A professional writer understands that writing is not a solitary venture. Sure, professional writers are responsible for the research and writing of a piece. However, good writing can only become great when you allow a trusted source to provide constructive criticism of your work.
When I started the Communications: Professional Writing program at Centennial College, the thought of sharing my writing terrified me. I was scared to hear what people thought about my writing ability. What if they didn’t like the piece that I had spent hours working on? What if they didn’t like the thoughts I tried to convey, or the words I chose? What if they didn’t like me?
That anxiety subsided early in the program – on our first day, we were tasked with sharing a piece of writing that would be critiqued by the class. At the time, I couldn’t imagine anything worse; but now, I see the value in welcoming critiques of my work. This program has taught me that accepting criticism is one of the best things you can do for your craft.
Why listen to criticism?
It is natural to feel protective of your writing. This is something that you have spent hours researching, organizing, writing and editing. However, diversity keeps things interesting, and if you are the only one to read your work, there is a high chance that you will overlook some key details, or (gasp!) errors.
As I’ve learnt in this program, criticism allows you to see what’s missing from your work from an unbiased party. Allowing a classmate, a manager, or a co-worker to critique your writing also teaches you how to look at your work objectively.
Don’t Take it Personally
Through this program and past writing classes, I have learnt not to take critiques of my work personally. The purpose of good constructive criticism is only to make your writing better. It says nothing about you as a person.
While this can be a tough lesson to learn, it makes a world of difference. If you are able to learn how to separate your personal emotions from acknowledging criticism of your writing, you will excel at your craft.
How to Accept Criticism
At this point in the program, we share almost everything we write. I still feel some anxiety, but now, that fear is replaced by a gratefulness that my instructors and classmates are willing to read and respond to my work.
I have now learnt some practises to accepting the inevitable criticism that comes with sharing your work. First thing’s first: take a deep breath and remind yourself not to take things personally. This is meant to help your writing, not to insult you. Thank the person for taking the time to read your work.
Next, and this is an important step, remind yourself that just because someone thinks you should change something, does not mean that you need to. Take the time to reflect on the criticism, and modify whatever you agree needs to be improved. In the end, this is your work, and you need to be proud of what you put out into the world; you are the expert in whatever you’re writing.
So, I thank the Communications: Professional Writing program for taking me out of my shell when it comes to sharing my writing. And now, even though I still feel prickles of fear and anxiety whenever my writing needs to be shared, I’m much more confident doing so. I understand that although I’m sure to get feedback, and some of it negative, it’s only for the best. I will try to take what is said to me, reread my work objectively, and make the changes that I think are necessary. I invite you to do the same.