NOTES FROM THE MARGIN
Back in 2011 I wrote Damning with Faint Praise for this column and it continues to generate emails from writers who have experienced sideswipes disguised as praise from their peers. I am, of course, delighted that an article from so long ago is remembered, but also distressed to think so many are still subjected to the spite of other writers. I would imagine, for every email I get on the subject, there are at least ten times as many who have suffered alone. Sad to say, it seems our so-called friends at writing groups and family members are the biggest culprits. The column this month is for every writer who has had their golden moment tarnished.