Ask the Author: Michael Wagner
Answered Questions (5)
Michael Wagner
I'm working on three picture book ideas at the moment and hoping they all get published. Or at least one. :-)
Michael Wagner
It's meaningful work that hopefully impacts on others and maybe lasts for a while. But also, it's wonderful not having to work in an office. Or commute.
Michael Wagner
My most recent book, Why I Love Footy, flowed out of me in minutes because I do love footy (Australian Rules football that is) and the way many of us are bonded by our love of the game. I see sport as some sort of ancient ritual that pits tribes against each other, but also bonds us closer together. Why I Love Footy celebrates that bonding, particularly within a family.
Michael Wagner
I feed the cultural part of my brain by consuming stories and information and exploring the world around me. Before long, I'm loaded with exciting new ideas.
Michael Wagner
I have a ton of advice for aspiring writers on my website: www.michaelwagner.com.au. Just search my blog for Tips.
Here's an example of what you'll find:
Tips for Young Writers 22: Accept criticism, but don’t agree with everything you hear.
Welcome criticism, and listen closely to it, but don’t agree with everything that’s said about you or your writing.
There’s a fantastic saying that goes, ‘To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.’
Any time you say, do or be anything people will criticise you. Sometimes they’ll be genuinely trying to help you, but other times they’ll just be putting you and your work down (n.b. this can include people you are close to, even some who love you!).
Learn to know the difference between helpful and unhelpful criticism – and don’t listen to the unhelpful stuff.
Having said that, don’t assume that if the criticism is painful to hear that it’s unhelpful. Sometimes the painful stuff is exactly what you need to hear. So listen closely to criticism and restrain yourself from getting defensive or dismissive – but then quietly work out if it’s helpful or not. Or a bit of both.
The real trick to processing criticism is knowing what’s worth listening to and what should be ignored.
Here's an example of what you'll find:
Tips for Young Writers 22: Accept criticism, but don’t agree with everything you hear.
Welcome criticism, and listen closely to it, but don’t agree with everything that’s said about you or your writing.
There’s a fantastic saying that goes, ‘To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.’
Any time you say, do or be anything people will criticise you. Sometimes they’ll be genuinely trying to help you, but other times they’ll just be putting you and your work down (n.b. this can include people you are close to, even some who love you!).
Learn to know the difference between helpful and unhelpful criticism – and don’t listen to the unhelpful stuff.
Having said that, don’t assume that if the criticism is painful to hear that it’s unhelpful. Sometimes the painful stuff is exactly what you need to hear. So listen closely to criticism and restrain yourself from getting defensive or dismissive – but then quietly work out if it’s helpful or not. Or a bit of both.
The real trick to processing criticism is knowing what’s worth listening to and what should be ignored.
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