“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
Sisters Three 
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