Do you ever see red when you hear things you don’t want to hear, not just talking about screenwriting criticism? Does a negative opinion of your hard work bring your mental health crashing down? If so, it’s time to embrace a new perspective: criticism is the sweet nectar that will elevate your script to the next level.
I used to wonder if screenwriting was for me because I didn’t always take criticism well. Nowadays, I’m much better at accepting feedback and letting it inform my next draft without tears. However, I still struggle with accepting praise.
My advice to myself—and to you—is to learn to love criticism. Your story will thank you for it later. And if you receive praise, accept it, but always be a little suspicious.
Let me show you how.
Screenwriting Doesn’t Discriminate
Screenwriting feedback often feels black and white. You either get praise or criticism. If feedback isn’t resounding praise, it feels like criticism, right? If something is “meh” or “just okay,” it might as well be rubbish. But that’s not the point. If your script is just “okay,” there’s room to improve.
Your story isn’t hitting the reader emotionally. The action scenes aren’t thrilling. The suspense isn’t gripping. The characters aren’t relatable or interesting enough. The pacing might be off. The dialogue could be dull.
If the feedback isn’t a resounding “hell yeah,” be excited. This feedback can guide your script to its fullest potential, making readers want to fist pump the air in celebration. Don’t take criticism personally; it’s not an attack. It’s intended to help you.
If you pay for feedback and all you hear is how awesome your script is, is that of any real value? You need criticism. You should thrive on it. You may not agree with all of it, but it can help you notice things you might have missed.
Perhaps the story makes sense to you, but to someone coming in cold, it may need clearer signposting to fully immerse them in your story world and characters.
Embracing Criticism: Your Key to Growth
Criticism is subjective. At Script Corner, when we read your script, you’re getting feedback from a human being, not a robot. My taste in films and stories will differ from the next reader or writer. While we strive to remove bias, personal preferences always play a role.
When you receive criticism:
- Listen and Reflect: Take a step back and reflect on the feedback. Try to see it from the reader’s perspective.
- Identify Patterns: If multiple readers point out the same issues, it’s likely an area that needs attention.
- Stay Positive: Use criticism as a tool for growth, not as a blow to your self-esteem.
- Experiment: Be open to trying new approaches based on the feedback. You can always revert if they don’t work.
Criticism is your friend in the journey to becoming a better screenwriter. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you to creating compelling, engaging scripts.
Conclusion
Remember, if you get a lower score than you hoped for, don’t be disheartened. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your script. High scores are great, but feedback—especially critical feedback—is what will truly help you improve.
At Script Corner, we believe in the power of constructive criticism. It’s not about tearing your work down; it’s about building it up to be the best it can be. So, learn to love criticism, and watch your screenwriting skills soar.