Nice Things People Say when They Don't Like Your Writing
Good? That's it? That. Was. Good? Nothing else?
Well, having received my share of noncommittal feedback has led me to a number of conclusions. But the most important one is this: people who like you and don't like your writing aren't going to say anything that will hurt your feelings. Instead, they'll hide how they really feel. What this means is that you need a translator to convert what they say into what they really mean. Most of these responses are to the question - "So, what did you think?"
What they say: That was an interesting story.
What they really mean: This story piqued my interest. It's too bad that you wrote it. Maybe you should try submitting the story idea to a real writer.
What they say: I really liked the characters.
What they really mean: Man, this story stunk. What's something positive I can say, without lying?
What they say: I liked it. Maybe you should do this [insert whatever suggestion they have].
What they really mean: Man, this story really stunk.
What they say: How did you come up with this story?
What they really mean: Why did you make me waste three hours of my life reading this?
What they say: There's some real intelligence behind your writing.
What they really mean: Yeah, just like the guy who wrote my chemistry text book.
What they say: There were some typos and spelling errors. But overall it was good.
What they really mean: I was so bored; I had to count errors just to keep myself occupied.
What they say: I liked the part where [insert whatever part they liked].
What they really mean: Out of the 200 pages you gave me to read, I liked one page.
What they say: I'm not really qualified to judge writing.
What they really mean: Please don't make me lie to you and tell you I like this.
What they say: Wow! That reminds me of [some other story].
What they really mean: You're not really going to try to publish this unoriginal drivel, are you?
What they say: That's really original.
What they really mean: God, this thing is so bad, I can't even think of something positive to say.
What they say: I really enjoyed it.
What they really mean: Yeah, I really enjoyed it when I could put it down.
What they say: I loved your character names.
What they really mean: There, now don't ask me again about your stupid story. I gave you a compliment.
What they say: You have a good imagination.
What they mean: You must have a good one to think that anyone is going to buy this piece of crap.
What they say: So why'd you name it that?
What they mean: Get him talking, and maybe he'll forget that I didn't answer his question about whether I liked it.
A closely related statement is...
What they say: That's a good title.
What they really mean: Maybe you can use it on something else.
What they say: Is this your first draft?
What they really mean: This thing was so rough you could sand plywood with it.
What they say: I loved it.
What they mean: I never said what 'it' was, now did I?
What they say: I think all it needs is a polish, and it's ready to go.
What they really mean: I think all it needs is a polish, and it's ready to go... in the trash can.
What they say: I think you wrote this above my level.
What they really mean: Hey, that actually sounds like a real compliment.
What they say: What kind of paper is this?
What they really mean: This is the absolute worse piece of garbage I have ever read. I cannot believe you killed this many trees printing out this pointless, worthless story.
And of course, my all-time favorite: That was good, which to me translates into - it's not the most horrible thing I've ever read, but it's close.
Published by Will Wright
I'm a film industry veteran with over a hundred professional credits. View profile
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54 Comments
Post a Commenthaha This is true a lot of the time. The other day, I showed friends a story I wrote. They all said it was good. I read it again and found errors. No one told me that I used the wrong name for a character. First, the character's name was Eric and in one instance, I typed Erin accidentally. I then change Eric to Emrick with the word replacement function, so Erin wasn't changed. It's glaringly obvious and it stands out like an eyesore. No one pointed it out until another friend did hours later. She needs to be my editor. lol
From reading this, I think I can actually figure out what people are saying! I loved your article and nearly fell over laughing at the "so rough you could sand plywood with it" part!
I write book reviews sometimes and I try to stay away from generic comments. I've never found a book, even a bestseller, that everyone likes. So value is (to some degree) in the eyes of the reader. Some things simply don't appeal to some readers. In fact, I just finished a book which I really liked but a certain number of reviewers did not. Writers who are in certain genres have a particularly hard time. Romance writers, for instance. I've never been drawn to the kind of romance novels that show bare-chested guys holding swooning women in their arms, those stereotypical formulaic works...but some people love them.
Honest and humorous, this article uncovers the hidden meaning of many compliments. Thanks for helping us read between the lines. Well said, Will.
Will, this article was... good.
I have to say that too a certain extent, I can agree with what you claimed here. At the same time, I am aware that I have offered some similiar phrases and meant them in the way they are stated. I also tend to read so much on any given day that towards the end saying something constructively critical without having it sound like a slight placation becomes difficult. Many people that do not write are not necessarily familiar with terms of critique. I am as you can see one of those people.
You are such a cute writer, I also had to laugh out loud! Come on now, seriously, I think the comments were fair and honest from your friends, you are just poking fun at yourself!
Remember, your friends are probibly NOT writers, whether or not they loved your stories, they probibly would have said the exact same thing!
I've actually said quite a few of these and meant the exact phrase. It does make me wonder, though, what other people have meant when they've said those phrases....
Wow this gives new meaning to some of the things you mentioned that I have heard before about some of my writing. The reality is not everyone is going to like your writing and most of the things you do. You just have to take the criticism with a grain of salt and move forward.
My family and friends are either more crafty in their suppport duties or they just plain and simple like my work. But I did intensly go through your list looking for validation that I am being snowed out of love. I'm glad to know I don't make the list but I'm always on the look out which may have something to do with me more than them. He he he :) Fun article I enjoyed it! :)