Navigating the Challenges of Writing: Embracing Critique
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Chapter 1: The Initial Shock
Have you ever written something that seemed perfect at first glance, only to feel a wave of doubt upon revisiting it? Listening to someone else read your work can be a jarring experience. I remember feeling utterly embarrassed when my friends took turns reading my writing aloud, struggling with the rhythm of my sentences.
This was, in a way, their form of critique. It allowed me to see how the flow of my words might not translate well when spoken. The discomfort I felt was profound, but it taught me a valuable lesson: editing is crucial for crafting quality content.
Prologue
It took me several days to muster the courage to write again. The realm of writing is rife with critique, and now I had experienced it firsthand. Reflecting on my past, I recalled a short story I penned in eighth grade—about three double-sided pages reimagining the classic tale of the yellow brick road. My teacher's harsh grading felt personal, but it was formative.
As I mulled over my friends' readings, I thought, "Great, they'll read everything I write, and I'll just keep cringing." However, I recognized that there was a lesson in this discomfort.
The Present
This article marks my return to writing after a brief hiatus. I’ve resolved to view critique as a learning opportunity. The piece they read was hastily completed while I was exhausted—I posted it without editing, driven by the pressure to publish frequently. I wrote daily for 12 days and ended up feeling burnt out. I’ve realized that writing should be enjoyable and focused on quality, not quantity.
Post-Present Reflection
The most honest critiques often come from friends and family. My initial goal in writing was to create meaningful content, but I didn’t fully appreciate the value of critique until my friends read my work aloud. While their feedback can be blunt, the lessons learned are invaluable.
Many aspiring writers face rejection from publishers, enduring tougher critiques. So, I encourage you to embrace the feedback from those close to you; it will undoubtedly refine your writing.
A Journey of Growth
Currently, I’m delving into "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King, whose insights resonate deeply with me. One quote stands out: “Writers are often the worst judges of what they have written.” - Stephen King, Everything’s Eventual
In this video, "Read and Write To Text to Speech and Beyond," explore how reading and writing can transform your understanding of text and flow.
Another insightful video, "How to get your computer to read aloud to you!" demonstrates tools that can help writers hear their words, facilitating better editing.