JRR Tolkien, best known for some stories he wrote and now some long movies made from those very same stories, was nominated by his good friend CS Lewis (yes, the guy who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia...he and the LotR writer were BFFs) for a Nobel Prize.
He didn't win; in fact, now that the Nobel documents have been released, one of the Nobel jury members even said that Tolkien's work "has not in any way measured up to storytelling of the highest quality".
I know, I know...
Even though I know that rejection and negativity are something writers should expect by default, it's almost comforting to know that no matter what you write, someone will not "get" your story.
xoxo Sarah
Is it any wonder, then, that authors are some of the most neurotic, self-doubting people when it comes to their own talent and abilities? One comment like that (though not known to Tolkien at the time) can wreak havoc with your writing mojo for days.
ReplyDeleteLots of people don't "get" LotR. Despite being voted "the book" of the 20th century, it is still one of the most bashed works by critics.
ReplyDeleteIt's so important to remember that just because some one doesn't like your work, that doesn't mean it's not good, it doesn't mean it's not GREAT. And because not everyone is going to like what you do, you have to go ahead and do it for yourself. Great lesson in this post!
ReplyDeleteEveryone's entitled to their opinion :-) I don't care for Tolkien (gasp) but that doesn't mean I think he's a poor or undeserving writer. His books just aren't my style. And so it goes. I'm content as long as I'm satisfied that I've done my very best.
ReplyDeleteIs that not just total irony?
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Al Gore won a Nobel...
@Katie: Writers are so hard on ourselves to begin with. Even though I'm comforted by reading articles like these, I still know I'll be upset when the rejections roll in.
ReplyDelete@Andrew: Oh, I totally understand...it's definitely not for everyone. My point was simply that even something that a lot of people do enjoy has its critics.
@Melissa: I'm glad you liked it! Now I just have to re-read this post when I'm feeling down about my work. :-)
@Li: Exactly. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. Even when the critics have their say, as long as you know you've done your best, it'll help you be satisfied.
@Alex: LOL!
Ha! Go figure. Something to keep in my back pocket.
ReplyDelete