Summary
The text advises writers to persevere despite negative feedback from "trolls," using their criticism constructively to understand personal insecurities and improve their work.
Abstract
The concept of a "troll" in the writing community is akin to a heckler in an audience, someone who aims to disrupt and detract from a writer's efforts. These individuals often have their own issues and tend to project them onto the work of others, making their negative comments seem personal. However, the text suggests that writers should not internalize this negativity but instead focus on their unique voice and continue to produce work. It emphasizes the importance of using trolls' feedback to gain insight into one's own emotional responses and to grow from the experience. The author encourages writers to remain curious about their feelings, address them, and even consider the troll's role as a catalyst for self-improvement, albeit without necessarily expressing gratitude. The text concludes by referencing a recommended article by KP_the_writer on handling trolls and reaffirms the value of a writer's truth and the love and support they receive from their audience.
Opinions
- Trolls are seen as individuals with personal issues who project their insecurities onto others' work.
- Writers should not take trolls' comments personally but rather view them as part of the business of writing.
- Engaging with trolls can inadvertently lead to projecting one's own insecurities, making the situation more personal than it needs to be.
- The recommended approach is to maintain one's authenticity and continue writing, using any negative feedback as a tool for self-reflection and growth.
- It is suggested that writers can learn from trolls by getting curious about their own emotional reactions to the criticism.
- The author's friend, KP_the_writer, has written a piece that aligns with these views and is recommended for further reading.
- The overall message is one of resilience, encouraging writers to persist in their craft and to recognize the love and need for their unique perspective in the world.
