In Others’ Words: The “How” of Criticism
We all face criticism at some point in our lives.
As an author, I invite criticism into my life — sometimes known by the kinder, gentler term of “feedback.” Every novel I write goes through several rounds of edits where my editors tell me what’s working and what’s not working. My Preferred Readers — a small, select group of women — also talk me through my manuscript after I submit it to my editors. And readers also post reviews of my books. Positive reviews are gold for an author. Harsh reviews? Well, that’s more like getting hit upside the head with a brick.
The best criticism I’ve received both encourages me and challenges me as an author. When an editor starts off with words like, “Here’s what really worked in your manuscript” I’m all the more receptive to comments like, “Can you explain this section? I was confused by your character’s motivation” or “You need to rework your timeline.”
The next time we face criticism, we should ask ourselves: What was said that nourished my growth? Of course, we can’t ignore the “this isn’t working” assessment, but we can start with the positive. More importantly, when we offer criticism to someone, we should stop and think: How can I nourish this person’s growth instead of destroying it?
In Your Words: When has criticism nourished you and helped you grow?
In Others\’ Words: The \”How\” of Criticism http://wp.me/p63waO-2kO #InOthersWords #quotes #criticism
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\”Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man\’s growth…\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2kO #quotes #FrankAClark #criticism
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