CRITIQUE & REVIEWS: WHEN TO PAY ATTENTION
Hej Writer,
It’s time for our third talk about critique and reviews, and today I’m going to start with a question: Do you know when you need to pay attention to negative feedback? And, by extension, when you should just ignore it?
As writers, we tend to pour ourselves into our work, so facing criticism can be both painful and confusing. How do we know when we should take the feedback seriously and when it’s just noise? Well, it’s a delicate balance, and part of being a resilient writer is learning to sail through these waters without losing your course or confidence, Or your mind, for that matter.
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.” – William Arthur Ward
Critical people are everywhere. You don’t have to search far and wide to find someone who takes issue with something. It can be overwhelming trying to please everyone all the time, and honestly? You can’t. Not everyone will love what you write, and that’s fine. But the real question is: How do you tell when the negative feedback is worth paying attention to, and when you can just walk away?
So, When Do I Have to Pay Attention?
When criticism is constructive, it can be one of the most valuable tools for a writer’s growth. It shines a light on our blind spots, pushes us to refine our craft, and sometimes, it can even help us reveal truths we’ve been avoiding. The trick, though, is knowing when it’s coming from a place of value – and when it’s just someone’s hot take.
There are times when negative feedback is something you needn’t worry about. To be blunt, someone else’s opinion of you or your work is none of your business. This is especially true if you didn’t ask for it. There are, however, times when it’s important to pay close attention to the criticism, and if there’s something you can bank on as a writer, it is the fact that you will get bad reviews. Paying close attention to what they are saying could be crucial when:
When someone has authority over you: Whether it’s a boss, a family member, an editor, or even a mentor, it’s important to listen to their criticism. For obvious reasons, they may be the ones paying your bills, buying your stories, or with the ability to influence your career. If someone in authority over you offers negative feedback, create a plan to address it. The goal, of course, is to turn the negative into a positive.
When you hear the same feedback from multiple people: One person’s criticism doesn’t always mean there’s an issue, but if you start hearing the same thing from three or more people, that’s a sign. Maybe it’s about pacing, or perhaps they’re pointing out a character that feels underdeveloped. Whatever it is, repeated feedback is a signal to pay attention. Taking criticism on board can increase your self-awareness and help you make adjustments that lead to stronger, more resonant writing. If it helps, try thinking of it as a crowd-sourced insight into what’s working well and what isn’t.
When criticism comes from someone depending on you: As writers, we enter into a kind of unspoken agreement with our readers. They come to us for stories, for characters they can care about, and for worlds they want to escape into. If a reader is giving you negative feedback, it’s worth listening to. Breaking trust with your audience isn’t something you want to risk. When a reader tells you something’s not landing, it’s an opportunity to course-correct. And let’s be honest – without their trust, you’ll only be writing for yourself.
And When Can I Safely Ignore the Criticism?
Not all critique is constructive. Haters gonna hate, and some people just love to tear things apart for the sake of it. Maybe a reader didn’t connect with your style, or they had expectations that your work wasn’t trying to meet. That’s not on you. When criticism feels more like a personal attack, or when it simply doesn’t align with your goals as a writer, it’s okay to let it slide. You can’t please everyone, and you shouldn’t try to. That way madness lies.
Learning the difference between what you need to pay attention to and what you can safely ignore can help you put a stop to the people-pleasing tendencies. Focus on the people who matter the most, that’ll save your sanity and make you a happier writer.
As tough as criticism can be, it’s part of our journey. It helps us level up and become better storytellers, but to get there, we have to learn to be open to the right kind of critique. It’s not about pleasing everyone – it’s about staying true to our voices while recognising when someone’s insight can help us evolve.
In the end, the ability to listen, adapt, and grow is what keeps us moving forward as writers.
Questions of the Day
- Can you tell the difference between criticism you can ignore and criticism you need to consider?
- How much does a reader’s feedback affect you?
Let’s talk in the comments below, or email me at news@aswewrite.com.
And with that, I’m going to bid you farewell for this time. I hope you got something out of our little talk, and I’m looking forward to see you again at the next one.
Tack & hej,
//Linn 🤍