Real writers do recognize real criticism.
Emerging authors: Someone saying your story is great rather than garbage is more preferable, yes?
For about ten minutes, it is. After that, you’re pretty much left with the same lingering question: “How come?”
Truly worthy criticism doesn’t leave that poser unanswered: in an ideal writing world, an author’s ear would only ever be attuned to constructive feedback; the hater guff and airhead fluff would be as comprehensible as Charlie Brown’s teacher. Alas, this is not Utopia – attempts to kick a literary goal often get foiled by a swift-handed Lucy – so it falls on the writer to identify useful opinions of his/her work. Easier said than done when it’s your heart and soul laid bare on the page.
