Being on the receiving end of a critique can be difficult, but it’s the reason you joined the group in the first place. Here are a few suggestions to help you through it:
Don’t defend your work. Arguing with the critique is pointless. Your work must stand on it own, because you can’t defend it to every reader or editor who might read it. Remember that the critique is simply one opinion. Even if you think the reviewer is completely off base, thank them for their opinion and move on.
Take notes. Chances are, you won’t remember every comment about your piece the next time you sit down to edit it. Take notes about others’ critiques, even if you disagree with them. You may see them in a different light when you come back to the piece again.
Clarify if necessary. Don’t argue with the reviewer, but ask them to clarify vague or unintelligible comments. Sometimes, this will help you glean the underlying cause of their problems with the work.
Listen to the group. Remember that you are in a writers group because you value your peers’ opinions. Don’t reject criticisms out of hand, even if you disagree with them. If the entire group comments on the same problem, there’s a strong chance that the piece needs work in that area.
You have the final say. Ultimately, the work is yours, not the group’s. You are under no obligation to follow their suggestions. This is especially true if the group is divided or ambivalent in their criticism of a particular point. Every piece will not appeal to every audience.
Conclusion
Whether you are a first-time writer or a nationally published author, a writers group can be a sounding board, a source for contacts, and an emotional safety net. Writing can be a lonely art. Connecting with others who share your passion might be the catalyst you need to keep going and get published. Happy writing!