Lindsay Detwiler's Blog, page 29

Overcoming Author Envy: Building a Writing Community of Support

 

Available now on Amazon

You’ve labored over a work for months, even years, crafting a tale. You go through agonizing doubt, criticism, rejections. You have a love-hate relationship with your words, knowing your story is valuable but feeling like it isn’t worthy.

Then it happens. The contract and all of the publishing work that ensues. Editing, editing again, editing some more. Marketing, building a platform, selling your books, appearances, promotions. You pour your heart into your work, finally feeling like it’s worthy.

And then?

Silence.

Your book isn’t doing so well or at least as well as you want. The New York Times hasn’t called yet, and you haven’t made it to Oprah’s favorite book list.

But around you, you see fellow writers’ successes on social media. They’re hitting the bestselling list, getting awesome book signings, speaking engagements. The writing gods are seemingly passing all of their favor onto everyone—except you.

The Poison of Envy: How Jealousy Can Tank Your Writing Career

Cue author envy.

It can be so easy to fall into this pitfall. It’s easy to judge your writing successes against others. Social media makes this easier than ever.

The problem? It’s a trap.

Because with author envy comes a slew of new problems. In addition to feeling frustrated and doubtful about your work, you start to feel unworthy of your status as an author. If you are always comparing yourself to those around you, you’ll never feel successful.

There will always, always be someone better, more popular, more talented, more witty, more eloquent, more _________. Trying to compete in a subjective market is career suicide because writing is about being unique.

This means that each of our journeys must also be unique. If you are focusing on those around you, you’ll never appreciate what you have going for your own writing career and style. You’ll never find your niche, leading to even more issues.

Moreover, just like in any setting, envy isn’t admirable. It creates rifts and makes you an ugly person on the inside. In this business, having support from others is crucial. This means supporting other writers during their successes and failures. This means not focusing on comparison but on boosting each other up.

Finding a Community of Writers to Overcome Frustration and Jealousy

With all of that being said, author envy still happens. We’ve all been there, even if only internally. Envy is a natural human emotion. The key is to not let it poison your confidence, your fan base, or your genuine support of others.

We as writers need to remember that the writer’s life is tough for everyone, no matter what the sales figures say. We must build a community of support and relish in the fact we all have our own fingerprint in the writing community.

Our journeys all look different, our writing is different, and, most importantly, our successes are different. When we can learn to value this aspect of the writer’s life, we can learn to be stronger, better writers and people in general.

I’ve been so blessed to work with the Limitless Publishing Team where there is truly a community of support and encouragement. There is a genuine excitement over each others’ successes and an “I’ve got your back” mentality over failures.

The Limitless Team has shown me author envy is something that can be overcome. It just takes some connections, some support, and some appreciation for the writing community in general.

Lindsay Detwiler

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184RXDRW

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184RXDRW

Long May She Reign: My Latest Netflix Addiction

Hello. I’m author Lindsay Detwiler, and I have a Netflix addiction. I’m going to tell you all about it…and you might just get hooked too.

I’ve caught up with all of the seasons of Once Upon a Time, my Netflix addiction that began over last Christmas break. I was quickly hooked on Emma Swan’s stories, the weaving of fairy tales together, and, of course, Captain Hook. So when I watched the last episode on Netflix, I was in quite a slump. I had nothing to watch, no Netflix addictions to comfort me on the long, cold nights.

And then I made a wonderful decision. I clicked on Reign on my Netflix menu.

It’s been less than a week…and I’m on episode sixteen (*gasps*).  To be fair, I am on Thanksgiving break, and I did promise myself endless hours of couch time to help minimize the stress that’s been building from twelve weeks of school.

This show has everything a woman needs: sexy male protagonists, drama, backstabbing, and gorgeous wardrobes. I mean, it’s set in a castle, every girl’s dream! Here’s a list of why I’m addicted.

Gorgeous men

We all know in the the love triangle scenario, there’s usually the clear cut winner we root for. Not in this show. Both Bash and Francis are gorgeous in their own right, and both have an undying love for Mary. It’s easy to relate to Mary’s constant battle to figure out who she loves more; what woman in their right mind could choose between the two brothers?

