Don't be "That" Author

Good morning and welcome to wwwblogs. We’re touching on a difficult subject today. We’ve all seen these people on social media. Most authors wince when asked why they aren’t doing something about this particular author. We all dislike admitting that there are certain authors that can’t be controlled. Their egos are so big they think they can say and do anything and their fans will lavish attention on them because they are THE AUTHOR.
Being the irritating author won’t gain you fans. It can and does have the opposite effect. You’ll lose fans as if they’ve discovered you have a communicable disease and they don’t want to catch it. Even those fans who agree with your comments will be loath to read your books. They’ll be afraid of what you’ll say or do next.
Being an author in the twenty-first century is far different than being an author in the twentieth century was. We have to maintain a social media presence while not putting up too many “buy my books” links. We must have no opinion other than what is popular and supported. Don’t you dare go against the grain… or too much for it. Your fans will surprise you with how their beliefs are contrary to yours and walk away in droves.
So, why is THE AUTHOR doing all of these things and seemingly getting away with their ugly commentary? First you have to ask yourself if they truly are getting away with their comments. Sure, they appear to have a lot of people agreeing with them, but look closer. See that comment in the middle, the one where someone *gasp* disagreed with THE AUTHOR. Read that scathing remark this person has written, basically calling the person an uneducated idiot and that they need to hide in shame for daring to disagree with an important author.
Now take a trip to the sales venues where this author has their books listed. Notice something. As in, new reviews coming up that have nothing to do with the book and everything to do with the author’s mistreatment of a fan. Notice the sales rankings are falling faster than a boulder off a mountain.
Yes, THE AUTHOR has committed an unforgivable faux pas. Oh, they will never actually accept the blame for their lack of sales. It must be some other reason. They are THE AUTHOR and therefore their books are in demand everywhere.
So, don’t be this person. Accept that you as a public person have no right to express your opinions fully, even if they are in line with everyone else’s. You must remain neutral in everything, but you can mumble under your breath as you avoid confrontations on social media. This is the way to keep your fans and find others. Let them wonder where you stand, or even let them believe you have the same opinions you do.


About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

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