As writers we have to learn to take criticism in stride.  People are always going to make comments and suggestions, some of which we can discard, others we have to take.  In the privacy of our own home, we’re free to vent, but we have to put on our ‘game face’, take a critical look at our work through their eyes and make any necessary adjustments.

After watching the Masters this weekend, I was inspired by the way in which the players maintained their composure when their game was off.  Tiger Woods has been and still is criticised for his ‘volcanic temper’ where he spews expletives and scowls, but his temper could be partly what caused him to be off his game this weekend. 

Yes, it’s tough not to take criticism personally.  After all, this is our work; this is part of who we are; something we’ve slaved over for months or even years and someone tells us it’s bad.  They aren’t saying it’s bad, they’re just expressing their opinions.  We have the power to decide whether to take them or leave them. 

But be careful if you choose to ignore their input because you may be doing it merely to protect your ego.  Would you rather be right or sell your script?

So how do you keep your game face? 

Listen.  Whatever someone says to you, smile, nod and take notes.  You can think to yourself that they’re idiots if it keeps that smile on your face, but don’t ever show it.  People will tell you anything if they think you’re open to hearing it.  The minute you say “I know” or start defending yourself, you won’t get any more help.

Objectify.  Separate yourself from your project.  The person who is giving you feedback is trying to help make your project better.  They aren’t trying to make you look bad.  And separate the feedback from the person delivering it.  If that person is trying to make themselves look good by tearing into your work, cut them off with a ‘thank-you’ and walk away.

Distance.  Write down what is said.  Go do something else for a while.  Vent about their stupid comments with someone who understands then go back and take another look at it.  Ask yourself, “Is there any merit to what this person says?”  After a while, you’ll find you need less time and less venting.

Respect.  You may not like what they have to say – no one likes criticism especially if it’s not given in a very considerate manner – but thank them for their help.  They may prove to be helpful so you’ll want to send them more writing in the future, but if they prove to be useless, don’t send them anything more.

There will be times when professionals give you the dumbest notes.  They can tell you to put in a giant robotic spider in act two of your dramatic period piece and you’ve got to do it or you lose the deal.  In those cases, think about what’s most important to you: millions of dollars and a future career or your artistic integrity and a life of poverty.  Yeah, it’s stupid, and yeah it could ruin your otherwise Academy Award winning script, but try to look at it as a challenge.  You’re a super-creative kick-ass writer, you can make it work.  Then you can mention it in your Oscar speech for your next film.