[Haunted1]

So, last year I applied to online colleges. I had to go online because of my physical/mental/emotional problems. I'm not good face to face with people at all, and crowds I can't do at all. I also am not a very strong driver I had an accident once and driving isn't my favorite thing.
I was accepted to an online university that I had been dying to get into. I was so happy that they accepted me I didn't even look at other ones. I am going for creative writing.
Since I was a child writing and reading were my escape. I read more than I eat and I write more than I sleep. I can remember being 6 and reading the classic books *Legend of Sleepy Hollow was my favorite*. I can remember writing and reading at a very early age.
I admit it my grammar and my punctuation are a struggle for me. I don't know why they just are. I don't have any serious learning disabilities, but I do have trouble learning things sometimes.
My teacher is a published author. At first she was great the first few assignments I submitted were early and I loved that I was going to school for my passion.
The past 10 or so assignments I sent in she cut to pieces. I spent most of the day crying in my room after getting her grades. She says my grammar and punctuation make my stories impossible to read. She said I can't make it because nobody will read a book that has chapters longer than 10 pages. She has cut down little things that I know I am right about.
Anytime I try to defend myself she cuts me down more. I had an abusive father and I do struggle with criticism, but I am working to overcome that. The problem is I know I am right about some things she points out to me. In fact one mistake I went back and found proof she was wrong upon review. She cuts me down until I have considered dropping out.
Writing is my life, it is my dream, it is my passion. If I can't write I can't do anything.
I know my grammar and punctuation are off, but my writing style is polished. I have worked to perfect every other aspect my stories are original, and I am proud of the work.
I do some writing for small websites I don't get paid, but I have had very positive reviews and accumulated a rather large group of people who follow me and my stories. I have been told I have knack for it, and should one day do a movie. I am so confused as to why readers love my stories, but my teacher can't seem to find one thing nice to say.
I asked her if for one minute she could over look the grammar and give me advice and a review of my writing itself. She won't.
I know that nobody can really help me with this I just needed to vent and get it all out.

[growlycat]

She may be trying to truly help you become a better writer (or at least her opinion of better.)

I have a friend that writes and publishes his own ebooks on Amazon and readers and critics alike are merciless when it comes to the smallest typos. She really is helping you by pointing out that you could write Shakespearian-calibre stuff, but without proper grammar and punctuation you are toast.

Try to stick with it and take her advice to heart. Even if she is just a mean b**** she has still helped you become a better writer. I'm sorry that you are triggered though. Lots of people in the world unfortunately don't get it when it comes to trauma.

[Travelinglady]

I know what you mean. I have a desire to be a published book author (and I have published for pay), but I fear rejection and criticism. Your teacher is right that most all editors are ruthless and don't cut folks much slack. They can even reject something after only reading the first sentence, and indeed, they will not tolerate bad grammar.

Do you have a grammar book you can consult? Does the school offer such a course on-line?

I feel for you. I would be curled up, crying too. That said, though, I think she would be actually doing you a disservice if she weren't honest with you. Too many people have been told they write well and then keep at it when they don't stand a chance.

If your grammar/spelling is what is holding you back, then you can learn to overcome that problem.

Also, some of her ideas come from her own biases. As we know, fifty editors can reject a submission, and then one comes along and accepts it.

I suggest you try to hang in there. Is she the only professor who teaches the writing classes?

Meanwhile, I will stick my tongue out at her, for your sake: .

[justbeingme80]

I'm sorry you're having problems with this particular teacher. I do echo what everyone else here has said about grammar and the ruthlessness of editors in the writing world. Is there a grammar clinic you can go to? Or have someone proof-read for grammar before you submit your work? If not, there are a couple of good and easy-to-use grammar handbooks and guides out there that may help.

But I am sorry this is so hard for you right now. In her eyes, she may only be trying to help. I don't know her or the specifics of course, so I may be wrong. Is there the option of another instructor?

[FeelingOpaque]

Does she ever give constructive criticism? If not, then she's just being a ******. An no one will read chapters more than 10 pages? What is she reading? Judy Bloom? If people like your writing, then something right is happening. People said Bukowski was a ****** writer too, yet his name is still remembered and his critics have nothing but negativity to attribute to their name