i cant take criticism..

[Mystic]

so like.. i have been working on a story for 15 years now, i am eventually going to make it into a graphic novel, but it is still in pieces but i am slowly putting it together. i was talking to my friend about my story because she loves books and likes writing, so i was asking for her opinion on a plot idea i had. she didn't like the idea and i was fine with that but then she told me something that made me defensive, she told me that i needed to take writing classes if i wanted to make anything good. she told me that unless i was just was writing it for my self then i needed to take writing classes other wise in her opinion i couldn't write anything worth while. i found that very offensive and all it did was make me want to write my story with out writing classes just to show her she was wrong. i know that taking some classes would just help but the fact that she told me i had no chance of writing anything worth while if i didn't take them was annoying to me... what are your thoughts? i know taking a class would only help but i think she is being a little snotty with the idea that no one can write a good story with out training. i guess all in all... she made me feel like i am to stupid to write a story... grrr...wah wah wah..

[GemmasMom]

That's what editors are for, LOL

[Flamestriker]

I don't think J K Rowling took creative writing classes. I'm sure she wrote the first HP book on a train. I also don't think creative writing classes were out in Tolkiens day either. I really think it is up to you what you want to do.

You could write several plot lines and pick your favourite as what they do in films

[Mystic]

thanks guys, you have both given me hope lol i thought the same about JK Rowling but apparently she actually has a degree in it.

[pinkneon]

Someone told me that once ... But I think if you can imagine it, you can write it!! I'm trynig to write a book about my life, and it's taking ages. I'm thinking I might do it more as a story so it's easier to write, but put the facts in if that makes sense?!

[Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters]

Just remember one thing hun, Charles Dickens never took any kind of creative writing class and barely had an education yet he is one of the greatest novelists of all time. Just remind your friend of that if she decides to try and be snobby again

Writing comes from the heart and imagination and true literature skill can't be taught it can only be helped along a little. If you read plenty of books over various genres and study the authors writing techniques yourself that is just as good (and recommended by many successful authors) so just don't listen to anyone with such closed minded views

[LokiWolf]

I'm writer myself and I'm currently working on some books, but I do take a writing class. I take a writing class, not because I feel I need help to be a writer, but because I like getting feedback from other writers on my works. My writing class is the kind where writers of all kinds get together and read their works, then we give feedback on how the writing can improve and we all help each other with query letters that will be sent to literary agents.

Don't let your friend get you down, it is obvious she doesn't understand the writing world. Many writers never take a writing class, let alone go to college or university for writing. While yes she is right that taking a writing class will help you, she is wrong to say without you will never be a published writer.

[Sandti]

All of the above but you do need to learn to be able to take criscism, its a way for personal growth and as much as you are writing for other people its better if you get an opinion from someone who isn't as closely tied to your work, but I'd ask someone else apart from that friend cos she doesn't sound supportive at all!

[Mystic]

thanks guys! you have all helped me feel better. i know that i need to work on how i take peoples criticism, i have always had a hard with it, but i do think i am getting better now that i am getting older. though some times its hard when it comes unexpectedly and from a close friend.

[Lucinda]

My Aunt didn't take any kind of writing class, yet she's a published author.

Just remember - some people are talented...talent can't be learned through a college class sounds like your friend is just trying to put you down.