You know it is so common to hear writers talk about having thick skin it has almost become a cliché now to say it, but the thing is, it is so true and required information to be shared.

Writing is just an extension of a person. If a person is defensive by nature, writing for the public is going to be a challenge. There is little to no room for being defensive as a writer just like pride must go out the window as well. Chips on shoulders and pedestals tend to only shoot people in the feet and tie down their room for progress as a writer but in general, life.

The worst offenders in my opinion are writers who join forums and look for help. Here someone has gone out of their way to join a group of writers. They post their work for critique and then get offended if people respond with anything short of “this is the best thing in the whole wide world. Hemmingway would be proud of you.” – I have seen people quit forums because of feedback they have been given by a fellow writer.

Writers who defend every critique trying to show how their way was right and the critique was wrong.
The bottom line is most writers need to get over themselves. Don’t ask for help, if you don’t want help.

Don’t get offended if not everyone loves what you write.

So let’s say this person has magically managed to put enough words together to form an interesting story because, they are perfect and no one else can tell them otherwise. The next challenge is getting the work in front of readers. Here comes the next round of thick skin required. I receive I would say ten rejections for every one acceptance. Sure, each one stings a little but in the end that is part of the process of trying to be published. Knock the dust off yourself, go back and edit the work a little more, find some new markets and submit again. Move on and write more work.

People not liking what you write is going to happen. Just thought I would say it as plain as possible. I even hear people say Hemmingway wasn’t that good or overrated. Tastes are unique and you cannot please all of them. Write what you like, listen to the people you respect and like their tastes and keep doing it for years.

No one starts off with a thick skin I believe they get it over time of trying and failing and trying again. The key is not to get frustrated early on and not burning bridges of the people you meet when you first get started. Chances are they are trying to help you, not hurt your feelings.

Remember, critiques and rejections are specific to the writing in front of the person. It is NOT an attack on you the writer. It is simply letting you know that the specific piece of writing in question does not match the taste of the specific reader. Don’t take it personally.

Rant over.

About the Author

Casey Quinn