by Jean Sidden

Created on: May 18, 2010

There are always people who are unabashed about telling us exactly what they think of our writing. These unsolicited critiques may come at the worst moments when our tolerance for criticism in general is extremely low. Still we find ourselves needing to be civil and broadminded in the face of those who will offer us their two cents, even when we don't want it.

Try not to receive the criticism defensively. You may have just emerged from a writing workshop that was based on critique and be up to your eyeballs with other people's views on your work. However, it's still important to maintain the façade of politeness, say thank you and then process the unsolicited criticism in the way you wish. Try not to get in an argument with the critic over their points. Give them a lot of the "uh huh" response and then go on your way.

One way to handle unsolicited critique is to ignore it outright. If you are someone who can let criticism go in one ear and out the other that may be the best choice for you. Many of us are more sensitive and find ignoring criticism to be very difficult. Perhaps if we follow the unsolicited criticism with a chaser of reading some gushing praise for our writing we can block out the critic's comments. However, if there is a way that you can excuse yourself from the comments and make a quick getaway it will help you dismiss the criticism.

Some of us may have the confidence or arrogance to take the time to acknowledge unsolicited criticism, listen to it intently and then ignore it. You may feel that you need to give the critic your time, allow them to say their piece and then, in a self-assured manner, file the criticism away, never to be examined. This is a polite way of giving someone who believes they are offering you valuable pointers a feeling that they are performing a service. In this case the delivery of the criticism becomes more about them than it does you because you have no intention of implementing their suggestions.

Another approach to receiving unsolicited critique is to acknowledge it, listen intently and determine its use. Whether unsolicited or not the critic's ideas may be worth your time. They may be able to express their ideas such that they resonate with you and help you gain some insight. Most of us believe that our writing is perfect as is but that is never the case. Even if you have no plan to use the critic's suggestions in the work at hand, you may be able to use them in the future.

Unsolicited writing critique is not the end of the world. It often isn't what we'd prefer to hear but, though we may wish the critic would keep their opinions to themselves, the ideas could have some validity. Keep an open mind to criticism and you may learn something in spite of yourself.

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