AUTHORS: A good writer can ....
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cloudy
Alabama Slammer
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Honestly? I don't think that one has anything to do with the other.
Some people take constructive criticism well, and in the spirit in which it's offered. Others don't, but I don't see a link between how well you take criticism, and your writing skills.
It probably has much more to do with self-confidence than ability.
Some people take constructive criticism well, and in the spirit in which it's offered. Others don't, but I don't see a link between how well you take criticism, and your writing skills.
It probably has much more to do with self-confidence than ability.
Lauren Hynde
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Well, whenever there is a thread where someone expresses their opinion on how something should be done, or how historically has been done, it's a blast to see all those who do it differently scurry over to defend their way, as if someone had insulted their mothers. Even more entertaining is the self-effacing "I'm just a hack" crowd...CharleyH said:
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cloudy said:Honestly? I don't think that one has anything to do with the other.
Some people take constructive criticism well, and in the spirit in which it's offered. Others don't, but I don't see a link between how well you take criticism, and your writing skills.
It probably has much more to do with self-confidence than ability.
Agreed.
You can apply that to any profession, Charley.
gauchecritic
When there are grey skies
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CharleyH said:
No. A competent writer takes criticism, a bad writer (who knows that they're bad) gets defensive but a good writer simply accepts that there will be criticism.
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I like to get crit - contructive, of course. I think it's a real compliment if someone takes the time to really work something of yours over, because to me that means they cared enough about it to do so.
Lauren Hynde
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What about bad writers who think they're good?gauchecritic said:
CharleyH
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Experience. love. An inexperienced author is more likely to complain about criticism.cloudy said:Honestly? I don't think that one has anything to do with the other.
Some people take constructive criticism well, and in the spirit in which it's offered. Others don't, but I don't see a link between how well you take criticism, and your writing skills.
It probably has much more to do with self-confidence than ability.
Lauren Hynde
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Those will know there will be criticism, but might respond to the really nasty ones just for the hell of it.The_Fool said:What about good writers that think they are bad(ass)?
Belegon
Still Kicking Around
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The_Fool said:
Agreed. Nor is it limited to things like paid or unpaid.
The ability to handle criticism and use it effectively has little connection with skill, and what connection it does have is the result of people who respond to it constructively and thereby improve their writing.
there are plenty of people who are at the top of their fields in talent and/or skill who go on the defensive when criticized.
Frank Noir
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Well, yeah.The_Fool said:
Of course, there are amazing natural talents who write well without having experience.
And hopeless fools whose writing doesn't improve, no matter how much experience they get.
But I believe that both of these are rare exceptions. Writers - like other creative artists - need time to learn the craft. And they usually improve over time.
gauchecritic
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Lauren Hynde said:
You talking ta me?
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I think good/bad writers capability to take criticism should be stated more as experienced/unexperienced. An experienced writer knows criticism is aimed at the writing and that it isn't personal. An unexperienced writer typically doesn't separate their writing from themselves, essentially saying "I am my writing".
But ya, bad writers who are experienced would rather strokes to their ego than constructive criticism. They will never grow and are very selfish in their writing as they don't want to improve and share their views, only wanting instant gratification.
But ya, bad writers who are experienced would rather strokes to their ego than constructive criticism. They will never grow and are very selfish in their writing as they don't want to improve and share their views, only wanting instant gratification.
gauchecritic
When there are grey skies
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Elaboration...
competence is the minimum of skill and work (50 stories a day) and so all criticism is grist to the mill, inluding "it got me hot" and "you should learn how to use commas" A competent writer will finish a piece of work*, read it over, tweak where necessary (delete unnecessary commas) and decides that it will do.
A bad writer (in my experience) concentrates almost exclusively on the story and as long as the criticism is of negligible worth (technical or literary) will be offended that the reader doesn't 'get it'.
A good writer is a good writer and has already spent several hours writing (if not editing/polishing/re-writing for weeks or months - *although there are many competent writers that do this) and will take what lessons they may from any and all critics. Defending where necessary, accepting as is their wont.
competence is the minimum of skill and work (50 stories a day
) and so all criticism is grist to the mill, inluding "it got me hot" and "you should learn how to use commas" A competent writer will finish a piece of work*, read it over, tweak where necessary (delete unnecessary commas) and decides that it will do.A bad writer (in my experience) concentrates almost exclusively on the story and as long as the criticism is of negligible worth (technical or literary) will be offended that the reader doesn't 'get it'.
A good writer is a good writer and has already spent several hours writing (if not editing/polishing/re-writing for weeks or months - *although there are many competent writers that do this) and will take what lessons they may from any and all critics. Defending where necessary, accepting as is their wont.
CharleyH
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bonfils said:
Improve perhaps, but ... I dunno - I am wishy washy on that whole learning talent thing. I realize there are times when we can't hold our anger back, but mostly? Is criticism so personal to take offence to and get worked up over?
Edited for redundancy.
Also lost something in the said edit: it may be too late now so I will let it fly - lol
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