by Anne R. Allen
A “creativity wound” is the psychological injury we feel when someone we trust says harsh, negative things about our creative work.
Executive director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) Grant Faulkner explains it like this: “We put our souls, the meaning of our lives, into the things we create, whether they are large or small works, and when the world rebuffs us, or is outright hostile, the pain is such that it might as well be a flesh wound. In fact, it sometimes might be better to have a flesh wound.”
Falkner says his own wound was inflicted when he attended a workshop led by a famous author he much admired. Instead of teaching, the famous author ridiculed his work — and even wrote obscenities in the margins of his manuscript.
Obviously, this was thoroughly reprehensible behavior from the famous author. There is never an excuse for sadism in teaching.
That author’s cruelty wounded Faulkner so deeply he stopped writing. He kept letting her lacerating words run through his brain over and over as he wallowed in his pain for a long time.
If you relate to this, you may have a creativity wound yourself. You don’t need to be a newbie to acquire one. Writers at any stage in their careers can be blocked by savage feedback from a trusted colleague.
I was wounded myself just last year when a protégé I asked to beta-read started sending me poison pen emails criticizing everything about my work and my personality. It took me a couple of months to get back to my WIP — and realize the poor woman had a creativity wound herself.
And for some of you, barreling through writing an entire novel in 30 days can help overcome that wound. It certainly worked for Mr. Faulkner. That kind of fast writing can force you to ignore the wound and push through the mental barriers you’ve created to protect yourself. But it’s not for everybody.
Are You One of the Walking Wounded?
Many writers don’t realize they’re nursing a creativity wound. Maybe they weren’t overtly savaged like Faulkner. Some wounds can also come from little cuts inflicted over time.
You may not realize the wound is unhealed and festering in your subconscious. Maybe you simply feel blocked, or unable to maintain interest in your WIP when it gets to a certain point.
Or maybe you finish your creative writing projects, but never send them out or get feedback.
A lot of wounded writers get all the way to finishing a book and self-publishing it. But they never learn how to get that book into the hands of readers. They self-publish to avoid the inevitable rejections that come with hunting for a publisher — but do no marketing. The book sits on their unfinished Amazon author page, unnoticed and unread.
Or worse, they allow themselves to be scammed by a bogus publisher rather than find out how the real, professional publishing world works. The book gets printed — but not actually published – by some fly-by-night huckster, and the author has 800 copies, full of typos, molding in the garage.
These are mind games writers play: they can say they didn’t fail because they didn’t try. This is the subconscious protecting itself from suffering another creativity wound.
Finding The Source of Your Creativity Wound
It helps to dig into your subconscious to remember the exact thing that wounded you. Yes, it hurts, and it will bring up old, unhealed pain.
But the only way to heal that wound is to bring it out into the oxygen.
First you need to know the source of your wound. Considering the source is always a good plan when you get a nasty, unhelpful critique.
People have many reasons for cruelty, and they’re almost never generated by the victim. I’m sure the writer who savaged Faulkner had something traumatic going on in her life that had nothing to do with him. But during the workshop, something triggered her rage, which came out as pointless cruelty.
On the other hand, lots of writers have survived nasty critiques. While the experience is unpleasant, it doesn’t leave a permanent creativity wound in most people. This is often because the writers do indeed consider the source and realize that the nastiness was all about the person giving the critique and not about their work.
Or the writer may realize the critiquer has rotten taste and she wouldn’t want to be on his list of favorites anyway. 😊
The Question of Talent
No matter what the source, harsh criticism can make you feel “untalented.” But it’s important to remember that “talent” is not the most important quality a professional writer needs. There are many that are more important, which I discuss in my post 8 Qualities that are More Important than Talent for Writing Success.
These aren’t “talents” you’re born with. They are skills you have to learn. I think what successful writers share is passion. If you have a passion for writing, you will develop the skills that people call “talent.”
Here are some of those skills:
- Commitment and Patience
- Empathy and Listening Skills
- The Desire to Learn
- The Ability to be Alone
- Understanding the Marketplace
- Passion
- Gratitude
- Persistence
Beware of Passing on Your Creativity Wound
I often recommend critique groups for new writers. They’re a great way to learn the ropes of the publishing industry and get feedback from your peers. Beta-readers can provide valuable feedback too, when they understand the rules.
But beware! Sometimes critiquers pass their creativity wounds on the way my “beta-reader” did. They’ll try to inflict on other creatives the same kind of wounds they suffered.
It’s important to realize that wounded people — even when they’re professionals, like agents and teachers — can push personal agendas that have nothing to do with your writing and everything to do with their own psychological issues.
I once witnessed a sadistic critique of a young man’s story at a writer’s conference. It was a criticism of not only his writing, but his identity as a Mexican-American. He ran out of the room to hide his rage and grief. I had to pray he wasn’t susceptible to depression, because the group had engaged in a kind of dog-pile attack that could have damaged him for life.
