#constructive critisim

Sitting on the roof, crying yet again. Used to come up here to enjoy the beautiful scenery, just taking a moment to see and feel. Now I come here to hide and weep. This is the only place I feel safe. It protects me. Here I can’t see their judgemental stares. Here I can’t hear their venomous words. Here I am secure.

They have worn me down. I am tired and at my limit. I can no longer enjoy the scenery, for it no longer seems real. Through my clouded vision it looks blurry as if it were a mirage. This is one of the many things they have taken from me.

I no longer belong in a world where I am an outcast. A world where I am not loved. A world where I am labelled as defective. A world where I will never be loved.

I will forever be alone and surely, I will never be missed.

“Wait! Don’t jump.” I open my eyes and see I am about a foot away from going over the edge. I don’t even know when I closed my eyes. “Wait! Don’t…”

“And why shouldn’t I?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, still hoarse from all the crying. “Why do you care anyway, no one else seems to.” I don’t look back as I feel a new wave of tears flow freely down my face.

Before I understand what is happening, I feel arms wrap protectively around me. “I’m not gonna lie and say I understand your pain fully but I do understand how much it hurts. I know yours is different but I also know what it feels like to be in that place. That is why I can be kind to you and care.”

I stand there on the roof in the arms of a stranger crying my eyes out. I don’t know how long we stand there, but eventually I calm down enough to be able to form coherent sentences. “I still don’t understand. Why comfort me. Someone who has been deemed strange, defective, unusual and unworthy of something as basic as love.”

“Because like I said I know what it’s likes to reach this point. What it’s like to be where you are now. What it’s like to be hurting. Someone once said, “Knowing what it feels to be in pain, is exactly why we try to be kind to others.” That is why I’m comforting you. Why I am helping you.”

“Sorry but you are kind of too late. This one act of random kindness is not enough to combat the countless acts of cruelty.”

In short: it depends.

If the author asks for criticism, then go for it. However, it should be constructive criticism. Constructive criticism meaning a "helpful way of giving feedback that provides specific, actionable suggestions. Rather than providing general advice, constructive criticism gives specific recommendations on how to make positive improvements. Constructive criticism is clear, to the point and easy to put into action." Since I was too lazy to define it myself, this is sourced from indeed.

Straight up angry criticism to an author does nothing to help them improve. It just puts them down. You can say, "Your story is problematic," and shoot down all their tendencies, and that does nothing. You should instead say something like, "Your story is problematic," and list specific reasons why and list ways they can improve or be aware. Obviously say this in a kinder manner than what I have in this example.

If an author looks for criticism, they are looking for ways to improve. Or, they should be anyway. It's the author's job to take that advice and run with it however they will.

That being said, the author should expect that people don't necessarily know what constructive criticism is, and expect the kind of angry criticism that any author gets.

In my opinion, you put your work out there. People will like it or not. If you ask for opinions, you ask for criticism. You should get it and expect it and look for ways to better improve your writing. That is the truth and that is what you will get if you publish anything.

Finally I should add, that I am open to constructive criticism in all my works because I am looking to better my writing. I want to be a good writer.

Before  I get to the main part of the post I wanted to say a little bit about the step I am taking today. My posts up until now have been more of my thoughts and opinions on things in life, books, and bigger concepts. Up until now I haven’t really shared any of my creative writing with you and I thought I am ready to take that step. I just have always been really reluctant to show what I write to…