In Praise of Criticism

Spend some time in authors' circles and you'll hear it. It may be one of the most common pieces of advice dished out to "newbies," and with good reason. Find a critique group. Sound suggestion. Without a critique group an author is fated to personal bias, repeated mistakes, and a long future full of rejections that leave them asking, "but why?"

Unfortunately, the burgeoning author will not often get advice on how to take the criticism—even, heaven forbid, how to enjoy it. I mean really enjoy ...