Beginner writers and writers-Don't you hate it when people try and put you down about your writing?

Question

Okay so my grammar is not always correct and still I'm trying too improve my craft. I'm trying to get my imagination out on paper but please what is it with people that don't even like books or write creatively, that try and make you look stupid and that you are wasting your time being a writer. I value your criticism, but don't be a jerk about it. Give us a little encouragement. I know some think we are lazy but give us a break will ya.

Answer 1

No one is jealous of bad spelling and grammar, or cliche plots.



I do not often critique the work of new writers, especially here, because they frequently take it personally (age has a lot to do with that here - teens tend to take everything personally). My critique style often seems harsh, even when I mean for it to be encouraging (knowing that about myself, I try to be careful when I do offer a critique).



It takes a little bit of getting used to criticism when we bare our souls and ideas (and dreams) into something and someone else spots a problem or twenty. New writers of any age just haven't gotten enough scars yet, so it hurts a lot more. Experience will guide you in knowing which critiques have value regardless of the tone they are given in. A fair amount of scars and experience will make an agent's or editor's critique a lot less painful (trust me).



I am very rarely outright mean to anyone. They have to come across as being deliberately obnoxious and in need of a good dose of reality, or just a troll looking for attention, before I leave a smart*** response.



Unfortunately, for some people on here, their form of entertainment is to cause pain. That isn't from jealousy, it's about their already poor self esteem. Like any other type of bully, they have to belittle others in order to make themselves feel artificial self worth by having the power to hurt others (and there is nothing quite as satisfying in writing as proving the bully wrong when you do get published - you can trust me on that, too).



Writing, in general, seems like an easy thing - everybody has ideas and can tell a story - so many people who do not know how much craft is really involved will devalue it and the author.



When the new writer is starry-eyed about wealth and fame, yeah, a lot of other writers are going to snap at them. Writing is work, fame and fortune are fleeting, goals need to be achievalbe, and it does not help the perception of the art to let people gush on about unrealistic dreams.

Answer 2

I know everyone and their mom has already commented, but --



Honestly, I do think it's lazy to not learn the rules of grammar. If you've completed middle school/junior high, or the equivalent, you should be well-equipped to use correct grammar. Yahoo also has a spell check, so I don't understand how people so often misspell words.



I always try to give constructive criticism, and often find that the writers will get their feathers ruffled or are even outright angry with me for giving them advice. Every writer always has room to improve, and if there's anything I can do to help, I will do my best. I always give my criticism in a formal, helpful manner because I don't want to make people mad, but I think it's important for writers to be humble when actively seeking criticism.



I encourage you to keep writing because the only way to improve is to keep practicing and to take the advice that others give you. There are many people here on Answers who are qualified to give constructive criticism, but there are many who are not, and it's important to be able to discern between the two.



I'd also like to note that those of us who give true critiques are not "jealous" of others' success. That's a party line used by amateurs and people who don't realize the world is bigger than that. We don't have the time nor the inclination to be jealous when we are working on our own writing.

Answer 3

If you come on here and post things that are a grammatical mess, that haven't been proofread or even spell checked and are in general a disorganized mess then how can you in all honesty expect glowing reviews?



I have never told anyone to stop writing, I have told them that spell check is their friend, but I have never told anyone that they flat out suck.



I think it is the height of immaturity to assume that someone who doesn't like your work is jealous. The only author I can honestly say I am jealous of is Dean Koontz and that is just because I find him to be a brilliant writer.



I think SOME of you young writers ARE LAZY, but what good will it do you if everyone blows smoke up your hind end telling you how wonderful you are and they can't wait until your book hits the shelves? How will you ever improve if you won't listen to the constructive criticism that is offered to you.



I think with time and experience you view on this subject will change.

Answer 4

I really want to write, but I never find time.



I know it sounds kind of silly, but also there is another minor point - i'm 19, at uni and i live in a house full of lads! I got publicly criticized for reading a book rather than getting smashed - although I made up for this the next night out by getting all rather rowd on Gin.



The negative association with writing, what is it with these fools ay? I would one day like to finish a piece of work, and when I do it will probably be crap, but the thing is I tried. And I did it!

Answer 5

Depends on the writer. I have been trying to be more humble and less harsh to beginner writers. I will give encouragement and constructive advice to those struggling and just need a boost. I will not give that same advice to people who write like this:



"i wanna b a riter wen i grow up. do i have n-e talent?"



Writers who take themselves and their writing seriously earn respect. Writers who dismiss proper spelling, grammar, and sentence structure yet expect glowing praise and review do not.



