Learning to deal with criticism

Handling criticism can be challenging for many people, especially authors. It can be heartbreaking to pour blood, sweat, and tears into your book and have someone tell you it needs work. Unfortunately, though, this is all part of the process.

Criticism never gets easy, but if you can figure out how to handle it better, you can learn a lot from the process. Here are some of the best ways to deal with criticism:

1. Stay calm and objective: Try your best to stay calm and objective when receiving criticism. Avoid getting defensive or emotional, and focus on the feedback that's being given.
2. Listen carefully: Listen carefully to the criticism and try to understand the other person's perspective. Ask questions to clarify what they're saying and ensure that you're both on the same page. You don't have to agree - all you need to do is listen.
3. Don't take it personally: This is the biggie, isn't it? Remember that criticism is not a reflection of who you are as a person, or as a writer. Instead, it's feedback on the art you have created, which you can change and improve if you so choose.
4. Acknowledge the feedback: Show that you are taking the feedback seriously by acknowledging it. Thank the person for their input and let them know that you will consider it. There are the people who like to tear others down, of course, but most likely the person giving you feedback is trying to help in some way.
5. Evaluate the feedback: Evaluate the feedback objectively to determine whether it is valid or not - this goes for positive OR negative feedback. If it is valid, take steps to address the issue.
6. Learn from it: Use the criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. No one is a perfect writer right out of the gate - writing is a process, and there will be hills and valleys on our author journey. Take note of the feedback and use it to improve yourself or your work in the future.

Remember, at the end of the day, you are an author, and no one can take that away from you. As artists we evolve, however, and criticism/feedback is one way for us to get there.?

To you and your book!