Receiving critique on your work can feel like stepping into a spotlight where everything about your writing is laid bare. As writers, we often develop a deep connection to our work, and sharing it can feel like revealing a piece of ourselves. I’ve felt this acutely during my final university modules, where my creative pieces are now open to feedback from my cohorts.
When it comes to critique, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the personal connection to the work with the objectivity needed to grow. During these modules, we’re all aiming to improve, and it’s a vulnerable space, knowing that the words you’ve crafted will be analysed and dissected. For me, there’s always that moment of anticipation before feedback is given—a blend of excitement and apprehension.
The Value of Critique in the Writing Process
What I’ve learned through this process is the importance of viewing critique as part of the journey. Feedback from cohorts, who are in the same creative space, can be invaluable. They see the work from a different angle, and often, they catch things I might not have noticed. It’s an opportunity to make the story stronger and more refined. Sometimes, what feels like a small, nitpicky note can open the door to a larger realisation about the structure or pacing of my story. And, of course, those bigger pieces of feedback—whether about character development, dialogue flow, or story coherence—push me to rethink and elevate my work.
The greatest growth comes from that place of discomfort where you realise that maybe the scene, the dialogue, or even a beloved character, isn’t quite working. Taking that step back, even when it’s painful, has led me to some of the most valuable revisions I’ve ever made.
Discernment: Constructive vs. Non-Constructive Critique
That said, not all feedback will resonate, and that’s where the real work begins—learning to discern between constructive and non-constructive critique. In the early days of my writing, I had the tendency to take all feedback as equally valuable, feeling pressured to address every note, whether or not it aligned with my vision. However, I’ve learned through experience that not all critique is helpful.
Constructive Critique
Constructive criticism is rooted in a genuine desire to help the work become its best version. It’s specific, actionable, and grounded in an understanding of the piece’s goals. A constructive critique might highlight areas of confusion, inconsistency, or missed opportunities, but it always comes with suggestions for improvement. Even if the suggestions aren’t used verbatim, they offer a direction for revision or a new way of thinking about the problem.
For instance, in my current script-writing module, one of my peers pointed out that my protagonist, Sam, could benefit from a stronger internal conflict to drive the external action. Their feedback was thoughtful, gave me something tangible to work on, and ultimately helped me dig deeper into Sam’s motivations.
Non-Constructive Critique
On the other hand, non-constructive feedback often lacks that nuance. It might come across as purely negative, without offering a way forward, or it may reflect personal taste rather than addressing the piece’s core issues. Comments like “I just didn’t like this” or “This character was boring” don’t give me anything to work with. It’s important to recognise that not every reader will connect with every story, and that’s okay. But as writers, we need to focus on what can make our work better, not get bogged down by opinions that aren’t rooted in craft.
The Balance Between Feedback and Staying True to Your Voice
I’ve come to see that discerning between constructive and non-constructive critique requires confidence in your own voice. That confidence isn’t always easy to find, especially when you’re still developing as a writer (and honestly, aren’t we always?). But over time, it becomes easier to filter out what’s useful and what’s simply noise. For me, this discernment has been crucial during these final modules. While it’s tempting to take every piece of feedback and try to mold my work into something that pleases everyone, I’ve realised that doing so can dilute the story’s original power.
In my current script-writing module, where action and dialogue take the forefront, hearing how others perceive my characters and plot choices has helped me sharpen my focus. It’s also reaffirmed my belief that writing is, at its core, a collaborative experience. Even though we may write in isolation, the end product is shaped by the input and insights of others.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Critique Process
As nerve-wracking as it can be, critique is a necessary part of the creative process—one that helps transform our work into something greater than we could achieve alone. And, in this final year of university, I’m learning that receiving and incorporating feedback is as crucial a skill as writing itself. As I continue to work on my projects, I’ll keep honing that balance—welcoming the critique that pushes my work forward while staying true to the voice that made me write the story in the first place.
Gareth Ellis - Author 