Words-the blade of the knife

To open the eyes of the blind

For years many writers have sent work out for others to read and receive in reply comments that have shattered their dreams.

             My reasons for writing this article our personal and shall not be explained at this time. But I shall share this information; when people put you down enough you tend to believe it.

            For my part I have always tried to review fairly, encouraging other writers that their passions are worth pursuing. And if I have ever caused offence to anyone in a review I apologies most deeply. I always try to advise on improvements and provide reassurance, but I never lie. If I find the piece enjoyable I will say and if I think it could be better I will say. When it comes to reviewing writing I cannot lie for I know how I would feel if someone did it to me.

            At the same time I cannot and will never condone harshness in reviews. Telling someone that his or her passion is falsely justified is just wrong. And anyone who does this is in my mind no better then a criminal.

            The reason I joined this site was because I wanted to be close and befriend people with the same passion as I, with others who put their mind, body and soul into their art. Ones who lived and breathed it with all their heart. And I have found so many good friends here, and we read each other regularly and converse about all sorts of things, not just our writing. But when I hear of or even receive reviewed that are putting someone down I often wonder: why? Why must people do this, belittle others? Is the purpose of this site changing, I though it was to critique kindly and share experiences, not to destroy and ridicule.

            A few months ago I received a series of reviews that destroyed all my hopes of ever becoming a good writer. And that is all I have every truly wanted, is to be a good writer and one day get published. It took me a long time to regain any enthusiasm to write again or even the hope that I might one day be able to achieve that which I have dreamed of for so long. Now this has nearly happened again, and in my current state of misery I came upon a notion that inspired this article. How many writers have given up their dream to other people’s cruel heartessness? How many?

 

            Too many!

 

            It can’t go on like this! When I was young everyone said that I would never amount to anything, telling me that because I couldn't read and write I would be a failure. When I finally read my first book at 13 and realised that if I worked hard and taught myself how to read and write then my passion for making up stories could go further and I could possibly be that which I had always admired, a writer. I had hope, it wasn’t a lot of hope but it was enough. People, including teachers, family and friends laughed in my face when I told them that I wanted to be a writer. But I have tried. For nearly six years I have spent every spear moment tutoring myself to learn to read and write and when I succeeded no could believe it. I may still be a poor speller but frankly I don’t care. Loads of people are dyslexic, some worst then I but why should that stop us? The truth is it shouldn’t.

            I guess what I am asking is why do others belittle to big themselves up? So here is a question to anyone who has ever said anything to someone else in an insensitive manner. Why did you do it?

            Yesterday I had all the intention of leaving this site forever and never writing anything ever again. I am glad I reconsidered this, as writing is such a large part of my life that I would be stone without it. So for anyone to say to me that my words aren’t worth the effort will have shone me the knifes blade. But any more attempts to kill my passion for a time at least will not succeed, but a person can only take so many beatings before they break. And I would like to advise any other writer or just anyone, not to give up your dreams because others can’t dream with you. It’s pointless. Give it your all and be content in the fact that you tried.

            Rant over but its reasons never forgiven.

 

Reviews

[Legion]

First, you should never write for others to begin with. You write for yourself. If someone doesn't like what you write, that is their opinion. You should only care about what you think. If you expect critiques, that is fine but be prepared. If they "dog" your stuff that is their stupidity (or jealousy). Pay no heed. If they give you difficult critiques, that aren't down-and-out right bashing you but honest critiques, then pay heed. I will be as honest as possible in my critiques (and sometimes that may seem rough), but I will not be rude or tell people they shouldn't write. That is wrong.

[Sara Muschweck]

What a wonderful rant, no harshness just you writing with a passion that is bright. I agree there are too many who would rather point out faults in others than to encourage and cultivate the talent that is so large to draw from. I think that those who are so good at belittling others are good at it because they don't have a high opinion of themselves. If they think they are going to do any favors by the negative review then use the note feature. I am so sorry that you have found such negative responses in your writing, you have a wonderful talent and should not be discouraged. You will just with your strength and drive become the amazing author that you know you are. As always a great write, you show your talent, eloquence, and amazing power with words in this. Well done.

[Wulfstan Crumble]

Dont give up. You didnt give up because like Bubo says, the passion comes from within. Harsh criticism from idiots cannot dim the flame. The passion burns from the heart. At school i had extra classes for English, and at college i did a dyslexia test. Im not dyslexic but i was pretty darn close and spelt most of my words phonetically until i used spell checkers on computers to teach myself to spell. Even now some words stump me. For my reviews i try to discuss the subject matter and offer constructive advice whether its word choice, spelling, punctuation etc... ive been blocked for that but im not here to discuss that. Ive been insulted on here but after being bullied at school its water off a ducks back. You seem to be a good writer and i think you should stay if that flame still burns. Just block the nasty reviewers and stick with the nice ones; please dont see offense where someone is just trying to help you improve as a writer...their intentions are pure and honest even if you just want to meet like minded writers rather than hone your craft or receive critical dissections. Take care and i hope things improve here n no more horrible reviews.

[Bubo]

Firstly, the belief must come from within you, not by what others say, because that is where the
heart and soul is, inside, what other critic is really not even worth reading, because for every one bad critic, their are 20 saying how fab you are........and you must know your passion can not be squashed, or sent away, buried, because that is not who you are. You are a writer..........and you are a GOOD writer, we all have
room to grow and stretch ourselves, and that is the joy of sharing, if I seea poor review I simply feel that
they have not read it with the depth I wrote it, or understood my intention, and some people just like beng nasty, makes them feel better about themselves!

Don't you even think about giving up! If the criticism is constructive and fair take it on board.........
but if not don't even think about it, its very admirable that you have come so far in teaching yourself
and I am very proud to call you a friend and fellow writer!

[BrightEyes]

you'll find those people in life everywhere who are so insecure the only way to build themselves up is to belittle someone else - somehow they feel that making someone else feel small or hurt lifts them up to a higher rung upon the ladder. Being a writer will require a tough outer skin; for those that you send your work out to publish will not really care about your feelings - in their critiques they may seem cruel, yet it is their job to point out any and all flaws within a work. In my opinion, there is always editing to be done upon a work - either spelling, grammar or simply typos that we've made when our minds are working faster than our fingers. When reviewing I do try to point out those errors, not with any cruel intent, but simply because I would like someone to point them out to me when reviewing, as I know my own work so well I often overlook them accidentally. Don't let anything rob you of your dream; try to ignore that which might seem cold and see if there is anything you can take away from the review to improve upon your chosen craft. remember also, that writing is a subjective thing - not everyone enjoys every genre of writing and therefore, may not like something you've written strictly due to the nature of the writing which really has no bearing on your ability - simply the genre you've chosen to write in. I'm glad you've decided not to give up; this will make you stronger and better able to weather the editors that will appear when you're ready to send your work out into the world.

*hugs*

laura