You make a good point, Lisa. I think it comes down to being able to determine what is helpful critique and what isn’t–as well as finding similar/understanding critique partners.

LOL @ the “way west” analogy. I just got a critique regarding how the editor would prefer to change the beginning, end, and the main character. Our job, then, is to determine where the disconnect is–and then decide whether or not our intentions are being met, and whether or not we’ll change the work after all.

This is where beginning workshoppers can go wrong–they’ll take the criticism to mean “this sucks and I should rewrite it for my audience”, instead of having the experience to realize which critique is helpful and which isn’t. Balance between inner artistic instinct and outer influence is key.

At the same time, I have been in critique groups before where some or all of the members did not get my work and didn’t try. Instead of looking at what I might be trying to do with the piece I turned in and helping me accomplish my goals with my writing, they tried to persuade me to write differently or write about something else. Good criticism is when they see you are trying to go to California and they tell you which way is west..not trying to change your route to Canada because it’s lovely this time of year and that’s where they are going.

Most people who have unusual writing or who get experimental with subject or structure or voice (or all three!!) will be met with confusion and disdain in workshops. The new or exotic often repulse and repel. If you are really breaking ground with your language and substance, a lot of workshop groups will just shut you down. You have to be really discerning with who you allow to critique your work.

Of course this carries the caveat that you have to be sharp enough to tell the difference between between the two, between genuinely bad work and work that is just misunderstood. But that is the first ingredient in the making of a great artist of any kind.

Danielle, I love the distinction you make about criticism. Criticism doesn’t help you; critique does. I’ll be sure to mention that in Part 2! So glad you liked the article 🙂

Also, so important to highlight that difference between “critique” and “criticism.” A critique is a detailed analysis and a criticism is an expression of judgement based on perceived mistakes. The goal should always be to critique, to help the writer understand how their work interacts and engages the audience to, like you said, make the writing better!

And oh! I love what you said about taking time away, I think that is most overlooked aspect of revision.