Sure, it’s a famous line, but it is wrong. Truth: you can handle it. Take deep breaths, set a timer for some self-love and then let the kernel of the truth stew. Buried within the tough love are useful gems that will make your work better. Writers (and all creatives) must suffer slings and arrows directed at the core of their efforts. Fledgling artists may turn away from their passion after the first critical remark. Please don’t. You are meant to do that thing you are so driven toward. Join us on the treacherous path to the stunning views. We can all hold virtual hands. The truth is, every perceived setback serves us well.
I’ve had to sit with some biting criticism at a recent writers’ conference. Encouraging comments, even glowing feedback, were tangled up in some tough-to-swallow truths. After the initial gut punch, I threw a pity party of one (timer set) then moved on. Today I am encouraged and energized. Why? Because within that dark spot there is a beacon of truth that illuminates my path to a better way. It has nothing to do with ego and everything to do with accepting a new view, like it or not. And that’s the truth.
Patty Mayeux Blog 
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