What tips or advice do you have for writers still looking to be discovered?
Don’t believe anyone who praises you, and don’t believe anyone who criticizes you. If you allow other people’s opinions to affect how you view yourself, you’ll never do anything.-Chuck Klosterman, Author of Killing Yourself to Live

I agree with Chuck on this one. Criticism will kill you if you let it. Here’s why:

1. Anxiety: If you worry about whether people will think you sound too much like SRV or Joe Satriani, it is going to affect your mindset, thus in turn, affecting your guitar playing. As a result, the way you naturally express yourself through guitar might seem hesitant and awkward. Think about Roy Williams on the Dallas Cowboys (who will win the Super Bowl this year). He received some heavy criticism on his pass coverage. Granted it was somewhat valid, but he let the negative remarks infiltrate his confidence, and his game was worsened even more. That’s no good.
2. Critics Are Wannabes: That’s right. Most Critics are frustrated individuals who could not do (were too scared to do) what they are criticizing you about. Because they are wannabes, you should not look to them for advice, unless you want to learn how to be picky and find things to fault others for. Instead, find one of these: A Mentor or someone who is doing what you want to be doing. If you want to make beautiful jazz music, talk to Herbie Hancock, not Joe Schmoe Jazz Critic. Get advice from someone who has experience in a field of interest and not just someone who talks about a field of interest.
3. Bad Advice: You know your music and your message better than any one else. Stay true to your goals, and your direction. Follow your passions. Keep an open mind, and always strive to improve yourself. Many Critics just cannot conceptualize what your song or style is actually meaning due to the fact that they have imperfect information. Because their info is fallible, the comments they have are most likely pretty irrelevant. Again, talk to someone who has experience. Someone who can actually advise and mentor you.

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