I will not sugarcoat or tell you your writing is great when it is need of improvement. You cannot and will not grow as a writer if you refuse to consider criticism. In the professional world editors are known for their uncanny ability to give no holds barred responses to your work. If you are too lazy or too thin-skinned to handle harsh critique then you are not in any position to write for the public.

Answer 6

People often use ridicule to drag other people down to their level.



Please write more, and never give up.



Without grammar and spell check many of us would be constantly being notified of errors. For example, years after I had a story published several times by various magazines a friend pointed out a typo in the story. Mistakes build humility.



If you're interested in publication, and writing in general, I recommend checking out poets and writers magazine at www.pw.org.

The magazine can be read for free at the website and it's an excellent source of information for new and established writers. Also, the classified section always has editors looking for new voices.

Answer 7

Basically don't listen to anyone who puts you down and I would advise perhaps not discussing it with anyone who is of that mindset.



Also, each day set yourself a target - say, a minimum of 1000 words and stick to it. It doesn't matter if it isn't any good either at first because all you are doing is training yourself.



You should also keep absolutely everything that you write. Don't be tempted to delete, erase or trash it in any way.



I would also suggest that once you have written something leave it be for a while, don't go back and "tinker" with it. All you will do is edit it out of existence.



Writing is like anything else, it takes practise and time to do it well. Give yourself a break and enjoy practising for a while - you will know when it's good enough to share with others. Trust me.



Good luck. The best revenge is success, my friend.

Answer 8

If you are asking for someone to give you constructive criticism on your writing, then don't complain when they tell you what you don't want to hear. Take from it what is relevant and don't be so sensitive.



If you want to be a good writer, then you need to practice, practice, practice and rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.



Read a lot of different types of genres and sources of writing so you can get ideas. Write in a journal every day.



You are right that people can be unkind. However, telling you that you need to improve your grammar and structure is really constructive criticism, not a put down. It is true.

Answer 9

Yes, I am a writer and I do tend to get a lot of harsh criticism. But I believe that comes with being a writer so I try to brush it off, but at the same time I listen to their criticisms because sometimes advice can be used to your advantage. Don't let it discourage you just take it for what it is, and put it to work for you. Good luck and I'm looking forward to reading your first novel.

Answer 10

Okay, I REALLY don't mean to sound like a jerk, but that period after 'ya' should be a question mark.



Moving on!



Anyway, yeah, it's annoying when people say that writing books is a waste of time. Meh, maybe writing IS a waste of time, but it's definitely a FUN waste of time! :) However, if you specifically ask someone to critique your work, you can't get upset if they tell you it isn't perfect. It annoys me to no end when I take the time to tell someone about a mistake they made, and they get all upset about it. :(



Edit: KK is right. If you're going to be an author, you have to have some thick skin.

Answer 11

There's a difference between criticism and rudeness. One is helpful to writers. The other is just plain annoying. There's a difference between "so and so needs a little work" and "that was horrible!" I always try to be polite with beginning writers, no matter how bad their work might be.



♥M♥

Answer 12

Sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree. Constructive criticism is good for you. Otherwise, you'll never get past being a novice. If I was a novice writer, I would rather someone reveal all of the flaws of my writing than for them just to praise my work and say it's great. Criticism is far more productive than praise. If you can't handle people here, you will not be ready for the real editors. you can't expect people to encourage you all the time. They're taking the time to read your work. That should be enough encouragement for you. Writers need to be self-motivated because if you ever want to publish, no one is just going to praise your work. When someone here asks me to read their work and tell me what I think, rarely do I ever just say, "good job!" There is always room for improvement and it is better for the writers not to be sensitive about constructive criticism.



With that being said, while there are professional writers who know what they're talking about here, there are immature people who will just insult others' works and these are the people who need to be ignored as do the ones praising your work and saying it's perfect.



Edit: It's immature for people to be saying that the people who try to help by giving constructive criticism are jealous. Did it ever occur to you people that maybe you're the ones jealous of others' ability to proofread?

Answer 13

If it's constructive criticism that's fine because you can look at your work and make a change. If they are being rude just ignore them. They are never going to try and understand your craft even if you took your time out to explain to them. They would just never understand where you are coming form.

Answer 14

I am also a writer, but I actually thank the people who criticize my writing harshily. I believe it shows that they haven't given up on us, despite what they say. Besides, if people say we are wasting our time being a writer, than they probably don't realize how powerful words are...

Answer 15

Yeah, maybe it is annoying. Yes, maybe you want to rip their throats out.

Welcome to the world of writing.

This may sound unsympathetic and cruel, but some of the harshest critics of my writing have been the people who have helped me most. Alot of times, they made me cry, because they "just didn't understand me and the hardship of a new writer" blah. I know it's tough to just bite the bullet and take the criticism, but it's actually good. Yep, it's good.



