Criticism has a bad connotation to it, but it really doesn't have to be taken in a bad way. I will point it out using my own writing as an example.

Last night I posted the forth part of my Christmas story. I was quite eager to put it up, so I did a quick read through to try and catch all the errors that I could. Since we are so close to Christmas, I didn't give it to anyone to read and there was a glaring, I mean really bone headed of me mistake. I swapped one Character's name for another (I also had 2 minor errors in there as well).

I didn't catch it. In fact, I almost flew past it when I knew it was in there. Someone was kind enough to point out the fact that I had errors. Was this an attack? No. Was it insulting? No. Did I feel embarrassed and was my ego bruised? Of course. Was me being embarrassed because of something I did or because my flaw was pointed out? Probably both, because I would have never known I had a ditzy moment without being shown to it, but the mistakes were mine. Am I mad at the person who pointed out the mistakes to me? Absolutely not. I don't mention there names out of a courtesy, but they are more than welcome to raise their hand and chime in.

This is my point. Just because someone shows me my mistakes, doesn't mean they are attacking me. There is one thing to say, hey, I noticed a mistake, and quite another to say, you're the worst writer ever and you should never post a story again until you pass the first grade. One is an attack, the other is not.

I think that anyone who puts things out there for public consumption has a few duties and one of those is to put the best you can do out there. How do you do that on this site?

1. Proof read your stories. Yes, you probably won't catch everything and everyone has mental lapses, but in the very least, give it a once through and you'd be amazed at how much you catch. I actually do my read through while I am writing. I will get a paragraph in or a few lines of dialogue and then re-read what I wrote and usually I catch the bulk of my errors (but I am not infallible)

2. Take criticism with a grain of salt. Most of the time people don't point out your flaws because they want to put you down. When I take time to do it to others (which has gone over like a lead balloon), it is because I want to see them grow as a writer like I have grown. I can barely stand to read my earlier stuff and that's when everyone was telling me I told great stories.

3. Take praise well. Going back to my previous statement. Don't take people telling you that you are great as an excuse not to grow. At the same time, don't poo-poo the kind comments and put yourself down either (someone on Facebook knows who I am talking about).

4. Pace yourself. It is a trap every author gets into and I think I do to. Mainly because you can post instantly, you get into this rush "Oh I got to share this". That is what happened with my post last night, so don't think I am pointing any individual out. To be honest, did my story need to go up right after I hit save. No. And things slipped through my need to be manicured fingers. It also helps when you are posting something that has a large amount of multiple chapters (yes, I do realize that sometimes you think a story is going to be 4 post and then 1894 episodes later and MTV calling you about a possible reality based tv show, things can get away from you), it helps to keep to a schedule and maybe have a few chapters in your back pocket for those times when your muse isn't as hopped up on methamphetamines as it once was. Take my current novel. I was writing consistently 2000 words a day and now it is on the back burner. Why? Because after 2 months I grew weary. I can tell when this happens to me and also when it happens to other authors. You stop writing out of the joy of writing and start putting up whatever just because people are expecting it. Now I am into the Christmas story and it is a nice respite. Just repeat to yourself, I will not be forgotten if I don't post today. It has been 2 months between posting stories for me, and people still go to my stories and find enjoyment.

There is also a responsibility of readers and commentators on stories.

1. Let the author write the story the way they want to. Unless it is asked for, don't start dictating where you want the story to go. If you want a story to go a certain way, write your own.

2. Be kind in your criticism. There is a right way and a wrong way. Telling someone they have the spelling ability of a prepubescent chimp is not cool. Also, I notice this from time to time, don't complain because you don't like the genre. If D and D stories aren't your take, don't tell an author to quit writing them.

I hope this is taken the way it is meant. I really enjoy reading stories here when I have the time and like that I have an avenue to share my stories as well. By the way, A Patch of Christmas might be a rare nugget from me and it wouldn't hurt those who haven't to read it. It is quite the light and airy piece. I know it isn't often expected of me, but it is really sweet and loaded with truths. Just ask anyone I paid to say just those words.