2. Mary= Female Empowerment

Typically, a show about royalty in the 1500s equates to weak women. Not in Reign, however. Mary might be a woman, but she is sassy, intelligent, and cunning. She gets what she wants, and she puts her emotions first in a world filled with rational thoughts. I love that she’s not afraid to do what is right to protect her loved ones.

3. Never Ending Drama

There’s never a dull moment. Sure, there are some breaks where things are peaceful and you can just relish in some adorable scenes. But there’s always something happening. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger…cue Netflix binge watching. I find myself having to know what happens next. Many critics of the show argue that it isn’t historically accurate…which it isn’t. But that’s okay. I love the soap opera feel set in a backdrop of Mary Queen of Scots’ life. I think it’s okay that it’s just inspired by the setting, not by historical accuracy.

4. Lovely dresses

Every woman wants to be a princess. This show plays into that fantasy. I love seeing the regal dresses and the castle scenes. It’s fun to see the costumes and jewelry.

So yes, Reign has my vote. It’s a perfect balance of romance, jealousy, drama, tragedy, and action. Check it out at come back and tell me what you think. Just remember…you do need to eat, shower, and perhaps even clean the house once in a while. I only mention it because once you start watching, you may need to remind yourself of this.

 

Into the Wild by McCandless: Finding Adventure in a Small Town Life

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

~Chris McCandless, Into the Wild

Small Town USA: The Average Girl’s Life

I am small town girl living a small town life. I teach in the hometown I grew up in. The most exciting events in our town are the opening of a new restaurant and the annual tree lightening festival. I have a set routine that I pretty much adhere to.

Our “exciting outings” on weekends usually involve going to dinner and, if we’re feeling mighty adventurous, a movie too. Most nights, my husband and I melt into our sofa, feeding our addiction to Netflix and greasy foods. We are in our twenties, but sometimes our sedentary lifestyle seems to hint to an age older than our years.

Playing it Safe: The Introverted Life

Adventure has never been my first, middle, or last name. I’m not a risk taker. I’m the child who worried the Ferris wheel was going to break or that I would be killed by a shark in the ocean even if only my big toe was in the water. I’m afraid to fly because I picture images of crashes in my head even considering it. I’m an introvert for the most part, so my social scene basically consists of my five cats and Henry.

But today, when reading this passage in my English class as I did last year, these words struck a chord. Here was a man, Chris McCandless, not afraid to break out of routine, to live an unconventional life. He would never pass up a journey, a new experience, or a chance to do something extraordinary.

Chris McCandless: Inspiring Adventure

Certainly the tale doesn’t seem to end well for Chris–he dies in Alaska. However, one must ask if he truly died unsuccessful. He lived the vision he saw for his life. He lived a life of adventure, of travels, of not being afraid.

I don’t think I’ll ever journey into Alaska–I can barely last five minutes outside in my backyard when I lock myself outside of the house. I doubt I’ll ever be the skydiving wild child or daredevil. But Chris does inspire one to look for new opportunities, even in a small town life.

Out of the Comfort Zone: Small Steps

I’ve been trying to push myself to experience new things, no matter how small. My mom and I tried the Salt Spa in State College for the first time in October, something we’d always wanted to do. I went for my first massage and pedicure this summer as well. There was the trip to Hershey with my husband, our first time there in a long time. This Saturday, we’re going to Ebensburg for our first time at the Dickens Christmas celebration. Sometimes it’s about the small moments, the tiny chances to get off your couch and do something new.

For Chris, adventure meant Alaska. For some of us living in the conventional world, we might not be so brave. However, Chris reminds us there is adventure to be found in many forms.

We just have to be willing to look for it.

Finding Adventure in a Small Town Life

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”

~Chris McCandless, Into the Wild

I am small town girl living a small town life. I teach in the hometown I grew up in. The most exciting events in our town are the opening of a new restaurant and the annual tree lightening festival. I have a set routine that I pretty much adhere to. Our “exciting outings” on weekends usually involve going to dinner and, if we’re feeling mighty adventurous, a movie too. Most nights, my husband and I melt into our sofa, feeding our addiction to Netflix and greasy foods. We are in our twenties, but sometimes our sedentary lifestyle seems to hint to an age older than our years.

