How should writers handle criticism?

There is everything wrong with your book, from the title to every line, someone had said to Pever Martins Paul X, a budding writer. “That was in those days when I was seeking validation from friends who cared to know I was a writer. The same book he said was wrong in every way would […]

There is everything wrong with your book, from the title to every line, someone had said to Pever Martins Paul X, a budding writer. “That was in those days when I was seeking validation from friends who cared to know I was a writer. The same book he said was wrong in every way would later be the first runner up in the 2013 ANA Prize for Prose Fiction and one of the 10 manuscripts selected to be published under the Nigerian Writers Series project by Parresia Publishers Ltd,” Paul says.
IkhideIkheloa, a book critic who describes himself as ‘a consumer of ideas,’ spends quality time reading and subsequently commenting extensively on books he has read. The many follow-up comments he gets on his blog and on other platforms, reveal the level of displeasure from some fans of authors and the authors themselves. This clearly shows that there is a fragile line between objectivity and ego battering in a review. This leads to the question – should reviews seek to help or destroy writers? Should objectivity be sacrificed to placate an author whose work is probably ‘not fit for publishing?’
Again Paul’s experience perfectly illustrates the effect words can have on a writer’s work.
“A lot of writers share the same fate with me. We often get these kinds of unmerited remarks about our books from so-called critics. Don’t get me wrong, some critics really know what they are about. But honestly, some are mediocre who could just end a writer’s career with vile criticism even before it begins. When I was told everything was wrong with my ‘Cat Eyes’ manuscript, I dropped it and never touched it for a month or so. I almost burnt it. I could be that crazy. Then Mrs Bennie Surma¬, a cousin, asked to see the manuscript. She had very nice things to say about it afterward. I was emboldened at this instance. I let someone else see it again and got another positive response. I shook off the gloom at this point and went all out seeking a father – publisher – for ‘Cat Eyes,’ Paul says. 
“So over time I have developed a thick skin to vile criticism. I tend to over-look them no matter how much I get pricked. It’s what every writer should learn to do. It’s very simple to overcome criticism. Writers must first understand that, criticism is a part of the writing profession. If you are writing then expect that your works will be criticised. Writers should write for the fun of it. They should write to enjoy themselves. So, if I am enjoying something I am doing and someone comes to say a few odd things about it, who is upset? Not me,”the budding writer adds.
“I understand that artistic minds are crammed full of egos, but writers need to let go of those bloated opinions about themselves and their works. This way they can take criticisms, sieve through them and throw out the chaff,”Paul notes.
It is not uncommon in this internet age to stumble on a website or a blog and come face-to-face with a book review. For some bloggers like Oyebanji Ayodele, reviewing books is an attempt to start discussion:
“Immediately I get a book, I set out to pick things that have been shielded. You read a book like ‘Americanah,’(by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) notice how she deals with matters of race and bring them out. The moment I am able to do that I get a certain fulfilment when people respond. The response is what makes it valuable, when people support or oppose it. However, there are times when you can actually be wrong. Again, some views on your review could be sentimental and I decide whether to respond or not.”
Another blogger, Joseph Omotayo explains that he is careful about what he says when doing a review: “I try to be objective. If I don’t enjoy a book I say it a hundred percent, but if it’s a bad book I simply avoid reviewing it.”    
Like the experience of Paul, it appears friends are the first line of critics for budding authors. Richard Ali is the author of ‘City of Memories,’ a story described by a reviewer as one that mirrors how religion has become a weapon for people with a lust for contemporary relevance and political power.
“Mine was a rather strange situation as, when I started writing, just about everyone liked my writing and so adverse criticismswere few. Most of the feedback was from my friends. This highlights the problem of the quality of criticism. Positive criticism from people who are not bringing to bear a high artistic taste or standard is just as dangerous to the budding writer as is negative criticism from the same source. These are two important things,” Ali observes.
“The competence of the critic is also important. Now, in critiquing, the critic should give a basis for his opinions, whether adverse or in favour of the work. When this is done, the writer then has an idea what to do with his work, if it needs to be made better or let alone. Criticism without a basis is valueless and is best ignored. But, criticism of some artistic standing, competently done, is the most helpful thing,” he adds.
“The attitude of the writer is also important. The first thing is no one will ever understand your work as you do. Secondly, others can understand your work in ways you never imagined. Thus, all criticism should be welcome, but only competent criticism from competent critics should lead to a changing of some quality or the other in ones work,” Ali concludes.