Quote:
Originally Posted by tompe
It seems to me it was the book that was criticized and not you.
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Actually, not really. It was so spiteful that the review actually attacked me, despite their not knowing me and my writing under a pseudonym. It was a *very* strange review and, actually, in the end it was so mad it was quite funny. It taught me a bit about dealing with the general public.
Criticisms of my books, I don't mind so much. Some are justified, some aren't. It's the nature of the business. I know I'm no F Scott Fitzgerald. A good critic could easily tear me to pieces if they wish.
But, besides, 'criticism' is such a bad word for what we do. It implies negativity which I think some people assume allows them to display a meanness of spirit. Proper criticism helps the author to improve. It shouldn't make them want to hide in a dark room and never come out again.
One final point: many people who criticise the hardest haven't actually tried to write.