When we talk about criticism, it is easy to think of a negative review, but true literary criticism is something else entirely. It's a powerful tool, a mirror and a conversation starter all rolled into one.
Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to address members of the Creative Writers’ Association of Kenya on the topic of criticism and creativity. The room buzzed with energy, filled with writers from all walks of life — novelists, poets, screenwriters and journalists. As I began to speak, I could feel a collective tension.
In our society, many scribes view criticism as a painful, often destructive, process. I shared a story about a brilliant novelist who was ready to abandon her manuscript after a harsh critique. But instead of giving up, she used the feedback as a roadmap, dissecting it line by line.
The final version of her novel demonstrated yet again that criticism, when embraced, can be a writer’s most powerful tool. My goal that day was to change their perception from one of fear to one of opportunity, highlighting the beautiful and necessary interplay between a critical eye and a creative spirit.
Good critics are not there to tear your work down. They are there to help you build it up. They can spot things you might have missed, like a slow-moving plot or a character whose motivations are not quite clear.
This feedback entails a list of things to fix. It offers a chance to see your work from a fresh perspective. It can show you what is working well, so you can lean into those strengths, and what needs a little more love. This kind of constructive engagement is what pushes a writer to get better, to experiment, and to really hone their craft.
Critics review books. They act as a compass for the literary landscape. By championing new voices, genres or themes, they guide readers towards exciting discoveries. Think about a critic who shines a spotlight on a particular author or genre; say, a new wave of Afrofuturist fiction. When this happens, it often sparks a trend. Writers take notice, readers get curious, and suddenly, that genre is all the rage. This is about following trends and being aware of the ongoing conversation in the literary world.
What is more, critics often use literature to reflect on society itself. By highlighting books that explore underrepresented experiences or challenge traditional ideas, they encourage a richer, more inclusive literary community. This helps create a space where more diverse stories can be told and celebrated.
As a writer, you are a creator but you are also your own first critic. The writing process entails getting words on the page. It also involves editing and refining them. It is about finding the right balance between letting your creativity run wild and applying a critical eye to your work.
This can be a tricky balance. You need the freedom to explore ideas without holding back, but you also need to step back and ask: Does this make sense? Is the pacing right? Are my characters believable? Mastering this self-criticism is a crucial part of becoming a good writer. It is a constant back-and-forth between the imaginative side of your brain and the analytical side, and it is what ultimately makes your work impactful.
A positive review from a well-respected critic can change a scribe’s career overnight. It can lead to more readers, better opportunities and increased recognition. A glowing review can act as a seal of approval, making agents, publishers and readers sit up and take notice. On the flip side, a negative review can be disheartening.
In our digital age, everyone is a critic, somewhat. Blogs, social media and online review sites have democratised criticism, which is both a blessing and a curse. While it is wonderful that so many people can share their opinions, it also means writers are exposed to a huge range of feedback, not all of it helpful. It is a lot to navigate, but it also means there are more conversations happening about literature than ever before.
At its core, the relationship between critics and writers is a partnership. Critics depend on writers to create the art they analyse, and writers benefit from the insights and perspectives that critics provide. They are not opponents. They are collaborators in the grand project of literature.
This symbiotic relationship thrives on mutual respect and understanding. Critics offer a lens through which we can understand literature more deeply, while writers provide the material that makes that understanding possible. This dynamic enriches the entire literary community, fostering a dialogue that elevates both the quality of writing and the depth of criticism.
As we look ahead, the relationship between criticism and creativity will continue to evolve. The digital age has transformed how we engage with stories and ideas. Online platforms have opened up the conversation, allowing for more diverse voices to be heard. While this comes with challenges, it also offers amazing opportunities for new forms of dialogue.
Over the past two decades that I have been a scribe and a critic, I always hold it that the connection between criticism and creativity is about mutual enrichment. We can create a literary world that is more vibrant, more diverse and more innovative by embracing this perspective. Writers can grow from thoughtful feedback, and critics can help shape the literary landscape by highlighting new and important voices.
The influential German thinker, Jurgen Habermas, once said, “A work of art can only be fully appreciated when its recipient understands the intentions of the creator and the social context in which it was created. It is the role of criticism to act as the bridge between these two.”
