Okay, so, maybe it's almost Friday, and maybe I'm busy as sin, but I'm going to try to get a short workshop done just so I'm not slacking off here.
We've talked a lot about how to give good critiques, but what about receiving them? It's hard to try and give an honest critique when the writer is argumentative and defensive. So when someone is critiquing your work, try to keep these few things in mind:
1. First and foremost, it's your work, so in the end, the decision comes down to you. Do you strongly disagree with a critique? Then really, don't use it. If you feel that they're just completely wrong about something, it's okay to try to explain, but make sure to phrase it like this: "it was my intention to do this, does it not come through?" so as not to accuse them of missing the point. If they still don't seem to get it, it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion from someone you trust on the matter.
2. ... but at the same time, in the heat of the moment, it's hard to discern a good critique from a not-so-helpful one. So when someone is giving you advice, write it down. Put it aside for a few hours (or days, depending on how you feel,) and then come back to it. Chances are, once you've been distanced from the situation, you'll be able to better see which suggestions fit your story the best.
3. I'm not going to say "don't take it personally," because really, unless it is personal, most people don't. The real discomfort of being critiqued comes with the fact that something you put time and effort (and hopefully passion) into is being dissected in front of you, which is never really pleasant. The important thing is not to let that kill your enthusiasm for the work. The critiquer isn't telling you to scrap the work and throw it away, and if they are, then stop listening to them. If they're taking the time to talk to you about it, chances are they want to see it improve. So go and improve it, and then show them again.
4. But whether you agree with the critique or not, be gracious! Keep a straight face, and thank the person for giving you this advice. Most of the time, this person is just trying to help. Don't discourage them from trying to help others the same way, and let them know how important their advice is to the process.
Next week's workshop will be less hurried, I promise.
