Bouncing back from an atrocious critique

Could anyone share any thoughts or experiences that might be able to assist me here?

(This will no doubt turn out to be long, but is not intended as a whine, so bear with me!)

I recently submitted my third novel (I have written three but had none published), to the Romantic Novelists Association, and have just received it back - along with an extremely damning and patronising critique.

I admit I am heartbroken and dispirited, having derived so much enjoyment from writing that novel and considered it my best novel to date (shows what I know, eh?). I was in no way expecting to be praised to the skies and published, but frankly this report has made me feel humiliated and as though I have no right wasting their time with my crappy manuscripts. I must point out that the RNA critiques I received for my previous two novels were extremely helpful and constructive - whereas I consider this one rather vicious.

However...after a good old cry, I am trying to act positively. Now I don't want to debate what the RNA said, or whether they were right/wrong, and I am not fishing for compliments or reassurance here, just a few ideas on how I might bounce back from something like this.

I really don't want to give up writing as, quite honestly, a huge part of me would die if I did so - but obviously my confidence has been hugely knocked. The thing is I am very goal-driven and always need something to work towards, to spur me on. Well my goals hitherto have been to write a novel every year so that I have something to submit to the RNA (they accept one submission per author per year). I have begun work on a fourth novel, but now I don't feel I should dare submit anything next year.

Some ideas I came up with to regain my flagging motivation:

- Perhaps not renew my membership to the RNA, since I am clearly not good enough for it (I could always attempt to rejoin at a later date) and instead go 'back to the drawing board' and concentrate on learning my craft a bit better by doing a writing course (Open University or similar). Can anyone recommend any courses?

- Give novel-writing a rest for a while and stick to short stories, since they obviously require far less slog and consequent heartache (and I can seek regular feedback from you good folks).

- Still persist with the fourth novel, taking on board the RNA's comments, and bravely submit it for further lambasting next year!

What does anybody else think? If you've read this far, by the way, thank you at least for your persistence!

Leigh