I realized later the workshop leader had probably been savaged that way himself. He had been writing for years, but never had a novel published and his work appeared in only a few obscure literary journals. I’m sure all that rejection wounded him terribly.
But his cruel critiques weren’t helping new writers grow. They were simply passing along his own creativity wound.
People can’t learn from what feels like an attack. They’ll just shut down their creativity — maybe permanently.
NaNoWriMo Can Help Overcome a Creativity Wound, but it’s Not for Everybody.
Grant Faulkner is obviously a big cheerleader for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and it worked magic for him. It can give writers the push to propel them ahead on their writing path, in spite of obstacles and wounds. Finishing a whole novel can be as exhilarating as your first publication.
NaNo forces you to keep putting the words down, no matter what. It makes you ignore all those negative voices in your head saying “write what you know-keep in a single point of view-slaughter the adverbs-show don’t tell” and all the other half-truths that can keep you feeling paralyzed. Silencing them can make for real breakthroughs for a lot of writers.
If in the end you’ve written a whole novel, you are indeed a winner. 97% of people who try to write novels never finish them. If you’re in the 3%, that’s a personal success that can keep you going in spite of those wounds.
But it’s important to know that NaNo can have the opposite effect on some writers. It can make them feel like failures if they can’t write fast enough.
Studies show there’s a physiological explanation for the fact some people can’t engage in intense cerebral activity for long periods of time.
Researchers Paul W. Andrews, and J. Anderson Thomson Jr. showed there’s a link between the kind of deep thought needed to think through something complex, like plotting a novel, and the “rumination” that is a classic symptom of depression.
A person can get stuck in a dark part of the brain and can’t get out. So if you have tendency to depression or anxiety, and you are feeling your mood sinking during NaNoWriMo, take a breather.
How to Keep Critiques from Wounding You
I always say that critique groups and beta readers are great for feedback, but you can usually ignore their advice. See my post on 6 Ways a Critique Group Can Hurt Your Writing and 6 Ways They Can Help.
Instead, pay attention to what people react to and what doesn’t work for them. Their suggestions on how to fix the problems are usually wrong, but the important thing is they point out what parts need work.
And always remember that cruel or bullying remarks say more about the speaker than the victim. Don’t let the speaker’s wounds get passed on to you. Get more feedback from a different source. Even though that speaker never overcame their creativity wound, you can.
by Anne R. Allen (@annerallen) October 22, 2023
What about you, scriveners? Do you think you have a creativity wound? Did you once have one but it’s healed? Have you ever had someone try to pass on their wound to you? Have you tried NaNoWriMo? Did you “win”? Did it help you overcome writing blocks?
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featured image: The Wounded Cavalier by William Shakespeare Burton (1855) photo by Alex David Baldi
Hi Anne,
I’ve certainly seen my share of fabulously talented, wounded writers. It’s fascinating that some of the strongest appearing people can be completely debilitated by one negative comment or rejection, while others who appear sensitive can keep going forever. Thanks for this post.
CS–Interesting observation. I wonder if those sensitive ones have had so much experience dealing with the negativity they can sense that they’ve developed a kind of personal armor. While the seemingly strong simply haven’t felt rejection before.
Good Sunday morning, Anne & Ruth. My creativity wounds date back to high school writing class where I was repeatedly impaled by a red pen. Somehow I grew cast iron scabs over the stabs and moved on.
Garry–“Impaled by a red pen.” You’ve put it perfectly. It can feel like being literally stabbed. But either we quit or we grow those scabs!
This is interesting thought fodder, thank you, Anne.
I wonder why creative people are so prone to be crippled by critic?
My biggest creativity wound doesn’t come from harsh critic but from desinterest by family and friends. Being called “weird” for reading and writing is not helpful. Thankfully, I at least had teachers who nurtured my writing during my formative years.
I “dealt” with my wound by hiding my writing for years. Lately, I’ve been clawing my way out of it – not least because of a new friend who shares my love for books and is wonderful to brainstorm with. We already have plans for a modified NaNoWriMo!
Tina–I think creative activity always leave us vulnerable. That’s our whole, raw selves presented for anybody to see. Having family that don’t support us is more common than you think. Partly they’re afraid for us, and partly they find our need to create embarrassing. They’ve probably stifled their own creativity. Here’s a piece I wrote on that last year. https://selfpublishingsites.com/2021/07/unsupportive-friends-and-family/.
How great that you’ve found a writer friend for mutual support. We all need the support of other writers.
I didn’t know creativity wounds were a real physiological thing, but I know I have a few. Mine started as a little girl. I think it’s a large driver behind me doubting my ideas, feeling like they aren’t any good enough, and putting to much pressure on myself. It makes me freeze and it’s battle to flesh out an idea let alone draft it.
On a positive note, I am slowly leaning in and working through them. It’s not easy. Its taken a lot to ask myself if I like the idea and the story first? I’m getting closer and yesterday was brainstorming an idea I think is fun just because.
