  Noticing Newbies
This week: Reviewing, Rewriting & Respect Edited by: Brooke  
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Reviewing, Rewriting and Respect
Don't be afraid to rewrite. I'm not saying take all your masterpieces and tear them up. You don't have to change your work according to each review you get. I'll be the first one to tell you to write for yourself. However, if you get several reviews with the same suggestions, that definitely merits some thought. A clearer name for what I'm really speaking of is updating. How many of you have written a story months or even years ago? How much have you learned over the past year? More than you probably even realize. You'll be surprised when you read through some of your older work how much you've improved and the mistakes you will catch in your own writing.
You may even find out some of those reviewers weren't so far off, were they?
Speaking of reviewers, have you ever received a review that didn't exactly have the best suggestions? How about gave you a rating that was a little less than perfect? I think it's safe to say we all have. Remember though, this is a public, amateur writing site folks. The majority of people writing here reading your work are not professionals. If you put your work out there for critique, be prepared for the responses. Reviews are opinions and everyone is entitled to their opinion. Opinions vary though and so do reviewing styles. One person's 5.0 can be another person's 4.0 and likewise sometimes even a 3.5 so keep that in mind and don't take it personally. When you get a review you don't agree with, take a step back and take a deep breath before responding. Think about it before you write something that might be considered rude by the reviewer. Remember, a good well-rounded review consists of pointing out good points about your writing AND offering suggestions for improvement. If you don't want ratings, simply choose the "no ratings just reviews option" available when you create your item. Either way, remember to be respectful of your reviewers. They took the time to read your work so technically they are your audience. Just because you don't agree with their suggestions doesn't mean you shouldn't treat them with respect.
Here is a link to information to help you determine if you are getting reviews that you consider disrespectful.
"How To Deal With Negative Comments" by Writing.Com Support 
In a wonderful article I read by Ashley Lister, he listed his three do's and don't of acting professional when receiving criticism.
 Consider every suggestion.
Even if it sounds ridiculous at first, it could open up another train of thought or help to expand, develop or strengthen an existing area within your writing. If it still doesn't work for your ultimate vision of what you were trying to produce you will be able to offer valid reasons for discounting the suggestion.
Thank the critic.
Even if the ideas are outrageously inappropriate, (i.e. "There aren't enough spaceships in this story about Jane Austen!") it doesn't hurt to thank a critic for taking the time and effort to consider your work and offer their opinion.
Don't be defensive.
Criticism is nothing more than opinions. If a critic is suggesting revisions, this doesn't mean that they're dismissing what they've read as a waste of paper. It only means they have seen ways that the writer could improve from their observations.
I completely agree with his closing statement and find it bears repeating.
"For most of us, the ideal reader response would be outright and unashamed enthusiasm. But, in reality, a considered opinion that states flaws and strengths, and suggests a way to make improvements, is far more beneficial."
Hope you enjoyed this article. If you would like to share your thoughts, please send me a note using the box at the bottom of this newsletter.
Write and Review on! ~ Brooke
[Related Links] 
"Invalid Item" [] by A Guest Visitor
"Public Review: Tool or Weapon" [E] by Vivian
"Reviewing" [E] by Jeff 
"Responding to Reviews" [13+] by tcprescott 
"Are you giving quality reviews?" [E] by Brooke
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Here are some talented new member's items that caught my eye. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 
Excerpt:
There is nothing quite as wondrous as a day off. Except perhaps for the sort of day off when you vow to do nothing more than lay about in a form of catatonic lavishness. Thursday was just such a day.
~  ~
Excerpt:
What does any of this tell you? According, to me it should relieve you of the pain of ignorance. Now, I will not say that all of my readers are ignorant, because everyone certainly is not, but to those that are I sure hope that something can click inside that brain of yours so that you understand...
~ ~
Excerpt:
Every day I threw on a plain t-shirt and jeans, in an attempt to remain un-noticed. Maybe If I hide in these clothes, no one will notice my lack of curves and sense of insecurity. If I plaster on a hollister logo, every one will notice I am not atheletic, feminine or curvaceous; even worse, everyone will notice I am not white.
~ ~
Excerpt:
My eyes are tired from a long day. The lights are starting to blur, giving the appearance of fairies floating around, bidding me to sleep. Warm colors always give me an enclosed, comforting feeling; like a sleeping bag on a crisp autumn night.
~ ~
Excerpt:
She was nervous too, anxious beyond belief. What if this was the wrong thing to do? What if I'm no good? What if I get laughed at? Can I really go through with it? So many thoughts infiltrating her mind. It was all so tantalizing and intimidating at the same time.
~ ~
Excerpt:
Mr. Rathbone felt nothing but disgust for his poor neighbors. He had storehouses full of food and drink, and money to order any delicacy he desired from faraway places. He had never felt the pangs of hunger, and he had the plump belly to prove it. One afternoon Mr. Rathbone was returning from a meeting with the Governor. The Governor had not much money himself, and was desperate for a way to help the people of the Shire.
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Excerpt:
The snow swirled in thick torrents, falling out of the dark night sky. The headlights of the Big Mac truck were almost useless unless their only purpose was to illuminate the pretty snowflakes. The storm had started without warning that night and increased quickly in ferocity.
~ ~
Excerpt:
Many professional, extensively published authors rate as only average in my mind. Another person might find the same author's plot and execution compelling, the characters memorable. That's what readers are for, and that's all I'm offering when I review a piece - one person's opinion. I'm not a professional author, but I know how I feel when I read.
~ ~
Excerpt:
They sought an end to to the cimmerian gloom.
Two comrades in crime,
None aware of the impending doom,
Just shivering slightly due to the humid clime.
~ ~
Excerpt:
No words are spoken,
I can't even find my mouth.
Snow falls around me,
But it never touches me.
I'm stuck inside of a world,
A world that doesn't exist.
~ ~
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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I'd like to share the feedback I received on my last newsletter [#4645] "Secret Identities" .
From BIG BAD WOLF is Merry  sent with "Scooby-Doo Sequel"
Some secrets must remain hidden.
From 31245bob
Speaking of secret identities. I once had a troubling experience in the business world. I had no idea how deeply affected I was by the incedent when I took up for a person who was for the most part defenseless. Later in a story I wrote my main character acted out my buried thoughts on the issue.
Rob Emery
From Oldwarrior 
Great Newsletter! Keep it up!
From: Dr. Dnomyar
I found it hard to understand your point.
 And also recent feedback from newsletter [#4549] "The Five Rules"
From: douglaswcooper
I appreciated this article. Good advice.
And additional recent feedback from newsletter [#4498] "The Daily Grind of Writing"
From: Pat Fuentes Perez
Thank you Brooke for sharing so much in the writing world... for introducing to us lesser known authors but of equal brilliance likeWarren Illis and Alice Hoffman. I'll go back exploring your other newsletters: there's so much to pick along the way :)
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Noticing Newbies: November 02, 2011 Issue [#4689]
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