So you think you're a writer ey

Reflections on writing,

  Writing is a developed skill evolving from a natural talent that takes discipline and years of practice to fully develop. The idea that writing is your "heart and soul" isn't the best approach one should take. In fact, it's f*****g retarded. Thinking in terms of something coming from the core of your being you post on a public website that any a*****e can comment on is just begging for a cyber a*s ripping. You need to have some detachment from your work so you don't act like a p***y when someone says you suck and trust me, someone will. We all want to improve our skills and coming off like you've been violated when someone critiques your work isn't going to improve s**t. With an attitude like that you're next piece will probably be an even bigger piece of crap than the one you got critiqued on.

    Writing is a developed skill, like shooting pool, using a weapon effectively or being great at oral sex. It isn't who you are so knock it off with the "my writing is my soul" shtick. Seriously, you're not doing yourself any favors.

Author's Note

Feel free to disagree.

Reviews

[Muse]

I agree and disagree. This is a tricky subject matter. Writing for some "like myself" is a creative outlet to let off steam. For others it is a serious sport. That really make things complicated when it comes to reviewing constructively. Written words and spoken words are a powerful source of communication. Some of us can communicate better than others. But does that make it more or less justified? My daughters art is not hanging in a museum. But I can see her heart in it. Coming from her, it is perfect. It is her creative expression. I would never tell her what is wrong or what is right. I guess I feel the same way about poetry. So in reviewing I try to remember that, I can only share how I feel. If the writing is terrible...well I just don't review it. That simple. It's called using your manners. Remember when your mother said, "if you can't say anything nice, it's best to say nothing at all." However, I do think it's good to give out suggestions and point out spelling and grammar errors "BUT ONLY IF YOU CAN OFFER ADIVCE AND/OR A CORRECTION" I see too many reviewers that like to say it's wrong, yet they have nothing constructive to offer to help correct it. That's the difference I think between saying it sucks and saying hey I have an idea on how to make that read better. And from one amateur writer reviewing an amateur..."who am I to cast the first stone?"

[Baby Ricochet]

Most of my reviews are neutral. God knows I post all kinds of crap so I figure "what do I know about writing"

[Flowrite]

Muse, I agree with you 100%. What you said was inspiring, which is what a muse does.

[Angel]

Wow, Muse! I think you said what most of us feel. I couldn't have put it better...although, of course, I have to try...LOL!

[poetdoug]

I think there are times that we write from our innerself, and other times when it originates in our outer self. You are so right that we cannot allow others critical opinions color our attitude toward writing. Thanks for reminding us my friend

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you Doug

[Rita L. Sev]

This is brilliant, and actually quite freeing. These silly little poems are NOT my heart and soul? Whew! :)

[Baby Ricochet]

Mine aren't either. I write to entertain.

[SyberRose]

If someone asks me if I have a hobby...I tell them...I write poetry...I write what I feel at the moment.
I write mostly romantic poetry...it comes naturally...Its not who I am...my poetry comes from my mind and my senses...not really heart and soul....although you can tell a lot about a persons heart and soul and mind through their poetry.

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you for your input rose. I appreciate it.

[Frieda P]

Smiling the entire time I read this, love that you're never, EVER PC Mark, and yes, some people need an attitude adjustment, I'm sure you're just the person to give it to them too! Still smiling.... ;-)

[Baby Ricochet]

Frieda!!!! You're back!!! Life is good.

[Frieda P]

Wow, what a greeting, thanks Baby, you know I couldn't stay away for too long, missed you too!

[Jack...]

I am writing this review from my soul, deep down where I write from, where it is dark and I can't see s**t...I think this piece sucks...all of the right answers out of that pit and places them perfectly here on the page for all of us to see. Nice one...

[Baby Ricochet]

I'm writing this review with my phone. I knew this would ruffle some feathers. That was kind of the poin.

[Marie]

I'm not sure what Jack means. He's surely a skilful and polished writer.

[Jack...]

It was just an attempt at humor Marie, not sure it worked though.

[Holly Mason]

claiming Switzerland while I plot in the back ground...so I give in..I agree to not disagree or agree but to simple only see folks that have some pedigree -doesn't that mean that my feet and I agree??hhaha
The writing process is lengthy one and assistance is always a plus ...not a minus...it can be difficult for some folks to grasp that the internet is not always the best place ....for it. I do not care what folks say about me ...and I bounce all over the place...I do adore grammar assistance when I receive it. I have owned a pool company for the last ten years I tend to think in chemistry ...not grammatically...but I also know enough to look at the source when advice is given...and I also know that editors need jobs as well...I like to know about my content and if the title sparked a read...interesting write here sir truly...like it much ...you are so darn blatant it is admirable...
thank you for sharing fine sir

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you for your input holly

[icelandicblue]

You have a unique voice in this one. I fully agree with you. I tell my 4th graders if you want to write from your heart and soul get a diary or a journal. If you are writing for others to read then you need to keep your audience in mind and be open to feedback. You don't go and play a sport well just because you're on the field. Good writing takes a lot of work, it's a journey, and even the best writers in the world get feedback from copywriters, editors and their readers.

Your examples made me laugh. You cut to the chase without a lot of bs.

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you Blue

[Emily B]

oral sex is a developed skill? damn, i missed the class

[Baby Ricochet]

Oh it certainly is

[Marie]

Oh it's not either.