Ask the Author: Michael Dalton
Answered Questions (6)
Michael Dalton
More that I wrote myself into a corner I can't get out of and the half-finished draft of book 3 hasn't gone anywhere in years.
Michael Dalton
Yeah, I took my pure erotica down quite some time ago. It's probably out there somewhere on one of the sharing sites. I don't normally send people that direction, but I don't care about this one.
Michael Dalton
Hi Michael,
It's late, I know, but it's underway. I got sidetracked by some other projects. I am hoping to get it out later this year, hopefully by the end of the summer.
M
It's late, I know, but it's underway. I got sidetracked by some other projects. I am hoping to get it out later this year, hopefully by the end of the summer.
M
Michael Dalton
There are few things tougher than putting your work as an artist out there for the world to pick over. After all, you're pouring your soul into what you create, and it's hard not to take comments of all sorts personally. But one thing you absolutely must develop as a writer is a thick skin. Rejection and negative feedback are simply part of the landscape, and you will get nowhere if you let them tie you in knots.
Stephen King, of all people, was the epitome of a failed writer. He wrote ten novels and dozens of short stories before selling anything. He was living in abject poverty, papering his walls with rejection letters, when he finally sold Carrie. He's a success today because he never gave up.
People are different in what they like, and not everyone is polite in how they express this. You have to remind yourself that comments are just opinions, and you're not required to pay attention to every opinion in the world, no matter the subject.
But negative comments are also a source of growth as a writer. Rather than take offense, try to look at the comment objectively and ask yourself if there is anything constructive you can use to improve your writing—very often there is. I've gained much more from negative feedback in my career than from the positive.
Of course, some people are just jerks and thrive on negativity, and enjoy hurling abuse at writers and artists because of the sense of power it gives them. You have to do your best to ignore small people like that.
Finally, be careful about positive comments too. Praise can become a drug that you start chasing, and that can lead to stagnation as a writer. When your fans are constantly telling you how wonderful you are, you can start to think your growth as an artist is complete. Don't ever lose the self-doubt and insecurity that drives you keep improving your writing.
As for other tips, I post regularly about writing to my blog, and I'm happy to discuss my posts there as well.
Stephen King, of all people, was the epitome of a failed writer. He wrote ten novels and dozens of short stories before selling anything. He was living in abject poverty, papering his walls with rejection letters, when he finally sold Carrie. He's a success today because he never gave up.
People are different in what they like, and not everyone is polite in how they express this. You have to remind yourself that comments are just opinions, and you're not required to pay attention to every opinion in the world, no matter the subject.
But negative comments are also a source of growth as a writer. Rather than take offense, try to look at the comment objectively and ask yourself if there is anything constructive you can use to improve your writing—very often there is. I've gained much more from negative feedback in my career than from the positive.
Of course, some people are just jerks and thrive on negativity, and enjoy hurling abuse at writers and artists because of the sense of power it gives them. You have to do your best to ignore small people like that.
Finally, be careful about positive comments too. Praise can become a drug that you start chasing, and that can lead to stagnation as a writer. When your fans are constantly telling you how wonderful you are, you can start to think your growth as an artist is complete. Don't ever lose the self-doubt and insecurity that drives you keep improving your writing.
As for other tips, I post regularly about writing to my blog, and I'm happy to discuss my posts there as well.
Michael Dalton
One quality writers need that you don't often see mentioned is patience. It takes time to hone your craft. It takes time for ideas to germinate into a story or book. It takes time to write (obviously). It takes time to polish a draft into something readable. And, it takes time to build an audience.
I often see novice writers getting discouraged because things aren't happening as fast as they would like. Just keep plugging away. Successful writers are the ones who didn't give up.
I often see novice writers getting discouraged because things aren't happening as fast as they would like. Just keep plugging away. Successful writers are the ones who didn't give up.
Michael Dalton
I am wrapping up an unusual (for me) erotic romance called The Hunt. This is the first novel (though not the first story) I've written in first person with a female narrator. It was supposed to be a short story, but turned into a short novel. I'm excited about it, and I'm eager to get it out.
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