So, you've been working hard for hours on your latest chapter, you've logged onto your site of choice, posted the new chapter, and waited for the reviews to roll in. When the first one arrives, you start to read, and slowly, with a sinking feeling, you realise that not everyone is a fan of your masterpiece. Of course, it's worse when it's a flame, because flames are unhelpful and often cruel - but you know, because you've listened very carefully to Belle and Kenzie (*hackcoughsplutter*), that the best thing to do with a flame is to ignore it. This, however, is genuine, well-thought-out criticism that a fair amount of time has been put into - and all you want to do is throw your keyboard at the writer.

Unfortunately, for several reasons - your only access to them is in cyberspace, where lobbing implements is not a viable option, for example, or my particular problem, which is that I use a laptop, so my keyboard is more or less my whole computer - this isn't the best course of action. So, let me offer some solutions that, while they don't do such a good job of letting out all that aggression, are probably a bit better in the long run.

Now, even though this isn't a flame, ignoring it is still an option. In the great scheme of things, it's no big deal. However, it could actually be beneficial to you. So, how do you decide whether or not to ignore it? Well, you could start by reading through it again (go on, force yourself). Do you grudgingly accept that they have a point? Probably a good idea to at least make a mental note of what they've said and send them a message to thank them. After leaving negative feedback, especially against the impulse to leave SPF (see How to review helpfully), people can actually feel a bit guilty, wondering if they've upset you! You don't have to go back and change anything, just remember it.

However, if (and this has been the case for me several times) you're still thinking "No, that wouldn't work like that, I'm happy with the way I did it," then there's no need to change anything. Thank the person for their time, explain your point of view if you wish, and leave it there. There's no need to get into an argument (I have with several people, and if they're reading, I'm sorry!).

If you're still thinking "Back off, bitch!" then perhaps the best course of action is to leave the computer and just simmer down a bit. Come back to it later, and with a bit of luck, you'll have a clearer mind. If not, probably better just to ignore it, and if the person continues to annoy you, respectfully ask that they give you a little creative space. Pull the 'crazy artist' thing if you have to. I do this all the time. It freaks people out, but it works…

Well, this article is short, but hopefully sweet. Basically, I want you to remember that most reviewers are only there to help, and that some of them can actually get pretty caught up in a plot (a word to the wise: No, they are not going to throw you in the stocks, feed you to the rabid llamas, practise their Tae Kwon Do on you or do any of the other things they've threatened if you don't update RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND, LIKE NOW!!!! Well, probably not.), but at the end of the day, what you write is yours (except that obviously, you don't own canons, blah blah blah….), and you should do it your own way. But if you're serious about writing, it's worth remembering that you will always have something new to learn.