The Bullet Proof Frog
When words bounce right off you
The frog was leaping in the pond, from one leaf to another. Jerome noticed that the falling raindrops, like pellets raining down on the creature, did not bother it. This frog looks like it is bulletproof, though Jerome to himself. Was this ordinary frog now compared to a superhero who possessed powers, and the ability to deflect bullets?
There was a fictional character who was world famous for being bulletproof, the superhero Superman. Bullets would bounce off his chest. He was an invulnerable extraterrestrial who possessed extraordinary powers. He faced and defeated all types of criminals. Could a writer create a bullet-proof character and still make his or her a success?
Knights would wear tough protective armour called chainmail to protect them from getting stabbed by knives or swords in battle. In modern times, this is the bulletproof vest worn by officers of the law when they pursue and face tough criminals who are known to carry guns and other lethal weapons. Have you written a story, where your hero was saved by something he or she wore, that acted like body armour?
In life, we do receive and also give a lot of criticism. As a writer, you must be familiar with reviews that are not glowing for the book or article that you have written. On the other hand, if we feel a writer has not done a very good job with a book, we offer constructive criticism.
Words are powerful and it is only a writer who is confident, who can appreciate criticism. Do you let harsh words bounce off you as if you are like an invulnerable superhero? Criticism can make or break a person. Have you written a story about a person who has faced criticism and who has overcome them or have you done it in your life recently?
Great question. I think poetry is like a mini story and in them as a writer you often deal with criticism as a theme observed, or dealt with by the character in it. Poetry is a great way to filter any criticism. I was watching an interview a couple of days ago with a dance judge who was saying how much criticism there is in her field. Made me think it's in every field. And she also said that people criticising badly must lead very miserable lives. Either that or they have high standards and are perfectionists. Which way is it? I'm figuring out myself. But it adds another layer of understanding to those who heavily critique everything.