Adventure has never been my first, middle, or last name. I’m not a risk taker. I’m the child who worried the Ferris wheel was going to break or that I would be killed by a shark in the ocean even if only my big toe was in the water. I’m afraid to fly because I picture images of crashes in my head even considering it. I’m an introvert for the most part, so my social scene basically consists of my five cats and Henry.

But today, when reading this passage in my English class as I did last year, these words struck a chord. Here was a man, Chris McCandless, not afraid to break out of routine, to live an unconventional life. He would never pass up a journey, a new experience, or a chance to do something extraordinary.

Certainly the tale doesn’t seem to end well for Chris–he dies in Alaska. However, one must ask if he truly died unsuccessful. He lived the vision he saw for his life. He lived a life of adventure, of travels, of not being afraid.

I don’t think I’ll ever journey into Alaska–I can barely last five minutes outside in my backyard when I lock myself outside of the house. I doubt I’ll ever be the skydiving wild child or daredevil. But Chris does inspire one to look for new opportunities, even in a small town life.

I’ve been trying to push myself to experience new things, no matter how small. My mom and I tried the Salt Spa in State College for the first time in October, something we’d always wanted to do. I went for my first massage and pedicure this summer as well. There was the trip to Hershey with my husband, our first time there in a long time. This Saturday, we’re going to Ebensburg for our first time at the Dickens Christmas celebration. Sometimes it’s about the small moments, the tiny chances to get off your couch and do something new.

For Chris, adventure meant Alaska. For some of us living in the conventional world, we might not be so brave. However, Chris reminds us there is adventure to be found in many forms.

We just have to be willing to look for it.

Release Day: Without You by Lindsay Detwiler

WITHOUT YOU by Lindsay Detwiler
:: SYNOPSIS :: 

On the surface, Jenna Landsen has

it all…

She’s

smart, beautiful, confident, and married to Camden Landsen, who happens to be

drop dead sexy and just as successful. But after five long years, all the

success in the world hasn’t brought the romantic spark back into her marriage.

Jenna fears it never will.

When life gives you lemons, open a

bakery and name it Vi’s…

Violet

Streiff made the exact mistake her mother warned against—she fell in love with

Liam Coffman, a charming finance major. When he left her heartbroken to further

his career, Violet drowned her sorrows by opening a bakery, and now relies on

Bob, her eighteen-pound cat, for warmth at night instead of a sexy man.

To find love, sometimes you first have

to discover yourself…

When

Jenna’s job offers an extended trip to New York, she packs her bags and takes a

two-month vacation from life. The chance of her marriage surviving looks grim, until

the surprise of a lifetime throws a wrench in her plans to stay in the Big Apple

for good.

You can bend the rules—but sooner

or later they’ll break…

When

Violet meets a gloomy but totally drool-worthy guy named Camden in her shop,

she’s sure her luck has changed. There’s no denying the chemistry, but he’s

married, and that’s a major problem. Violet isn’t a homewrecker. Still, staying

away from Camden proves nearly impossible. That is, until his wife comes home.

Two women.
Two men.
Double the chance to

find love in the most unexpected places—or

double the chance for disaster.




:: PURCHASE YOUR COPY ::KINDLE: http://amzn.to/1Oh5rVw

PAPERBACK: http://amzn.to/1Oh5tgk 

:: MEET LINDSAY DETWILER ::

I am a high school English teacher, an author, and a fan of anything pink and/or glittery. I am the English teacher cliché ; I love cats, reading, Shakespeare, and Poe.

Publishing a novel has always been one of the top items on my “bucket list.” I started writing Voice of Innocence while still in college. Recently deciding that I should follow the advice I give to my students, I realized it was time to share my writing with others. Voice of Innocence was published in February of 2015 and will hopefully be the first of many novels in the women’s fiction genre.

I currently live in my hometown with my husband Chad (my Junior High sweetheart); our cats Arya, Amelia, Alice, and Bob; and our Mastiff Henry.

