When to Reject Advice

I'm sure a lot of writers run into this problem. You get some feedback or advice; and you don't agree with it...at all.

So when should you trust your writer's instinct over another writer's suggestions? Always! As long as instinct isn't being ruled by pride. It's so easy to get defensive and it can cloud your judgment. When someone is telling you how they feel about your work, listen openly and try to understand them as the reader.

It is ultimately your story, but if you're writing to share it with others and not just for yourself, you must listen to the readers as well.

How to Approach Advice You Don't Agree With:

1. Explain what you intended for the part in question to convey.
2. If the critic insists what you wrote doesn't convey what you intended it to or that what you want just doesn't work, ask for suggestions.
3. Listen carefully, take notes.
4. If you still don't agree, ask for a second opinion. Take more notes. If more than one person is giving you similar feedback and suggestions, you need to review your work with a more open mind.
5. Fix accordingly.
6. If all else fails, try changing the part in question on your own. Try working with what you want but switch it up and ask critics to review it once more.

When Should You Reject Advice?

1. You've gone through the steps above.
2. You're INSTINCT, not your pride, is still opposing the advice, no matter how you try to see it.
3. You are the god of your literary world and if others oppose it, you make the final decisions in the end.

If your feedback isn't from a critique person or group, but from an editor, you cannot reject advice as freely of course. In that case, you should really try to see your work from an objective point of view. If needed, let it breathe for a couple days, than go back to it. Usually, some space from your work will change your perspective and let you look at your work with fresh eyes.