Learn to love #criticism. The natural inclination can be to avoid it all costs, but that’s like avoiding going to the dentist: feels good now, but you set yourself up for decay down the road. Cultivate a few trustworthy reviewers/editors. #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019

When you find editors who improve your work, don’t just accept their changes; learn from them. Ask WHY they made their edits. When they slice and dice sections, don’t get defensive. Ask what they were trying to improve and how they did it. #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019

Separate YOURSELF from YOUR WRITING at editing time. If you identify with your work to the point that every word is too precious to change, you hold yourself back. Put emotional distance between you & your words, at least when you edit. #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019

When you get criticism that hurts, pause and take a step back. Are they criticising YOU or the WORK? If they are not criticizing you personally, do not take it personally. Even then, they might just have had a bad day. Or just be a jerk. #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019

If the criticism stings but is about your work, weigh it with an open mind. Not all criticism is golden, but unless someone is truly malicious, they’ve probably offered it with good intent. Does it work for you? Great! If not, move on. #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019

More than anything, don’t let it get to you. I see so many people here who are discouraged because of critiques and rejections ***and I get it***. But don’t give these people so much power over how you feel about yourself and your writing. #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019

At the end of the day, each critique & each rejection is 1 person’s opinion. Even the most glowing review is just 1 person’s opinion. Good critiques are valuable because you learn from them. Keep the focus on the work, not you. Good luck! #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity

— Amsterdamned (@AmsterVerdomme) July 3, 2019