I have many inspirations in my life as a writer. My parents instilled in me a value for education and reading from the time I could talk. One of my earliest memories is sitting with my parents as they taught me to sound out words. My husband has also inspired me to pursue my dream of writing. I met Chad in an art class when we were only twelve. He has shown me that love is real, is enduring, and is our most important ally in this sometimes harsh world. He has supported me through this entire process, believing in my writing even before I believed in it myself. My favorite author, Nicholas Sparks, also indirectly inspired me by showing that love stories can be powerful and deep.

My goal with my writing is to show the power of love and the beauty of life while also instilling a true sense of realism in my work. Some reviewers have noted that my book is not the “typical romance.” I think that’s because I come from a place of honesty. I examine the difficult questions, look at the tough emotions, and paint the pictures that are sometimes difficult to look at. I want my fiction to resonate with readers as realistic, poetic, and powerful. I achieve this through my descriptive writing, my narrative voice, and my characters who are easy to relate to. I want women readers to be able to say, “I see myself in that novel.” I want to speak to the modern woman’s experience while also bringing a twist of something new and exciting. I want readers to say, “That could happen,” or “I feel like the characters are real.” That’s how I know I’ve done my job.

My hope is that by becoming a published author, I can inspire some of my students and other aspiring writers to pursue their own passions. I want them to see that any dream can be attained and publishing a novel isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

 
Website: http://lindsaydetwiler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsayanndetwiler/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@LindsayDetwiler/
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvz8hP-eesFMprJuG0a4ZzA

Win Without You Before Release Day!

Without You releases tomorrow, and you have two chances to WIN a signed copy!!

Option 1: Sign up for my newsletter at http://tinyletter.com/lindsaydetwiler

Option 2: Like, share, and comment the locket post on www.facebook.com/lindsayanndetwiler

Contests end tonight! Don’t miss your chance!

WITHOUT YOU by Lindsay Detwiler

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

SYNOPSIS: On the surface, Jenna Landsen has it all…

She’s smart, beautiful, confident, and married to Camden Landsen, who happens to be drop dead sexy and just as successful. But after five long years, all the success in the world hasn’t brought the romantic spark back into her marriage. Jenna fears it never will.

 

When life gives you lemons, open a bakery and name it Vi’s…

 

Violet Streiff made the exact mistake her mother warned against—she fell in love with Liam Coffman, a charming finance major. When he left her heartbroken to further his career, Violet drowned her sorrows by opening a bakery, and now relies on Bob, her eighteen-pound cat, for warmth at night instead of a sexy man.

 

To find love, sometimes you first have to discover yourself…

 

When Jenna’s job offers an extended trip to New York, she packs her bags and takes a two-month vacation from life. The chance of her marriage surviving looks grim, until the surprise of a lifetime throws a wrench in her plans to stay in the Big Apple for good.

 

You can bend the rules—but sooner or later they’ll break…

 

When Violet meets a gloomy but totally drool-worthy guy named Camden in her shop, she’s sure her luck has changed. There’s no denying the chemistry, but he’s married, and that’s a major problem. Violet isn’t a homewrecker. Still, staying away from Camden proves nearly impossible. That is, until his wife comes home.

 

Two women.

Two men.

Double the chance to find love in the most unexpected places—or double the chance for disaster.

First Review of Without You

“Beautiful, heart-wrenching words come from Ms. Detwiler as she brings her story to life in a way where no one is the villain, but the stories ring as realistic as a chapel bell.” The first review of Without You is here! Thank you Tome Tender for your kind words :) Read the entire review here:

http://tometender.blogspot.com/2015/11/without-you-by-lindsay-detwiler.html?zx=ed8e02d8ef13ea12

Gloria Herrmann: Loving Liam Review

Loving Liam by Gloria Herrmann

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

Loving Liam is about love, careers, and how sometimes the two can compete with each other. This book goes beyond your typical romance to cover themes of family, small town life, self-identity, and friendship.

Rachel is looking for a change in her life, so she leaves her big city life for small town life when she takes a new job as a principal at a small school. Liam, a fourth grade teacher there, is initially hesitant about the changes. He isn’t trusting of this trendy woman from California. However, as Rachel assimilates into the town life and becomes friends with Liam’s mother and sister, his views of the adorable blonde begin to change.

