Advice on Criticism · 5:48pm Oct 28th, 2018
In light of something recently, I thought I would share a little story about myself, and some advice relevant to it.
A few years ago, I was a part of a writers' club. A part of the idea was that one of us would send something we wrote to the others, and at the next weekly meeting, the other members would share their opinion about what they read and offer criticisms. During this phase, the group had a "dead author" rule, which meant that whoever wrote the matter could not say anything about what they wrote, only listen. It was only after everyone had expressed their opinion that the writer was allowed to say something.
There were two reasons for the dead author rule. The first is that in real life, with actual published work and such, the author is not there to explain or defend anything. A piece has to stand or fail on its own, because the person who wrote it is not going to be able to go to every person and tell them what they had meant or intended. The second is that it means that the writer has time to listen to what's being said and actually think about it. They can't immediately jump to defend it, or let their first impulse on hearing something occur. This gives them a little time to calm down if they feel defensive and actually consider what was said.
After, when the author was "alive" again, they could calmly try to explain what they had intended or were trying to do. At which point, the others could give opinions directly on what was said to try and possibly help the writer accomplish that intent.
Another thing I picked up was a piece of advice from the teacher of my writing classes, who was also the faculty head of the club.
That was: You don't have to use every piece of criticism and advice you hear about something you wrote, but you should at least listen and consider what you're told.
These are things I actually still try to use on here. True, I don't really use any editor or pre-readers, but this is a site where a writer can read what people said about their story, maybe share what they had wanted to do, and get feedback, be it good or bad. So, someone can potentially learn what it is and isn't that readers do and don't like about what was written, and try and do better next time. I'll also admit to getting a little defensive of my stories at time, but that's where the "dead author" method comes in handy. A person feeling defensive about something they worked hard on is natural. Being on-line, however, a person can't instantly jump to their story's defense, having to at least write it out. As such, it's a good chance for someone to stop themselves from doing so, take a moment to let that reaction pass, then consider what was being said.
Does that mean the author has to use the advice? No, because not all of it is going to work in a way intended, or fit with the main idea of the story. Although it should be pointed out that if a large number of people all point out the same issue, it more than likely is something that should be worked on. However, at least considering the advice might make the writer a little more mindful of what was said, possibly helping in a way that is not immediately noticeable or directly intended.
So, I'm sharing this same advice with others. When someone makes a criticism of a story you've written, don't immediately jump them for what they said or get defensive. Take a moment, calm down, read the criticism as objectively as you possibly can, and at least consider what is being said. It may actually be something of use, which can help improve the story, or to help do better in the next chapter or such.
Improvement is something to always strive for, and no one can get better alone.
Sound and clear advice.
This is great advice, and that sounds like a wonderful rule for the writing club to have.