Tonya–Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity, and it sounds as if you come from a perfectionist background. I sure did. Both my parents were perfectionists with PhDs and they frowned on literature that didn’t fit into the canon of “great books.” Hard to overcome, but it sounds as if you’re doing it. “Just because” is the best reason to create art.
Earlier this week I was asking myself well what if I get criticized or made fun of? I was like “wait, I’ve already faced that and am still here. Plus, someone is bound not to like my writing no matter what it is. So why not keep going.”
Tonya–Yes. You’re still here. And so are all the other writers who got criticized and made fun of. It’s a great exercise to go read the bad reviews of classic books. Somebody is bound to hate everything, whether it’s written by Shakespeare or Stephen King or Taylor Swift. The point is to write for the people who do like it. One of my favorite phrases is “you’re not my audience.” If somebody isn’t your audience, who cares what they say?
Sometimes you’ll see that ugliness in a review and often from another author.
I am a very slow writer but I managed to finish my first NaNo and just missed the second. It is a really great way to just power through and do it.
Alex–Those reviews are so hurtful, aren’t they? Usually from some blocked writer who faults an author for something writers are taught in workshops or something discussed in a writing forum that a non-writing reader wouldn’t notice or care about. I got one review that said I’d obviously never been to a writing conference because the one I described was different from her experience. Well, use that experience to write a successful book instead of trashing other writers, dear.
Congrats on finishing NaNo!
Anne—Negative comments, lousy reviews, nasty remarks come with the turf. Best response ever was by a friend who received a letter with epically vicious comments about his work from one Mrs. Meyers. His response? He Xeroxed the letter and used it to issue party invitations. For quite a few years, we enjoyed an annual “Mrs. Meyers party.”
Ruth–I love it!! Making lemonade is always the best response when people throw lemons at you. Especially if they’re Meyer lemons. 🙂
Anne, thanks for this. Unfortunately George Bernard Shaw’s old saying about “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach” applies to some writing instructors. They may be failed authors who take out their frustration on others. Sometimes good writers in class get savaged b/c the teacher is jealous and fears competition. Sad but inexcusably cruel.
I hope writers who doubt themselves read your excellent post and take it to heart. Stabs still hurt but they can’t stop you if you don’t let them.
Debbie–You’re right. The writing teacher I satirize in in Ghostwriters in the Sky was a failed writer who had never published more than a few short stories. He was bitter and cruel. But ultimately just pathetic. If we can see past the cruelty to the sad little creature inside, it helps to dismiss the nasty remarks.
Thank you for my first impression on peer critique being a positive and constructive one. (Was that grammatically correct?! lol) Love your blogs!
Ellen–Critique groups can be supportive and energizing. We just have to find the right fit. I’m glad you like your group. 🙂
Bill Stafford, a great American poet, was confronted in a workshop I was at by a young writer who wanted “tough feedback”. Bill commented on what worked – no negatives. The young person insisted and Bill suggested he send them to another famous poet who would red pen them, “and you won’t write for seven years.” Pushing, the young writer said “What do you do with your poems you don’t like?” The answer was “Put them in the attic. What do you do with yours?” Response: “Put them in the trash can.” Bill’s response to that: “Oh, why don’t you send them to me instead. I’ll love them for you.” I’ve never forgotten that moment because it healed in me what this blog is calling a creativity wound – thanks for a good name and comments.
Lola–What an inspiring story! It’s true that positive feedback always works better than negative. There’s always something positive to say about a creative work, even if it’s “you wrote a whole poem!” Then you can gently suggest that rhyming “moon” with “June” has been done before and maybe something more innovative would be better. People who think “tough feedback” is a good idea are usually the people who think they deserve lavish praise. Good for Bill Stafford to avoid falling into that guy’s trap.
The question raised brings us back to the quote proposed by Philippe Néricault, from his stage name Destouches, who confesses that “criticism is easy, but art is difficult”, to which Beaumarchais replies that “without freedom to blame, there is no flattering praise”. The wound, of course, can be deep if the words are deliberately acerbic, whatever the reason, and the best ointment applied does not prevent it from scarring.
Patrice–Wonderful to see my favorite translator here! I just found the lovely French translation of The Gatsby Game (Le Jeu du Gatsby) in my mailbox. Thank you! “Criticism is easy but art is difficult” is so true. Anybody can say “that’s terrible art”. But can they create something better? The nastiest critics are usually the ones who can only tear down, but they can’t build. And it’s true: all artists have scars.
I loved this exchange but disagree with the premise that criticism is easy. Grump criticism calls for thick skin. Great criticism challenges the artist to understand other points of view about the work. Since I’m quoting Bill Stanford in this conversation: “A good critic finds layers in my poetry I didn’t know were there.” I just received great criticism on a short story that will inform the next draft of the trilogy set in the same world.
Iola–I think Patrice is talking about what you call “Grump criticism” (Great expression) not thoughtful critique. He is a native French speaker, and the word may have different nuances in French. But you’re right that great literary criticism is an art too.