Comments on: Growing a Thicker Skin

By: Robert Kent

Robert Kent — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:57:43 +0000

I think I’ve reread this same post about 5 times now. I like everything about it. It’s the just the right amount of realistic while still being encouraging. As someone who has a few failed drafts behind him, your post makes me feel like I’m getting closer to my goal rather than just making mistakes. I am definitely sending my best queries your way and I will keep reading this blog even if they do not meet your needs at this time.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:04:13 +0000

I hate constructive criticism, it’s like someone telling you how to be a parent. But as much as I hate it, I know its useful and can be extremely helpful. It’s a writer’s best tool. I also know a lot of people that say they love constructive criticism, which I know is a complete lie because anytime anyone says something bad about a person’s work, that doesn’t sting?

By: Mary Danielson

Mary Danielson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:33:34 +0000

You are completely right – developing thick skin is one of the most important things for a writer, published or not. I’m definitely one of those who is naturally sensitive about my writing, but I can’t imagine sending anything out without having it critiqued to shreds first. If something seems harsh or hits a nerve, I take a step back and remember not to take it personally. Our emotions can get so wrapped up in creative endeavors like writing, that it can be really difficult to separate our writing from ourselves! But – hey – it’s just preparation for publication, right? Reviewers and Amazon readers will no doubt be way more brutal than helpful CPs ever could be!

By: Erica Olson

Erica Olson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:27:03 +0000

My worry with regular critique groups is that they could get as close to your work as you are. Well, not quite as close, but the danger is there that they lose perspective the more they read it, just like we all do during the writing/editing process.

By: C.T. Richmond

C.T. Richmond — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:30:10 +0000

Thank you for this post!

When it comes to writing, I was born with incredibly thin skin but I’ve been trying to thicken it up by joining two critique groups (one in-person and one online). Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to find a group of women who offer both helpful criticism and encouragement. Sure, sometimes their comment can sting, but it also makes sense and makes my work stronger.

Still…I wish I had naturally thick skin!

By: M. G. Dolandis

M. G. Dolandis — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:30:17 +0000

I’m a huge fan of critique groups. I am a member of an on line group that was formed by chance at an SCBWI convention. We are five women strong and we support and nurture each other with truth and constructive criticism, as well as praise and encouragement. We also share information about agents, editors, contests, and anything else having to do with writing for kids. Over the years we have become friends who cheer and comfort each other through the roller coaster of life. I am also lucky to be part of an on going live group that meets once a week, run by a brilliant YA writer/poet. Although I have not attended the live group for many months due to some ‘life gets in the way’ stuff, when I do attend, I find the feedback invaluable, not just to have my work critiqued but to have a support system. Writing is not the easiest profession in the world, as Mary can attest to, and it sure helps to have others with whom to commiserate!

By: Jessica Capelle

Jessica Capelle — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:13:26 +0000

I count myself very lucky to have both writer friends and reader friends that will bluntly critique my work and tell me that they don’t like my main character and find she has no redeeming qualities (ow, that one hurt) or that a scene is so boring they wanted to go to sleep. But every comment like that is worth it to me when the next time they read pages, they are speechless. More than anything else, I think a good critique partner and/or group is the best investment of time a writer can make, other than actually sitting down and writing a bunch of words. Thanks for the great post!

By: Angela

Angela — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:55:19 +0000

My feeling is that if I hear a criticism from an editor or an agent that I did NOT hear from my crit group first, they aren’t doing their job. It’s not enough either to simply say that they don’t like it, there must always be a “because” or it’s useless. Maybe I’m a bit harsh, but I guard my writing time jealously and if I have to pull myself out of my own world long enough to read, digest, analyze, and report on someone else’s writing, I’d better be getting something useful for me out of the deal. I feel fortunate to be a member of an established group of like-minded writers. We complement where appropriate and all criticism is always accompanied by reasons and sometimes helpful ideas.

By: Mary Miller

Mary Miller — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:43:19 +0000

I think there is something deeply rooted in human beings to sugar coast things. I am in agreement with your article. I don’t want my critiques sugar-coated. I am in a critique group and they are very helpful. I know when all of them are pointing out the same issues with a MS it means something in my story isn’t working. I love honesty. I don’t beat around the bush and I respect those who don’t do that with me.

By: Jordan Mierek

Jordan Mierek — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:29:16 +0000

I like to think that I have thick skin. When someone tells me that something is awful, I don’t get mad or sad. I look at it. i figure out where they are coming from and try to make it better.