Why Writers Should Run Toward Criticism, Not Away From It

After writing more than 80 books, here are the three filters I use to decide which criticism matters—and which to ignore.

After writing more than 80 books, you might think I’d be immune to criticism.

I’m not.

In fact, learning how to handle criticism is a lesson I’ve had to learn over and over again.

As a journalism major, everything I wrote was subject to critique—by professors, editors, and classmates. That’s the whole point of education. Writing improves through feedback, even when that feedback stings.

An education, in the truest sense, leads us out of ignorance. And that rarely happens without someone pointing out what we’ve missed.

Is criticism painful?

woman with short curly blonde hair reacting to criticism of her writing

Sometimes.

But over the years, I’ve learned to view criticism through a few important filters.

Filter #1: Consider the Source

All of us have biases. Sometimes they’re subtle; sometimes they’re obvious. Either way, those biases shape the criticism we offer.

A friend I love dearly once completely trashed an early draft of one of my books. Her reaction was intense and frankly a little shocking.

A few weeks later, she emailed me to apologize. The book’s topic—postpartum depression—had triggered something deeply personal for her.

Suddenly her reaction made sense.

Lesson: An overwrought criticism often tells us more about the reviewer than the review.

Filter #2: Does the Critic Have the Chops?

An author friend of mine once stripped the entire backstory out of a charming novel she was writing.

Why?

Someone in her critique group told her the secondary plot was unnecessary.

So she cut it.

The result was a one-dimensional book that was half as rich as the original manuscript.

Years later, I still think about that early version of her story. It was delightful. I hope it eventually found its way into print.

As for the critic? She had never published a book.

Not one.

Lesson: Consider whether the critic has the experience—or the insight—to offer a useful evaluation.

Filter #3: Remember That Art Is Subjective

Writing is an art form, and art speaks to us on an emotional level.

That means opinions about it will always be subjective.

When a venue purchases a Steinway concert grand, the buyer attends what’s called a selection event. Several pianos are prepared in advance. A concert artist plays each one, and the team chooses the instrument they like best.

image of a person playing a Steinway grand piano

But choosing one piano doesn’t mean the others are bad.

They simply weren’t the right fit for that musician on that day.

The same is true of writing.

A critique may simply reflect someone’s personal taste.

Or as they say in the piano business: “There’s a butt for every bench.”

Lesson: Sometimes the criticism isn’t about your writing at all—your work might simply be wrong for that audience.

The Real Value of Criticism

Criticism will probably never feel comfortable.

But if you’re serious about writing, it’s unavoidable—and invaluable.

Handled well, criticism can sharpen your thinking, strengthen your work, and make you a better writer than praise ever could.

The goal isn’t to avoid criticism. The goal is to learn how to interpret it wisely.

What’s the most helpful criticism you’ve ever received about your writing?

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I’m heading to Cozy Town Sleuth this Sunday! 🎭

Join me for a Cozy Mystery Mardi Gras Parade with games, giveaways, Pickles the Pomeranian, and lots of cozy mystery fun.

If you love found family, fur babies, friends, and crafts, come say hello! (The kick-off is 7 a.m. ET)

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/CozyTownSleuth

Mystery Mondays

Our guest will be Lana McAra at 7 p.m. ET at Joanna’s Readers. She’ll be giving away a digital copy of Tara’s Dilemma. (https://amzn.to/4lqqHfL) Please join us!

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