Sure, we all need encouragement. That's what friends are for. It's the critics who are nasty.

Welcome critiques. Some are brutally honest, some are bad, some are good. But they all help us improve, one way or the other.



Cheers, and good luck at your writing.



LuthienT

Answer 16

If you ask someone how your writing is or to critique you then I am going to actually critique you. Having me lie to you wont help you become a better writer.



Being harsh is better than being soft. If I tell you your work is amazing then I am just setting you up to have yourself crushed by someone else. I would rather help you by telling you what problems you have and how you can fix them. I think it is more helpful in the long run.



I will never say someones writing is stupid or that they should stop writing but I am not going to feed them false compliments either.

Answer 17

some of the best criticism is not complimentary. you don't need people to suck up to your writing to boost your ego. you should appreciate the fact that they took the time to look at your work and are trying to guide you in the right direction. if someone says it's great, what good does that do you? the same thing for people who say it's awful, it's not constructive or necessary and isn't worth a grain of salt.

Answer 18

ok



im giving you constructive critisism not just plain your rubbish :P



the first draft is always going to be messy.

ive done a whole 300 page book (although when printed it will look exactly like a book) and i can say that its my first draft.

and i can say there are spelling mistakes like i would put to instead of too.



the reason you write is so that you can show the world your spiffy ideas :)

and if you think about it, your spiffy idea wont be finished in one draft!!

Answer 19

No. I really enjoy constructive criticism. It helps me improve my writing. Of course, there's a difference between someone saying, "Oh, that scene in chapter five didn't make any sense, maybe you should change it." and saying, "Wow, that's made me throw up a little in my mouth. Do us all a favor and never pick up a pen again."

Answer 20

If you cannot accept criticism, you cannot improve.



If you don't improve, nobody is going to publish anything you write.



If you can't even construct a proper paragraph, why do you think you can be a writer?



If you refuse to work on your grammar, you ARE wasting your time.

Answer 21

You need to recognize the difference between constructive criticism, and rudeness. Sometimes these people are just trying to help, even if it sounds harsh.



Still, I know there are plenty of people who are needlessly rude to new writers, and I'm sorry about them. I guess they just get exasperated after seeing lots of new writers and lots of mistakes, and get into the mindset that these people have no feelings.



Don't mind them too much. If they offer suggestions/advice, take note of them and ignore the unkind words. Even the tactless critics can have something useful to say.

Answer 22

well, when you put stuff up on here, you have to expect the worst. people are just natural jerks, they can't help it. everyone here is just born vicious and cruel. when you ask for someone to read your story and tell them to tell you how well they like it, they aren't gonna be looking at how great your imagination is (if you are under the age of twenty, then you are bound to have a great one), they are looking at how well your punctuation is.

but to give you a hint, ALWAYS proof read your work before you put it on the web, it's the best way of making sure your feelings aren't too hurt. I hope this helps, and i hope you become a great author one day!

Answer 23

You have no future as a writer if you can't handle criticism.

Answer 24

Maybe, but it's part of the business, I guess you have never written for a major publishing house...their editors and copy editors are ruthless.

Answer 25

Yeah...I guess.

I don't mind constructive critism, actually I quite like it.

But just "Its rubbish!" is pointless and hurtful.

Answer 26

I totally understand you. People are always criticizing weather the grammar is bad or the plot is bad. I just don't ask them for their opinion. You can go to writers-network.com where there are people who will give you constructive criticism. It has many real famous authors on there that log in once in a while and help you out like Alice Sebold, Piri Thomas, and Stephanie Meyers. Just keep on writing and don't worry about grammar cause you will improve as the time past. kepp on writing don't stop.

Answer 27

....It's called creative criticism, if you can not handle it, you should not write.

Answer 28

You are so right. My theory is that they are the lazy ones and jealous because they have nothing better to do than lay around and put other people down. Next time it happens, tell them you value their criticsm, but would appreciate it if they could stop being a jerk about it.



Hope I helped!

Answer 29

If they are mean take it positively. Been there never done that though. Think about it before you start smoking about it. Maybe their just jealous of your writing ability's. Don't take everything negatively.

Answer 30

Ever heard of paragraphs?

Answer 31

They are rude to you because they fell threatened. If you have a talent that eclipses theirs, they are bound to go on the offensive. Keep plugging away.

Answer 32

you will never get far with your writing,and as for your imagination i bet a gorilla has a better imagination than what you can put to paper silly little kid

Answer 33

YES! People who say that and stuff like "You're writing? AGAIN???" annoy me to death. Give us a break already!

Answer 34

Lazy? I don't think so. These people are ignorant, and possibly jealous that you have talent? Don't worry about them. Don't let them bother you. They have nothing better to do.