Dear Writer, Don’t Let Negativity Win

Posted byKaytiPosted inKayti's Post, Writing TipsTags:, , , , , , , , , , ,

“One negative comment and it’s all, ‘Woe is me!’”

Nana – Sing 2

This quote from Sing 2 is one my sisters and I have been throwing at each other and giggling over since we watched the movie. It’s such a true statement, especially for many writers.

One negative comment, review, or rating can send us spiraling into the depths of despair, as Anne of Green Gables puts it. It’s like our heart has been ripped from our chest and trampled. Someone critiqued us! Someone just cast aside all the love we put into this book and gave us a horrible comment…maybe…we’re not cut out for this?

Let’s pause that tape of negativity right there because all of that is not true. The scene that first quote was taken from continues:

 “Never mind what this person you don’t even know said. Do you think you’re good enough?“

Nana – Sing 2

I would never recommend asking if you think you are good enough; inevitably, that answer is going to be no. As writers, we are our own worst critics, but do you feel God calling you to write, to publish, to reach people with the words and stories He has given you? Do you feel Him pushing you toward a goal that feels right, writing stories to bring glory to the only being that matters?

Looking to ourselves to find out whether we are good enough won’t work, but if we follow God’s calling and stick to our guns no matter how many negative comments or rotten tomatoes are thrown at us, then we have accomplished something great! If God is calling you to the life of a writer:

“Then you must fight for what you believe in. Guts, stamina, faith, these are the things you need now. And without them, well, maybe that scout was right. Maybe you’re not good enough.“

Nana – Sing 2

Change scout to naysayer. If God has given you a calling and a purpose to write, then do it! But remember, with the good comes the bad. As my mom often reminds me, without pain, we wouldn’t know what no pain felt like. Without sorrow, there would be no joy. Without negativity, there would be no positivity. Life would be bland…and books would be boring. Just saying.

The thing is…when someone says something negative about your book, they are saying it about the book, not you. It is not a personal attack. Just like when you review a book, you are not attacking the author; you are simply giving your opinion of the book. That book may feel like a piece of you, a part of your soul…and yeah, you poured your heart and soul into it, but it’s not you. Anything said about the book is not said about you; it is someone voicing their opinion on a book, not voicing their opinion of you. Someone can love you to pieces and hate your book (though they probably won’t tell you they hate your book…😉).

The point is, don’t let one negative comment dash your dreams, or even ten negative comments. You are stronger than that! God has given you a calling, He has handed you a gift…, but are you going to use it? Or are you going to sit back and pout because someone didn’t like your book? Is one negative comment worth giving up over when you have the potential to impact thousands in a positive way?

God never gives a wrong calling, so if He is calling you to write…then by golly, write! Because:

“Never mind what this person you don’t even know said.”

Nana – Sing 2

Bless!

Kayti

Published by Kayti

Hi there, my name is Kaytlin Phillips, but I go by Kayti. I'm a homeschool grad, author, reader, and child of our Gracious King!!! I have an obsession with the written word, or maybe an addiction. Ever since I can remember I have read everything I can get my hands on! I LOVE BOOKS!!! I also love writing and might have a slight obsession with pens and notebooks, don't tell anyone. I also love the smell of old books! And yes, if you're wondering, I talk to myself, I think all bookishly crazy people do...

23 thoughts on “Dear Writer, Don’t Let Negativity Win”

  2. AAAH KAYTI I LOVED THIS!!!!!!!! I really needed this beautiful reminder! I think it’s SO easy as creators to beat ourselves down because of a couple of negative comments, completely ignoring all the positive ones we’re received! But I LOVED how you focused the attention not on ourselves, but on God! I often remind myself that hey, I’m a flawed person, which means my stories will never be perfect. They will be flawed like I am, and that’s okay. It shows that I am real, that my stories are real, that they are just another reflection of how inadequate we are by ourselves. BUT God is enough, God is everything, and if God is with me and calling me toward this story, then flaws or not, He will use it! So, yes, I LOVED THIS, and those quotes you used were awesome! THANK YOU for sharing this with us, girl!!!!

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  5. Not gonna lie, I was worried there for a bit that you were going to go into the whole “believe in yourself thing”. Thank goodness I was so pleasantly surprised that you didn’t!!! I LOVE this post. Great work!

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    1. Haha, no I’m not a believer in self, as the Bible “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” On our own we are nothing.
      I’m so glad you liked the post! Thank you so much!

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      1. EXACTLY!! I get so sick of people telling us that if we just believe enough in our abilities/our hearts/ourselves, we’ll make it no problem. *fpfpfpfpfp*

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Good post! 😀 It’s so true that we can take criticism as a personal affront. Though we shouldn’t always ignore it, because they might have a good point, we definitely shouldn’t take it personally.

    Liked by 1 person

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