I really liked how the love between Liam and Rachel took a lot of time to build. It wasn’t a straight, simple, cheesy path to love. The characters’ hesitancy and struggles with the complexities of their situation add depth to the story line. I also loved Rachel’s character. As a teacher, I felt like I could understand her character because of her career in education and the climate of the school. I really connected with her desire to find balance in her life and her courage to go after her dreams.

Liam was a very likable character. He wasn’t the cliche character you typically see in a love story, which I appreciated greatly. I also loved reading about his interactions with his warm, intriguing family.

Herrmann’s writing style has many strengths, adding to the story. Her ability to write realistic dialogue uplifts the themes and action in the story. I felt like I was listening in on the various conversations, and the dialogue really keeps the development of the various relationships and friendships in the novel flowing smoothly. I also though the pacing of the novel was spot on. There was a lot of development of the characters and nothing felt rushed. However, I never felt like it was moving too slowly either. It was a perfect pace and length. The ending also left me both satisfied and wanting more from the story.

The only thing I found disappointing was I would have liked to have seen more of the scenes where Rachel and Liam interact. I liked the hesitancy and confusion built into the story, but when they finally do spend time together, I wanted more of their conversations and interactions. I also thought the chapters could be more distinctively and purposefully separated. At times, I didn’t feel like the chapter ending was as strong as it could have been.

Overall, Loving Liam is a sweet romance that will make you think about dreams, love, family, and how the three fit together. I look forward to reading more of Herrmann’s work and more of Rachel and Liam. You will leave this book wishing you could live in Birch Valley, which I think speaks volumes about this author’s talent as a writer.

View all my reviews

Sometimes It Just Takes a Kiss

Where were you when a kiss changed everything?

In a busy shopping mall, the crowds fading into blackness as your lips met?

Or in a movie theater, blanketed by the safety of the darkness?

Were you in a dorm room? On a bus? In the rain?

Were you young, naive to the perils of love? Were you feeling hopeless, feeling like it wouldn’t happen for you again?

Sometimes love takes a long, winding road. It fools with us, it plays us, it taunts us. Sometimes love can take weeks, months, years to emerge.

But sometimes, well, sometimes it just takes a kiss. One kiss to awaken your soul to the possibilities. One kiss to show you what you’ve been missing all along.

One kiss to make you question everything you thought you knew and wanted.

One kiss to make you fall in love…even with someone you aren’t supposed to love at all.

Lindsay Detwiler, Without You

http://tinyletter.com/lindsaydetwiler

Click below to enter!

Black Friday Deal for the Bookworm! 30% Off

Bookworms unite! Here’s a Black Friday deal for you :) Get 30% off a paperback of your choice on Amazon.com using code Holiday30.

While you’re there, think about buying Without You, a perfect holiday read for the married or single woman on your list! This new adult/contemporary romance explores the idea that married or single, love is complicated.

Happy Holidays!

On the surface, Jenna Landsen has it all…

She’s smart, beautiful, confident, and married to Camden Landsen, who happens to be drop dead sexy and just as successful. But after five long years, all the success in the world hasn’t brought the romantic spark back into her marriage. Jenna fears it never will.

When life gives you lemons, open a bakery and name it Vi’s…

Violet Streiff made the exact mistake her mother warned against—she fell in love with Liam Coffman, a charming finance major. When he left her heartbroken to further his career, Violet drowned her sorrows by opening a bakery, and now relies on Bob, her eighteen-pound cat, for warmth at night instead of a sexy man.

To find love, sometimes you first have to discover yourself…

When Jenna’s job offers an extended trip to New York, she packs her bags and takes a two-month vacation from life. The chance of her marriage surviving looks grim, until the surprise of a lifetime throws a wrench in her plans to stay in the Big Apple for good.

You can bend the rules—but sooner or later they’ll break…

When Violet meets a gloomy but totally drool-worthy guy named Camden in her shop, she’s sure her luck has changed. There’s no denying the chemistry, but he’s married, and that’s a major problem. Violet isn’t a homewrecker. Still, staying away from Camden proves nearly impossible. That is, until his wife comes home.

Two women.

Two men.

Double the chance to find love in the most

unexpected places—or double the chance for disaster.