[I'm adding a dramatic pause in so that all the people who know everything there is to know about writing and/or have work that is positively flawless can leave.
]
Actually, it's pretty cool just to know that someone read your story and cared enough to write something down about it. But they can't help you improve at all if you don't take what they say to the full extent of the law...or something like that.
If you really want to utilize a critique, you've first got to categorize it. Basic categories are thus (and you could have a bit of a combination of several):
1. THE HELPFUL CRITIQUE: This person had just the right balance of things they liked- and things they didn't, plus they had explanations for each. You're feeling pretty good about your writing after reading these, and you also are inspired enough to get up and start working to make your story better.
2. THE VAGUE CRITIQUE: This person wrote a critique, but made grand, sweeping statements such as, "You need to fix your dialogue" that leave you wondering, "But why?" and possibly more imperatively, "But where?" They may also have said that they like it a great deal, but you're not quite sure what they liked.
3. THE FLAMES-AND-PITCHFORK WITH OPTIONAL DEVIL HORNS ATTACHMENT CRITIQUE: This person has made you feel absolutely awful. In short, they've pointed out every imperfection and made them seem so much bigger. You're about ready to kill them- and possibly yourself, while you're at it.
4. THE DITZY CRITIQUE: This person appears to really, really love it- as they absolutely 'luuuuuurve' every other story they read. They've got you wondering "Why?" as well.
So, now that you know what kind of critique you've gotten, here's:
HOW TO DEAL:
1. THE HELPFUL CRITIQUE
First of all, thank this person. They've done a good job, too. Then it's the time to get to work. Take every suggestion they offer and apply to your writing. You don't necessarily have to keep every suggestion- let's face it, some of them are kind of crappy- but it's good just to see what they've suggested in action. And who knows, you could really improve your story/poem/script/whatever!
If you've got any questions, feel free to ask. Chances are these people are pretty amiable and helpful all the time, so you can also ask for favors such as reading a second draft to see how you've taken their suggestions.
2. THE VAGUE CRITIQUE:
Ask this person what they mean, just to start off. They might just have had a blank moment and will be perfectly happy to offer you further suggestions, or they might not answer at all.
If they don't answer, ask for a Second Opinion. (With Second Opinions, make sure it's someone who has no prior knowledge that you're confused about said critique. That way they're unbiased and you'll get the real scoop.) If you can't find a Second Opinion, or they're vague themselves, you might just have to dive in yourself. Look through your writing to see if you can find spots that fit what you think they mean- your dialogue is choppy, etc.
But if it's really superbly vague, just ignore it. More thorough critiques will come along eventually.
3. THE FLAMES-AND-PITCHFORK WITH OPTIONAL DEVIL HORNS ATTACHMENT CRITIQUE:
To start off, take a deep breath. It's no use getting flustered over something that's supposed to be fun for you.
THE OPTIMISTS' PERSPECTIVE: They may have had a bad day or were feeling extremely critical. If you're feeling comfortable enough with said person, ask! They might need to be cheered up themselves.
THE PESSIMISTS' PERSPECTIVE: Well, you might suck, but guess what? You've got room for improvement- indeed, you'll now have the drive to prove them wrong. Your writing might just get better for reasons you wouldn't normally expect.
This is another critique where it's best to get a Second Opinion (unbiased, like always). It might also prove/disprove the Optimists' Perspective- if the two critiques are glaringly different, you can probably blame someone other than the critiquer.
If it's really abusive, locate your Friendly Neighborhood Mod and ask them to take a look. After, isn't the golden rule to put in at least one thing that you liked?
4. THE DITZY CRITIQUE:
These are the worst to deal with merely because these people are probably ditzy in real life, too (and if it's really vague, you can bet that they haven't read the writing either). You could try asking them what they liked- but they might not answer. Always be prepared to either disregard these critiques or just take them as a slightly effortless form of flattery. Your title and opening sentence must have been pretty spiffy.
Was that a RealKids moment?
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