Guest blogger
CCWC & GPCWC faculty member
Marti Pieper
As a little girl, I excelled in school. Even before I was old enough to earn A’s, I received E’s (for “Excellent.”)
But there was one area in which I didn’t excel. Look at my second-grade class picture, and you’ll find me on the front row: cat’s-eye glasses, red cheeks, and clasped hands.
I donned my first pair of glasses earlier that school year. But the red cheeks and clasped hands? Those appeared a few minutes before the photo shoot, when two of my classmates told me I pressed too hard when I colored.
The problem (and subsequent sobs) came not because I thought I was a great artist, but because I wanted to do everything right. Hence the tears and red cheeks. Hence the soggy tissue stuffed between those clasped hands. Hence the consistent report- card comments: “Does not receive criticism well.” “Needs to work on responses to criticism.”
My teachers could well have said, “Needs to develop rhino skin.” These ponderous mammals have skin more than ten times as thick as the human epidermis. We’re talking tough!
So yes, I needed to develop thicker skin. I needed to understand that not everyone would like what I drew (or wrote). And I needed to gain the strength to persevere no matter what.
Today, I believe that my tender heart is a God-given quality, part of what makes me a good writer and intercessor. But if I’m not careful, my sensitivity can also drag me down, leaving me stunned and silent after a negative review or trembling after a harsh conference critique. And, if I’m not careful, it can block my desire to improve my work.
At the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, in a special Early Bird workshop on Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m., I’ll teach about “Rhino Skin: Why We Need It and How to Get It.” I’ll share how I moved from the tearful second-grader to the writer who has no more fear in giving or receiving critiques of her own. And I’ll teach how you can grow that tougher skin, too.
Unless you’re a zoologist, you probably don’t care about the thickness of a rhino’s skin. But as a writer, you should care a lot about the thickness of your own. Join me (it’s not too late to register for the conference) and we’ll learn together.
P.S. If you missed my tongue-in-cheek poem about Sam-I-Am and the CCWC, check it out here. Enjoy!
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Marti also will teach workshop 6F, “Blogging Success,” at the May 13-16 Colorado Christian Writers Conference for Rick Marschall who is unable to be with us. At the July 29 – August 1 Greater Philly Conference she is teaching a continuing session on “Master the Memoir.” In addition, along with Ava Pennington, she will serve at the appointment desk at both conferences. Thank You, Father, for the faculty You have provided for both conferences and for all You are doing and will do.
Thank you Marti for this blog I can so relate to! Sensitivity is a weak spot for me too. I so wish I could attend the Colorado conference to learn more. This blog is a blessing as I dive into my 3 current Works In Progress this morning.
Thank you doesn’t cut it… I shed tears over this blog because it touched my sensitive soul write where I needed it today. God bless you!!!! I do so wish I could hear the talk on rhino skin!!!!
Reblogged this on pbmarshall.
Marti, I love this! Like you, I’ve been blessed with deep emotions–an asset for me, the writer, but a snare for me, the queen of insecurity. I began developing rhino skin when I learned to find my esteem and confidence in Christ. Thanks for sharing your heart!