Constructive Criticism

Today, my step father asked me if he could read my book. Of course, he asked in a very disbelieving, sarcastic tone in which I told him no. I don't mind a few select people reading what I have so far in order to see what their views are on it. My step father is not one of those who gives out constructive criticism. He is a person who doesn't believe you're going to succeed in achieving any of your dreams, mainly because he hasn't done a thing with his life.

I like to surround myself with people who are creative and imaginative. The kinds of people who know what they want out of life and strive hard to get it. It's hard to accomplish things in this environment that I'm in, but at the moment I have no choice. Sometimes, writers have to work in settings that aren't comfortable. You have to deal with these situations in order to stay on track with your writing. I try and write every day, no matter how tired or sick I may be feeling. It doesn't matter how much you write; you can write one sentence or one page, just as long as you write something. It's amazing how much you can accomplish just by doing this every day.

Concerning those nasty critics who like to bring me down , (i.e.: my step father and the infamous Critic Boy), I try not to pay any attention to their negativity. The one thing that motivates me is positivity. That is how you can make progress in whatever project you are working on.

If you need to give out criticism to anyone, make sure it's constructive. Be helpful and let them know what isn't going so well, but do it a way that won't hurt any feelings. Try and make suggestions that might get them back on the right track if they need it.