I keep up with many poetry sites and pages to find new poets, read a variety of poetry, and keep up with what the audience likes. I come across such amazing poets and will take the extra time to share or leave a comment on something that catches my eye. Once in a while, a writer will specifically ask for feedback on their work, and usually I will give an honest but positive answer. My goal is to encourage someone to continue writing, not leave negative words to scare them, especially if they are just starting to share their work.

If you are a seasoned writer, you should already know how to deal with any kind of feedback on your writing. But if you are new, it is easy to get discourage when someone leaves harsh comments about your work. And believe me, there are many people out there without inhibitions and will speak their mind. Don’t let it stop you at all!

We are human and we all make mistakes. I have posted many poems where I didn’t catch a spelling or grammatical error even after reading it several times. Don’t beat yourself over it. If someone does catch it and points it out, admit the mistake and move on. It’s really not that serious. I’ve had PhD English Professors who sent emails and posted assignments with numerous errors. When I think about it now, I wonder if they suffer from dyslexia or some other disability that caused it. And we are not all equipped to have professional editors look over our work. We write with good intentions, but sometimes our tired eyes and minds are not willing to cooperate.

There are people out there who are ready to criticize your poems for being too short or too long. That is just a personal preference. I love micro-poems – when someone can relay a powerful thought in only a few words. I also love descriptive and narrative poems if there is an interesting story to tell. Don’t stop writing or change the way you write because a few people have opinions on length. It’s your poetry and you should write it the way you feel it works best. But don’t be afraid to try another format. If it’s not your cup of tea, then keep doing what feels comfortable.

Poets have the opportunity to write about anything they feel passionate about – religion, politics, human rights, etc. Don’t let critics deter you from the content of your poems. Everyone will have an opinion and they are entitled to it. I find it best not to continually argue with someone who disagrees with my point of view when I write about my faith or the causes I feel strongly about. My poems stem from my experiences and no one can take that away. I usually respond to any negative feedback in the most positive way, and avoid lengthy debates. You have to know when to stop, say thank you and walk away. Don’t let pride put you in a stressful situation with a critic. They are everywhere and are not going away.

By deciding to share your writing, you have to gain some thick skin. People are so easily offended these days for trivial things, and there are many who will use your writing as prey because they need some kind of stimulation in their lives. Don’t ever let it discourage you, because your words may bring light to someone in a dark place. If you touch just one life, then it should motivate you to keep going.

Written by: Donna J. Sanders

Donna is a freelance writer and blogger in West Palm Beach, FL. She is the author of Ataraxia – a poetry collection about the struggles we face, the state of the world and how to see beauty in the simplest things, and Cardboard Signs – poems to bring awareness about homelessness, mental illness, self-esteem and the injustices many face.

Find out more about her here:

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