Handling criticism as a writer

I often have to remind writers that criticism isn't personal. It's all about improving the story and making it better for the reader.

I, too, have to live with criticism, and it bothers me, too. I've been a newspaper writer and editor for more than 30 years, and I expect to be perfect. When my editor sends an email with a minor (or major) bit of criticism, it hurts my ego.

Sometimes I even think of quitting, but that's ridiculous. Today, I reminded myself that he's only trying to make my stories better, and I appreciate it. And yesterday he reminded me that I do a fine job despite his criticism.

And, sometimes, I even suggest edits to his edits.

Remember: No one's perfect. You need an editor.

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EMAIL: tgilli52@gmail.com  BLUESKY: PROFILE

MORE EDITOR@WORK BLOG ENTRIES

• You really DO need an editor

• Reminders for would-be novelists

• What I do when I'm editing

• What I charge (it's a deal) and what I edit

• Slogging through the Internet

• J-school: More eyes on your stories

• J-school: Go out and learn

• Rookie mistakes for magazine writers

BLOG ENTRIES BY TOM GILLISPIE

• Resume for a writer and editor

• An editor's views on powerful writing

• Advice for be and would-be novelists

• Links to TG's stories online

• Favorite quotes

• What I do when I'm editing

ANECDOTES BY TOM GILLISPIE

• Wipeout at Death Valley

• Days with rainbows

• A desperate writer working in the dark

• Yer OUTTA there!

ENTRIES FROM THE DOG BLOG

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• 13-plus years with my dog Lady

• ... said the spider to ...

• The Dog Diary (2014)

• YIP! YIP! The stereo-sound huskies

• What Lady and Michael Jackson had in common

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(a book of great stories about the Intimidator)

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