An Enemy Named Critique
“If everyone keeps telling you that you are good, you will never be great. As new writers, we must learn how to take critique. Critique is vital to an author’s writing journey.”
Picture yourself inside a castle with strong walls. Your left and right sides are well protected, but enemies keep getting in. You ask your guards about the walls, and they assure you the left and right are strong. If they are so great, why do enemies still infiltrate? Then, your most trusted general privately informs you that the southern wall has a crack, leaving you exposed. A wise ruler would strengthen the walls, but some ignore the crack, thinking it's insignificant.
As a writer, you are the ruler. Your walls are your skills and techniques, and the enemies are weaknesses like grammar, clarity, and structure. Your generals—alpha readers, beta readers, critique partners, and editors—help reinforce your writing. If they only give praise and no real critique, you remain vulnerable.
Some writers ignore their cracks, only focusing on positive feedback. Others lash out at critique, punishing those who dare suggest improvements. But the best writers listen, research, and improve. We must all strive to be that kind of writer.
Everyone reading your manuscript brings a different perspective. You must discern which feedback applies and which does not, ensuring your story is conveyed as intended. Criticism is rough—no one enjoys hearing it—but it's necessary for growth.
For example, I once critiqued a manuscript where the setting was unclear. The protagonist wore scrubs, walked through a guarded booth into a tall building, and worked in a lab separating medications. A co-worker referred to people as "lunatics." I assumed it was a hospital, asylum, or nursing home, but it was a prison. When I pointed this out, my critique partner became angry and cut ties instead of considering my feedback. Had they listened, their story could have been clearer.
Another critique partner frequently switched between third-person close and third-person omniscient. When I pointed it out, they dismissed it, insisting that was how stories worked. I provided resources on proper POV usage, but they refused to adjust. When their book was published, readers noted the disorienting head-hopping in reviews.
No matter the genre, writers must learn to accept critique. If you only accept praise, you will never be great. Remove the ego, let down your defenses, listen to your generals, analyze feedback, and apply what strengthens your writing. Surround yourself with people who tell you the truth and be grateful for constructive critique. This is how you become a great writer.
Tips for Receiving Critique:
Listen First – Resist the urge to defend immediately.
Clarify Feedback – Ask questions to fully understand comments.
Look for Patterns – If multiple readers mention the same issue, it likely needs addressing.
Separate Ego from Work – Critique is about improving the story, not attacking you personally.
Apply What Works – Not all feedback will apply; use what strengthens your story.
Practice Gratitude – Appreciate those who take the time to critique your work.
Keep Learning – Writing is a lifelong craft; always seek to improve.
Typewriter with Review on withe paper. Image for Tips for Receiving Critique
