feedback into consideration, and adjust your story accordingly, but dont change it because one reader said he liked it the other way. One particular theme for this is the MC being smart or dumb. Its actually very subjective, as I've come to notice. One reader might call your MC dumb for making a certain decision. But others might praise him for just that. So know that this is purely based on personal preference, dont believe anyone if they say so otherwise.
Finally, try and learn to recognize the type of readers. Some will nitpick the shit out of your story from early on. And most of it will be based on their preferences. If you see such comments, try and ignore it. For it will neither help you improve nor will give you motivation. Another type is someone who rages at a certain part of the story. Dont lash back at those readers. Realize that they are raging because they feel strongly about your story. They liked it enough to rage like that. Another is someone who'll judge and criticize every decision made by your MC. These types are similar to the nitpicking types, dont take them seriously, becuz they dont take your story seriously.
Anyway, this was all from what I've experienced so far[I might've missed some things, but others will add on I'm sure]. If you disagree with any of the points, feel free to oppose it. I would also like to hear your opinions.
And finally, whatever you do, keep writing.
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