You poured your soul into a piece of writing and drummed up the courage to share it because you want feedback. What you really want to know is, is it any good?

But that's not the feedback you need.

I'm lucky to have an experienced and well-published author in my writer's group. Her critiques have taught me to turn criticism into a creative opportunity to write a better story.

Here are some things to keep in mind when receiving feedback:

Don't take critiques personally.

The notes are about the words on the page and the story in question, not your worth as a person. Separate your personal value from your work, and don't take offense. Your reader is trying to help you.

Listen with an open mind.

Opinions are opportunities to make a story better. Your reader will point out unlikeable characters, confusing plot points, and elements they love. Don't shoot anything down. Just listen.

Take time to consider the feedback.

The story is yours. Think about the reader's suggestions. Would making those changes improve your story? Don't edit impulsively. Make sure you're in a constructive frame of mind when you face your revisions.

Make a revision task list.

Review your notes. Accept the critiques that resonate with you and add an action item to your revision task list. Write down the specific way your plan to tackle the reader's feedback to improve your story.

Go through your task list one point at a time, think deeply, and revise accordingly. Now you've taken criticism and turned it into creativity.