2021 has felt like a kind of retreat, which is an odd thing to say, because all along I’ve been here, reminding you I’m here, doing all the things you’re supposed to do when you’re an author with a new book out and, oftentimes, more.
I’ve been reading this ys not a test for the millionth time and for a non reader this book gets my heart racing I love it so much you words are well written
I always find it strange when people just *have* to tell artists (and writing is an art) that they don’t like what they’ve created.
There’s a difference between feedback and a review, and there’s also a difference between constructive criticism and just criticism. A review is a chance of to give someone constructive criticism — or not! — while feedback can either be positive and wanted, or completely negative and unasked for. Criticism, when not critical, can be the type of negative feedback that someone has not asked for and does not want. It can often be mean and unhelpful.
Also, beyond all of that, there’s just the rude comments. If someone is going to say they didn’t like your work without saying what it is they didn’t like, it’s often to be ugly. More often than not, the artist/creator of pieces of works, don’t need to hear criticisms, constructive or otherwise, unless asked for.
Anyways, I’m sorry for rambling, this just sparked a bit of inner anger I have.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment! I think sometimes the level of accessibility to creators (which is mostly a good thing! Like in this case!) has complicated the dynamic between them and their audience. It's easier now than ever demand accountability from someone if you think they've denied you an experience they were entitled to, if that makes sense? And I think that's how it ends up crossing the line from constructive to unhelpful, like you say. I do think this particular person felt I owed them more than my best and I should know intuitively, what would make my book a perfect read for them but that's more than any writer is capable of imo! Reading is subjective and that's the wonderful thing about it :)
I’ve been reading this ys not a test for the millionth time and for a non reader this book gets my heart racing I love it so much you words are well written
Thank you so so much! It means a lot when someone picks up my books once--I'm THRILLED This is Not a Test is a re-read for you. Thank you.
I always find it strange when people just *have* to tell artists (and writing is an art) that they don’t like what they’ve created.
There’s a difference between feedback and a review, and there’s also a difference between constructive criticism and just criticism. A review is a chance of to give someone constructive criticism — or not! — while feedback can either be positive and wanted, or completely negative and unasked for. Criticism, when not critical, can be the type of negative feedback that someone has not asked for and does not want. It can often be mean and unhelpful.
Also, beyond all of that, there’s just the rude comments. If someone is going to say they didn’t like your work without saying what it is they didn’t like, it’s often to be ugly. More often than not, the artist/creator of pieces of works, don’t need to hear criticisms, constructive or otherwise, unless asked for.
Anyways, I’m sorry for rambling, this just sparked a bit of inner anger I have.
Have a goodnight!
- Isabelle
Thank you for this thoughtful comment! I think sometimes the level of accessibility to creators (which is mostly a good thing! Like in this case!) has complicated the dynamic between them and their audience. It's easier now than ever demand accountability from someone if you think they've denied you an experience they were entitled to, if that makes sense? And I think that's how it ends up crossing the line from constructive to unhelpful, like you say. I do think this particular person felt I owed them more than my best and I should know intuitively, what would make my book a perfect read for them but that's more than any writer is capable of imo! Reading is subjective and that's the wonderful thing about it :)