The Invisible College

Lesson Sixteen: Dealing with Critics

Jun 4, 2017
A dive into how writers respond when their work is attacked. Writers compare criticism to boxing and recall sharp early backlash. Anecdotes show defensive retorts, personal hurt, and eventual acceptance. A famous tale of composure after a fall adds unexpected humor.
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INSIGHT

Criticism Is Part Of The Craft

  • Putting work into the world is like entering a boxing ring where you'll get hit by critics.
  • Expect misunderstanding and occasional viciousness as an inherent part of creating art.
ANECDOTE

Sitwell's Defiant Response

  • Edith Sitwell faced a
ADVICE

Accept Your Creative Necessity

  • John Betjeman and Philip Larkin describe how criticism can wound deeply because poems are intensely personal.
  • Accept vulnerability but recognise that you write the poetry you must, not what critics demand.
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