This seems to be the week of “telling it like it is”. I’ve read several writer’s blogspots that hit me hard and made me think, “Yes to all of that!” You Don’t Have To Like It from Ruthie Knox and I’m Drowning. Help. by Kristen Lamb (ps. If you’re a writer and you’re not following Kristen, you should be.)
Here’s the deal (and okay, I’m speaking for myself using a general “we”): We’re not super-fabulous-glamorous. We aren’t living in huge dazzling mansions with maids and nannies and pool boys (Where oh where is mine? And hey, pool guy, if you’re out there, please be either Stuart Reardon or David Gandy. And also let’s pretend I actually have a pool). Some of us writers are super-cool and all-that in public, others are shy and intimidated by attention, and underneath it all–We Are Just Like You.
I have two cats, two daughters, a husband. I have a van (not a Porsche, alas, or even an uber-cool SUV) that currently has an oil leak. I have bills and health insurance concerns just like you. And homework to help with, laundry piling up, a house to clean. Oh lawd, the glamor is really gone now ;)! I also have hopes, hurts, triumphs, and what-the-hell-am-I-doing fears…same as you. And that can get really scary because my writing and my thoughts are out here in public where everyone can have an opinion and share it. YIKES!
When I get a bad review (and yes, I have had DNFs. Wait, don’t stop reading! I’ve also had lots of 4-5 stars! See, even now I just can’t let it slide…), I black it out. Scrub it with bleach. Wait for something better to happen, and keep writing. I have thin skin…just like you no matter how much I never show it.
But lemme tell you, one of the things that is totally-amazeballs-awesomesauce-incredible about all of this is you. I write because I hope to reach you at the end of it. And when that happens I feel totally blissed out and blessed.
I can’t tell you how freakin’ cool (And crazy! And wild!) it is to be (occassionally) fangirled! I get a huge thrill when someone messages me to tell me how much they liked my book. I do cartwheels (in my head, not *that* limber anymore) over every new like, share, add or good review. I also chuckle and shake my head because believe me, I’m going all ga-ga over YOU just as much.
So in this month of being Thankful, I am thankful for you. You help me ride the rough waves and the hard times and the ‘am I doing this right?’ jags.
Show some huge love to your favorite authors this month, and tell me what you’re thankful for.
I have two cats, two daughters, a husband. I have a van (not a Porsche, alas, or even an uber-cool SUV) that currently has an oil leak. I have bills and health insurance concerns just like you. And homework to help with, laundry piling up, a house to clean. Oh lawd, the glamor is really gone now ;)! I also have hopes, hurts, triumphs, and what-the-hell-am-I-doing fears…same as you. And that can get really scary because my writing and my thoughts are out here in public where everyone can have an opinion and share it. YIKES!
When I get a bad review (and yes, I have had DNFs. Wait, don’t stop reading! I’ve also had lots of 4-5 stars! See, even now I just can’t let it slide…), I black it out. Scrub it with bleach. Wait for something better to happen, and keep writing. I have thin skin…just like you no matter how much I never show it.
But lemme tell you, one of the things that is totally-amazeballs-awesomesauce-incredible about all of this is you. I write because I hope to reach you at the end of it. And when that happens I feel totally blissed out and blessed.
I can’t tell you how freakin’ cool (And crazy! And wild!) it is to be (occassionally) fangirled! I get a huge thrill when someone messages me to tell me how much they liked my book. I do cartwheels (in my head, not *that* limber anymore) over every new like, share, add or good review. I also chuckle and shake my head because believe me, I’m going all ga-ga over YOU just as much.
So in this month of being Thankful, I am thankful for you. You help me ride the rough waves and the hard times and the ‘am I doing this right?’ jags.
Show some huge love to your favorite authors this month, and tell me what you’re thankful for.
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