Writer Abuse

by Louise Risch
4th April 2013

Hey!

Have any of you ever had a friend or a work mate who also writes, and knowing that you like to write, they like to make you feel as if you can't write at all and like to act as if they are something better than you?

I don't know what to do because this person is really effecting my writing and I feel too self conscious now to write at all because she always tries to make me feel as if I have no talent.... :( Any advice on how to deal with such a person?

Thanks! :)

Replies

My ex was exactly the same. You'll never come to nothing. Stop wasting time.

At the age of 40 I had my first art exhibition. I never done art my life before. I sold £4000 worth of art on the opening night.

Your friend is entitled to their opinion but maybe you should tell them to stick their opinion up their arse When it becomes offensive.

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damien
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damien Isaak
04/04/2013

It is not advisable to show your work to family, friends, or workmates unless they are qualified to offer an honest assessment of your work. If you after a constructive critique you could share your work here, or try another online community.

It is very unfair for your so-called workmate or friend to be overly critical of your work. I would not show them any more of your work. Even better, tell them you have stopped writing. That should stop them acting superior and doing their best to destroy your morale.

If that fails I suggest you use a different medium to get through to them, like a clenched fist.

I hope that helps.

Good luck.

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Adrian Sroka
04/04/2013

It might be because I'm a man, but when that happens to me, I ask for their qualifications to judge my work and if they're not qualified i.e. an established writer, editor, lit agent etc, I tell them to bugger off! (I toned that down a bit, but are they qualified I ask for tips on improvement)

You are as talented as you want to believe and don't let anyone tell you differently. You might not write in the sense that this person thinks is "true writing", but then again what is true or wrong writing?

I had a girlfriend who did everything in her power to kill my dream because in her mind I would leave her if I got success. She wanted me to get a 9-5 job and be content. It nearly killed me. You don't need people like that and if you still want to hang out with this person, tell him/her to respect you and your talents

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04/04/2013