Why must people be so mean to young writers?

For those of you who answered my other question about my english teacher who told me a 13 year- old could never write, here is what happened today! Okay, I showed my english teacher a bit of my upcoming novel and she read it. She told me it was the worst, most ameture piece of writing she's ever seen! I understand you are probebly thinking she's right but Persphone_Hellcatt will tell you what she thinks of it [she is helping me out with my novel]. I understand that I am young and my writting will improve to where I won't even recognize it but Persphone_Hellcatt is a PROFESSIONAL writer and she says I am improving!





Now BEFORE you tell me that I'll need a thicker skin to deal with editors and other people, let me tell you that I have learned to deal with stuff like that.


Instead of losing my cool and being unproffesional, I took my notebook back and walked back to my seat. Editors will tell me MUCH worse.


She claims to write well but- no! Did I do the right thing?

Why must people be so mean to young writers?
Sounds to me like your teacher's totally burned out. That's a terrible reaction to a student's efforts, good or bad.





She's human. Please forgive her harshness, hold your head high, and think of this day when you're three times your present age--and vow never to be as insensitive no matter what's going on in your private life.





Meanwhile, yes, returning to your seat without comment was the right reaction. Now you know not to share your writing with that particular teacher again.





BTW, if you've had other teachers who are more the encouraging supportive type, you can ask if they'd like to see it. You don't have to currently be in a teacher's class to get feedback.
Reply:Hey! It's CayleeJo :)





I HAVE read some of your guys's books, and they're great. I think your teacher is jealous :) Critiquing is one thing, but criticizing is another.


-CayleeJo
Reply:I think that ppl who think young writers can't right r the worst! I write stories too, and it is so frustrating when ur like, "do u wanna read my story?" and they're like, "no it's probably not any good". Yes u did the rite thing, and I admire u. I would have totally exploded! I am with u 100%! (Mean teachers r the worst too, ugh I just really don't like 1 of mine.....=( )
Reply:I've never read your stories before but I dislike the way your teacher said about your writing. She probably thinks you're so unexperienced in this writing industry. Well, tell her to write her own story and see what the class would say. Hey, you're only 13 years old! What can she expect? Have fun writing!
Reply:It takes a lot of talent to be supportive to a young writer and to give helpful criticism rather than slamming the kid. Sounds like your teacher just doesn't have the magic touch. Read the book, "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott. She can help you become a better writer, deal with difficult critics, and enjoy the writing process more and more as you go.
Reply:Wow. First of all, if your English teacher said that to you, she really should be fired. I mean that sincerely. I think you should bring that incident to the attention of your parents and the administration of the school.





Secondly, one thing you may be hitting hard against is sexism. I'm not sure that's what's going on, but you may be seeing prejudice against the notion that a young girl can engage in independent, intellectual and creative activities.





It is a very prevalent and very destructive attitude. I experienced it in high school, and I've seen that attitude unleashed even today.





You are strong. Stay strong, keep writing, and read constantly, so that you learn more and more about language.
Reply:I am a teacher. Your teacher has acted in a veyr unprofessional way. You might want to talk to her department head. And you handled it correctly. Just don't show her anything else.
Reply:What a teacher. Heh. But seriously, don't let her judgement affect you too much. From what you said, you have a load of other good opinions on your work, and that's awesome.





On doing the right thing? Good job. If that had been me, I would have blown up in her face. Just continue to keep your cool, and most importantly, keep writing! Someday when you're a published author, you can wave your novel in your old teacher's face and say, "Who's the writer now?"
Reply:I am a teacher and if your English teacher really said that your writing is the worst that she has ever read she is CRAZY!!! This woman shouldn't even be a teacher. Teachers are supposed to TEACH you. She seems like the old school type of teacher that assumes that the student should know everything after she explains the directions once. If the student doesn't get it....too bad. Well, that is not what teachers do!!! Teachers are supposed to give you comments on your writing and give you suggestions on how to improve your writing.


Has she ever stood in front of the class and modeled how she writes so the class can understand what she wants??


Of course not! Any teacher that tells a student that their writing is terrible would never model ways to write a paper. I guess she expects you to read her mind!








Where I teach, a teacher couldn't get away with saying something like that!! If the principal found out she would be reprimanded!





It sounds like your teacher is an old fart that needs to retire.





Keep believing in yourself and your writing. It sounds like you really care about your work, which is really rare for a 13 year-old. I would love for you to be in my class...I will pray for you


;-%26gt;
Reply:I'm a writer and I'm your age too and I ask the same question all the time. But you know what? I don't let it get to me. You're teacher sounds like she has problems. Use what she said to motivate you even though it was negative and I don't mean stop writing because she made it sound like you can't amount to anything. I'm saying, push yourself further and PROVE HER WRONG. In the long run, you'll be the one laughing at her. Keep your head up and keep writing!!
Reply:That teacher was very unprofessional and shouldn't have said what she did. However, at 13 you're just starting out and likely won't have anything publishable for a very long time. In a few years, you'll probably look back on what you're writing now and cringe -- and that's okay, because those shaky first attempts are what you'll build upon to become a good writer in the future.
Reply:Some people don't have any tact. You're going to encounter others who tell you that your writing is terrible and whatever--just thank them for their opinion (if you can move your lips without saying something back) and walk away. Some wouldn't know decent writing if it bit them. I was 18 before I got real constructive criticism with my writing and those well meaning writers did more harm than good initially, but without their words I wouldn't have improved--eventually.

creeping