If they don't like it... -

That’s okay. Publish it (send it out) anyway.

Many newer writers worry about this. They worry when a trusted reader doesn’t like a project. Their instinct is to start all over again and fix it to that person’s particular taste.

I say: Stop. Wait. Breathe.

And still send it out.

Here’s why. You are NEVER writing for one person. When you are crafting a piece you may have one particular person in mind, which is fine, but that ONE person may still not like this work. It’s rare to find someone who will like everything you write. And that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them and it certainly doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with the story.

If the feedback is ‘I’m confused’ or ‘I don’t get it’ that’s critical information and if you agree then you tweak, if you don’t, you say ‘thanks’ and move on.

But if they say ‘I don’t like it’. Then the story wasn’t for them.

It’s for someone else.

Your job as a storyteller is to send your story out in the world to reach that ‘someone.’ That distant stranger hungry for the story you’ve written.

And you repeat the process.

I know, I know. It’s lovely when people you respect like what you do and tell you so. But it’s dangerous to get addicted to praise.

This is why long term professionals tell you not to read your reviews. Someone will love the very same story someone else loathed.

Their opinions have nothing to do with the story or the storyteller.

Protect the work. Protect your creativity.

Move on to the next project with the very same aim—to delight ‘someone’. That’s what long term professionals do.