Everyone's a Critic

I've heard that critics are a necessary evil.  I've also heard that those with the least amount of talent criticize the loudest.  I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle.

I have recently written a manuscript in which I've invited others to critique.  The response has been overwhelmingly positive and/or useful to me as a writer.  My ego wants to focus on the positive, however, no one ever became a better writer by being told they are good.  Besides, they were probably lied to anyway if they had been told such a thing.  No writer is perfect.  (Nope, not even the one you're thinking of.  Critics would agree with me.)  The few negative responses I've received have stung and made a deeper impression upon me than the positive.  It's amazing how sweet words conjure in my mind images of publishers' tripping over their feet to sign me and Hollywood producers' fighting for the rights to my story.  Conversely, negative critiques make me want to run into the warm, soothing arms of a guy named Jack Daniels.

I believe the criticisms that sting the most challenge us as writers to get better and smarter at our craft. Someday I hope to be the perfect writer just like...well, you know the one I mean.

Wanna be a critic?  Just sign up to authonomy.com and read  A Wicked Affair.

Be honest.  Go ahead.  I can take it.

Twitter: R_Eason