I have had people tell me that. It stings for a while and then I move on. I can't change their minds and they're obviously not part of my target demography then.
I've also come to learn if they can't elaborate on why they think it's trash and how to make the novel not trash, then I don't really care about what they have to say. They're obviously not offering an actual critique, but are most likely just bored or something. So meh.
There will be always people like that. Trolling and hurting people for their own amusement.
And then sometimes it can even come in the form of friendly advice.
Years ago someone from my close family came to me while I was drawing. She looked at my art, watched as I drew, and then said: "You know sweetie, no matter how hard you try, how much you practice, you will never be a good artist."
Feels like a kick to the stomach even after all this time.
What you can do is ignore these remarks, and keep on going. The more you practice, the better you are.
"I know, but at least I didn't write a fanfic BDSM story that took advantage of an existing fanbase and turned it into my own sickening play of how badly defined consent is during the act of sex 
and then write three books of this fanfic, and sell it to the masses, and let them eat that up."
Spot on; I couldn't have said this better myself.
Criticism that points out a specific issue should always be considered--even if it's vague (Your story is boring)--otherwise forget about it.
That's a very good approach (the Bible says it's like pouring hot coals on their head 
). If you react in a negative way you devalue your reputation and make yourself seem a lot less professional.
Wow, that's a harsh thing to hear I bet. In my opinion anyone can be a good artist if they put the time and effort into it (even if some people have more raw natural talent).
Once this writer I met on discord wanted some help or something so I offered. And halfway through the conversation she was like I don't think you are a good writer. I was like okkkay, awkwarddd
You just take it and break it. Keep working harder until your writing is good enough to publish. As humans, we tend to take harsh criticism to heart and despite the 100 people enjoying it, the 1 person that does not is the one comment we remember. So, it's good to tune most of that out unless it's good tips (like how to better incorporate conflict in your stories). But, if the person likely said just "this is trash" with no explanation as to why, then that's as useless a comment as it gets. A better one would be "your writing is at a good start, but here are some links on how to polish it up and get more traction."
I'd ignore I think. While not perfect I love what I do and it makes me proud to be able to finish stories not matter the quality. I know there is room for improvement, I don't need someone to tell me and especially not in such rude way.
The ideal choice would be to ignore them, but it's not what I would do.
I would ask them what was so bad about it and try to get constructive criticism out of them. If it doesn't work and I feel like they're just trolling, then I would ignore them.
It depends from who the criticism comes from.
But mostly, I just try to follow this advice: 'don't take criticism from someone who you wouldn't take advice either'.
I think I'd reply and politely ask them to elaborate. sure, it doesn't seem like they're here to give any constructive criticism, but who knows? maybe I can squeeze some outta them anyway.
eh, its happened before
ask them how i can improve and If they dont have anything constructive to say then move on.
I'm always working to make my writing better, since im not the most confident in my writing i want it to be equal with my art.
If it is constructive, lean into it and try to gather how others might perceive my writing. If it is literal "ur writing suks", then I'm gonna go on my way and continue to learn what I need to in order to get better.
I'm pretty confident in my ability to write and tell stories. I might ask what their reasoning is, in case they had a good reason. If they didn't, I'd probably tell them, "Not everything is for you. I hope you find a story more to your liking!"
Or I'd ignore it, unless it became a consistent "rude comment on multiple chapters" issue.
Personally... I would reply overly positive to them, like they had just given me kind worded constructive criticism... usually that makes them apologize.
Then I would look at what they were calling trash, they had a reason for saying it, (not saying they actually did in your case) (but if it was ME) i would look into writing workshops. I am still always looking at ways to improve my writing, workshops and lectures are a great resource.
And lastly i would reassure myself that no matter what anyone else believes about your writing, you had the courage and creative mind to start writing. You are trying and giving it your all.
No one can make you feel something or someway unless you let them, so don't let them! <3
AGAIN YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING TO CHANGE YOUR WRITING, THAT PERSON WAS BEING AN A$$
