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Hey there, lovely people!
Jillian here, and today I want to chat with you about something every writer has to face at some point: negative criticism. Now, let's be honest; no one likes to hear that their writing isn't up to par or that it didn't resonate with someone. But here's the thing, my friends, negative criticism doesn't have to be the end of the world. In fact, it can be an opportunity for growth and improvement. So, grab a cup of tea, relax, and let's dive into how to handle negative criticism about your writing like a pro!
First things first, take a deep breath and remind yourself that criticism is not a personal attack. It's easy to feel hurt or defensive when someone points out flaws in your work, but remember that every writer faces criticism, even the most successful ones. So, take a step back, detach your emotions, and approach the feedback with an open mind. After all, this is your chance to learn and grow as a writer.
Now, let's talk about how to sift through the feedback. Not all criticism is created equal, my friends. Some comments may be constructive and valuable, while others might just be plain old negativity. Look for feedback that offers specific examples and suggestions for improvement. This kind of criticism is gold! It shows that the person took the time to engage with your work and wants to help you elevate it. Embrace these nuggets of wisdom and use them to polish your writing skills.
On the flip side, you'll also encounter criticism that isn't particularly helpful or insightful. It might be vague, unconstructive, or downright rude. When faced with this kind of feedback, don't let it get under your skin. Remember, everyone has different tastes, and not everyone will connect with your writing. It's okay! Take what you can from the comment, if anything, and move on. Don't waste your precious energy dwelling on negativity.
Another crucial aspect of handling negative criticism is finding a support system. Surround yourself with fellow writers or trusted friends who can provide honest and constructive feedback. These are the people who genuinely care about your growth and want to see you succeed. Sharing your work with them will not only help you get different perspectives but also provide a safe space to discuss and process any negative criticism you receive. When receiving negative criticism, it's important to avoid the knee-jerk reaction of defending your work or lashing out at the critic. Remember, this is a professional exchange, and maintaining a level-headed approach will serve you well. Take the time to reflect on the feedback and consider how it aligns with your goals as a writer. If it resonates with you and feels genuine, embrace it. If not, politely acknowledge the comment and move on.
Lastly, don't forget to keep writing! Negative criticism can shake your confidence, but don't let it derail your creative journey. Use it as fuel to become a better writer. Remember, even the most celebrated authors faced rejection and criticism along the way. It's a rite of passage! Keep honing your craft, experimenting with different styles, and, most importantly, enjoying the process.
So, my dear writing warriors, embrace negative criticism as a stepping stone towards growth. Learn from it, appreciate the gems, and discard the noise. Surround yourself with a supportive community, stay grounded, and keep pushing forward. Your writing journey is yours alone, and only you have the power to define your success.
Until next time, happy writing, and stay fierce!
Love, Jillian
A woman’s ascent from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing as a prominent advocate for the poor and helpless.
As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her newborn sister from dying of starvation.
From the slums of Calcutta to the executive floors of a global bank, A Voice out of Poverty offers an unflinching look at one woman’s journey from destitution to success.
Throughout, Haslam demonstrates an inexhaustible drive to rise above adversity and find beacons of positivity in impossible circumstances. But her rise doesn’t stop at the top; she returns to her roots again and again to extend a hand to those left in the impoverished communities that she so narrowly escaped.
British by ancestry and born in India after its independence, Haslam and her family suffered degradation and prejudice. They were forced to live on the streets, flee danger in the middle of the night, and face persistent abuse and starvation.
This treacherous environment is the backdrop of an unlikely story of resilience and an unshakable family bond. From squalor and powerlessness, Haslam finds countless moments of grace, community, gratitude, and love.
A Voice out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir that shows how beauty can be found in improbable places, and how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you.
Read an Excerpt
One day my mother took Vanessa and me to see Mr. Nazareth, a kindly family friend. Mr. Nazareth was a tall, dark, South Indian, Christian gentleman in his late forties, who my parents had met through a mutual acquaintance and in the past helped my father find work. Mr. Nazareth was blessed with a charitable heart. Poor himself, he was always smartly dressed, a habit from his father who had worked closely with the British Army during British rule. His family had worked for the British Army and he always wore perfectly pressed shirts and trousers and behaved like an absolute gentleman.
Seeing Mr. Nazareth was a high point for Vanessa and me. He never failed to have a bag of Muri Balls ready for us. Flavored with cardamom, ginger, and coconut, and the size of a golf ball, Muri Balls were made from puffed rice, honey, and jaggery—an unrefined sugar. They were super sweet and light and a huge treat. Each time we saw Mr. Nazareth he’d have a bunch for us wrapped in a paper packet called a thonga.
But my mother didn’t take us to him to indulge our sweet teeth. My mother sought his guidance regarding where and how we should live, which we desperately needed. He asked us to return two days later with my father.
We returned as requested and gathered with him into the crowded small living space in his two-room home. My parents perched on his two cane stools called moras and he, hands on his knees, sat upright on his sole dining chair. Vanessa and I sat on the floor and leaned against the wall, devouring the obligatory Muri Balls as fast as humanly possible.
“I’d like to make you a proposition,” he said. His tone was more formal than normal, like a CEO leading a discussion with staff. He paused to emphasize the moment and continued.
“I have spoken to a friend who would like to open a school for the poor in Dum Dum. The area is desperately short of such facilities, so many children in need.”
“I see,” said my father, with a tone of respect, “but why are you telling us?”
“I would like you, Roland, to be the principal and Margaret the teacher. I want you to teach the children to speak and learn English. But beyond that, I want to offer you all a place to live. You cannot go on like this.”
About the Author:
Jillian rose through the ranks, and Bank of America appointed her president of its Charity and Diversity Network in India, where she spearheaded charitable work in four different cities. This led her to receive three philanthropic awards from Bank of America: the Star Recognition award, the Service Excellence award, and The Individual Achievement award.
In 2011, she published the first version of her memoir, Indian. English, which chronicles her life growing up amid dreadful poverty, abuse, and tragedy. The book sold over 150,000 copies, mostly while she was on the speaking circuit. Her story also incited interest from Hollywood and British film directors and producers, leading to the development of a feature film.
Charitable giving became Jillian’s life work. In 2012, she received the first runner up award for The Asian Woman of the Year in the “Social and Humanitarian” category. In early 2015, The Telegraph of Calcutta presented Jillian with the True Legend award for her exceptional contribution to social and humanitarian causes. In mid-2015, she was recognized as a finalist for the Role Model of the Year award for her work delivering speeches in educational institutes across the UK. In late 2016, she received an award for Excellence in Humanitarianism. And, in 2017, she received her greatest accolade, the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award.
Jillian became a speaker in demand and is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). She has delivered several TEDx talks, among other prestigious speaking engagements, on various topics that flow from her life story. Jillian speaks on topics that include entrepreneurialism, the power of the mind, and human resilience.
She has also been featured on various TV networks, including Channel 5 and the BBC, and a wide range of print media, including The Independent, The Pioneer, The Times, The Telegraph, The Metro, Gulf News, and other major media outlets. Jillian’s charitable work continues under the auspices of the Remedia Trust where she oversees several separate charities: Ageing Smiles (for the elderly poor), Happy Hearts (for children), Empowering Girls (for teaching various workable skills), India’s Disabled (for building a mobile medical unit), E3 Growth (focused on education, employment, and employability), and the Mother Teresa Project (for women and single mothers).
Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.
http://www.jillianhaslam.com
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https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875
https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Out-Poverty-Achieve-Adversity-ebook/dp/B0BX48B964
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-voice-out-of-poverty-jillian-haslam/1141332496
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