Five Tips for Taming the Snarling Writing Beast

Surviving the negative feedback as a writer is all part of the game. I guess comparing it to a game makes it feel less of a conflict than the actual bitter harsh truth.

"I'm sorry, but I didn't like your story." Or "It's too controversial." are just two of the negative comments I've heard about my novels, while completely zoning out the twenty or so who've liked it. Dwelling on the two who didn't like it makes me wonder, "What am I doing wrong?" In order to carry on I've had to change a few few things about myself.

The awful truth is not everyone will like what I've written. There will be times when you feel alone and isolated by the hurtful, nasty, and all consuming ouchie comments.  But surviving it and (pardon the term) licking the wounds will be part of the process.

Five Tips for Taming the Snarling Writing Beast:

1.) You can't win them all. Even your most trusted friends or family may be the toughest critics. Realizing they want you to succeed and are trying to help, can make you see things clearly and help from biting off their heads. Focus on the positive and stop thinking about the two that didn't like it.

2.)  Not everyone can Edit. Editing is a unique skill. Some people think they know what there doing, but really aren't helping you at all. Finding the right type of editor can make or break a manuscript. I suggest finding a professional or asking a English teacher to look it over.

3.) It's okay to be hurt, it's not okay to give up. There will be days where the question, "why am I even doing this?" comes up. For me I couldn't help myself, if I tried. I'm a writer it's what I do. Even on those bad days, I still get up and write something - if it's only a paragraph or two.

4.) Give me pep talk #3. My husband is my biggest supporter. When I'm going through a hard time, or feeling low I call him up and say, "I need a pep talk." He's gotten so good at them that I can actually specify the type I need. (I probably should label them.) Having a good supportive friend who's cheering me on lightens the grueling setbacks.

5.) Be a dreamer. If you don't dream it then how will you know what you want? I dream about being published. I've made up my own business cards, I've practiced how I'd sign my name. I buy clothing I can imagine wearing at a book signing or reading. I figure if  I'm ready and project myself to be that way, then all at once the stars will aline, looking like I just walked right in without any effort. (Cause all the works been done.)

I'd like to hear some of the ways you tame the writing beast, or any internal beast for that matter. Leave a comment below on some tips or ideas that have worked for you.