Writer's Corner #2: Criticism

Writer's Corner #2

Criticism

I: What is Criticism?

Such an easy question, right? I mean, criticism is when someone says something bad about your work. At least, that's the definition everyone seems to attach to this word. And, yes, you're right, but it gets more specific than that. 

Constructive Criticism: This should be your favorite one to receive. Not only does it tell you what could use fixing with your literary piece, but it is also worded in a way that you don't feel bad or want to spit a retort. An example of this would be, "I really liked the suspense in the story, but you are focusing on the eyes a bit too much. I would recommend also describing other body languages, like their hands or feet. Other than that, I really like it!"

Blunt Criticism: This is a bit hard to take, but is still useful. It tells you what is wrong with your story but doesn't provide any padding to soften the blow. This DOESN'T mean you should respond in a rude way as well. An example is, "What's wrong with the eyes? Is that the only way you think people emote?!"

Destructive Criticism: This is the WORST type of criticism. It doesn't tell you what is wrong, and it's phrased in such a way that you want to almost immediately submit a retort. They tend to look like this: "Your story sucks. Grow up and do something you can do well, like DIE!"

II: How to Respond

Constructive Criticism: Try to be as kind and accepting as possible- they were polite, so you should want to be polite as well. A response would be: "You're right- I'll take your advice next chapter! Thank you for reading and posting a review!"

Blunt Criticism: Even though they were rude, they still gave you advice. Don't you want to be the kinder and more sensible person in the situation? Try responding in the same way you did with the CC, but try to change it to fit what they exactly said. An example: "Haha, you're right! I know people emote in other ways- I don't know why I'm so fixated on the eyes. I'll take your advice! Thank you for reading!"

Destructive Criticism: It's best to ignore these types of comments, and flag and block that person. If you really feel like responding, however, as I sometimes find myself doing, you could say something somewhat automated and robotic, like: "Thank you for posting. However, you didn't specify exactly what was wrong with it. Can you let me know what exactly is wrong with the story?"

III: Posting Criticism

You've done it before. You've read anything, from a one-page long fan-fiction to a 500-page book that you didn't find very enjoyable. You wanted to let the person know that their story needed work, but stopped... how should you say it? What if your review is the thing that turns them away from writing forever, when all you wanted to do was help? How do you post constructive or blunt criticism without hurting the author's feelings?

Well, the nicest way to get it across is to write a constructive post to their wall, comment section, review section, chat, or email. Try to follow this formula when writing it: start by giving your general opinion (as long as it ranges from "okay" to "great") and give two criticisms and finish it with a compliment. That way, you get the message across the the author without having to hurt their feelings. 

However, sometimes the only way to get your message across is by being blunt. Saying good things about a story that is literally garbage on a plate isn't going to help one bit. Besides, I think we can all agree that being snarky is a lot more fun than being a doormat. However, you have to word this post VERY well, so that the author finds it easy to laugh along with you and not get TOO hurt by your comment. However, there is always a risk to this, so be careful; some social media sites might even ban you for this (but if they really do ban you for blunt criticism, you probably don't need them anyway).