"Don't put all your caviar on one cracker." Best line ever! I want this cross-stitched on a pillow for my writing room.
This funny, real piece answers my questions on so many levels. Thank you, Maryan, for offering these accessible movements towards accepting criticism and praise. I'm saving this one for the Writing folder!
Beautiful! This is so much applicable to other creative endeavors. It just happened to me this week with my fifth documentary film. I thought we had it completed and then feedback came from a distributor that made the film better. Thank you!
I understand your perspective and I agree. Criticism about your writing is not criticism about you, as I said. We have to compartmentalize. On the other hand, there are three major things that I think define a large portion of my identity. One is being a writer--and a capable one.
I don’t think it’s helpful to confuse your identity with what or how you write. If you’re trying to communicate something the issue is whether and how well or badly you do that. Both the writer and the reader often confuse the writing with the person. I really appreciate it when someone can add a perspective or amplify what I’m trying to say. It’s nice to hear I’m a good writer but it’s beside the point.
I hear you--comments are a decent barometer. I read your stuff, Larry, and I think you could totally get something published if you study the markets and choose the right ones. Try me, for example. I publish guest writers who have something compelling and enagging to say on the topic of writing for a living. If you come up with a story you think would work for our little group here, send it along to me. I will pay a stipend if your story draws even one paid sub. send to mkpelland at g mail.
We all feel a twinge when someone takes issue with our darlings. Sounds like your reading buddies is a very effective way to deal with the ciritcisms we need to grow. Thanks for being here.
Hi Maryan, thank you for a thoughtful and encouraging read. I have reading buddies and we give each other feedback. This practice improved my writing because they spot inconsistent or confusing passages I missed. Agree with you about finding the right fit though because the wrong type of feedback is unhelpful whether it's praise without analysis or comments focused on something other than the writing.
A lot of thinking produced a lot of thought. At 87, I may never get anything published, but that doesn't say I don't enjoy writing. Not getting many comments on my substack posts may be more stressful than a "constructive comment."
1. Criticism and fear of rejection came up in a discussion I had the other day with another writer. Hours later when out shopping I saw a book on the shelf of a department store, The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It's now on my bedside table.
2. "Don't put all your caviar on the one cracker" 😄 Love that. Hadn't heard it before.
Mimi you made me laugh out loud--so glad this resonated with you! Can't wait to get to know your writing better.
"Don't put all your caviar on one cracker." Best line ever! I want this cross-stitched on a pillow for my writing room.
This funny, real piece answers my questions on so many levels. Thank you, Maryan, for offering these accessible movements towards accepting criticism and praise. I'm saving this one for the Writing folder!
You're right, of course, in all creative endeavors we need to frame critical input effectively. And you're welcome
Beautiful! This is so much applicable to other creative endeavors. It just happened to me this week with my fifth documentary film. I thought we had it completed and then feedback came from a distributor that made the film better. Thank you!
I understand your perspective and I agree. Criticism about your writing is not criticism about you, as I said. We have to compartmentalize. On the other hand, there are three major things that I think define a large portion of my identity. One is being a writer--and a capable one.
I don’t think it’s helpful to confuse your identity with what or how you write. If you’re trying to communicate something the issue is whether and how well or badly you do that. Both the writer and the reader often confuse the writing with the person. I really appreciate it when someone can add a perspective or amplify what I’m trying to say. It’s nice to hear I’m a good writer but it’s beside the point.
I hear you--comments are a decent barometer. I read your stuff, Larry, and I think you could totally get something published if you study the markets and choose the right ones. Try me, for example. I publish guest writers who have something compelling and enagging to say on the topic of writing for a living. If you come up with a story you think would work for our little group here, send it along to me. I will pay a stipend if your story draws even one paid sub. send to mkpelland at g mail.
We all feel a twinge when someone takes issue with our darlings. Sounds like your reading buddies is a very effective way to deal with the ciritcisms we need to grow. Thanks for being here.
Hi Maryan, thank you for a thoughtful and encouraging read. I have reading buddies and we give each other feedback. This practice improved my writing because they spot inconsistent or confusing passages I missed. Agree with you about finding the right fit though because the wrong type of feedback is unhelpful whether it's praise without analysis or comments focused on something other than the writing.
A lot of thinking produced a lot of thought. At 87, I may never get anything published, but that doesn't say I don't enjoy writing. Not getting many comments on my substack posts may be more stressful than a "constructive comment."
Cute? uhoh--that wasn't my goal...or did you just mean the last line?
Re caviar--I made that up. *bowing*
This is so good - for two reasons...
1. Criticism and fear of rejection came up in a discussion I had the other day with another writer. Hours later when out shopping I saw a book on the shelf of a department store, The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It's now on my bedside table.
2. "Don't put all your caviar on the one cracker" 😄 Love that. Hadn't heard it before.