The Real Reason Authors Crave Reviews: Validation

Back in December of last year, Maynard Soloman Proves Santa Claus is Real was nominated for best short story of 2011 by the Preditors & Editor Readers Poll. This was a tremendous honor that showcased the growing audience the Ol' Badger enjoys.

The wave of voting kept Maynard at number one for some time. I have to take off my Humble Hat and thump the chest a couple times about that one. Seeing something I worked hard on get a bit of time in the top spot felt good.

The placement didn't last forever, but the feeling did. Maynard finished fifth out of 30 nominees. If you ask me, that's pretty successful considering Maynard's only been around since mid-2011. (Mind you, he'll point out his real age when a senior discount is on the line.)

It's enough to keep me writing well into 2012. Not that I was thinking of hanging it up. But writers are insecure by nature. It's the dirty little secret any indie author will admit to feeling. We're constantly looking for validation, be it through reviews or a kinder, gentler round of editing.

That's in contrast with the reason most authors - save for the big names - will cite. "I just love to write, it isn't about the reviews or the money." That's mostly true. Authors love to write. But without reviews or just a little chump change every now and then, they're not likely to stick with it.

And if you're not feeling this way, your ego is probably preventing you from getting better. Or you're already making six figures off your writing.

Yeah, we're a needy lot, us writers.

I'm not complaining, though. Not by a long stretch. It's just that the same brain that is wired to string words together also craves feedback about its creation.

Which is my roundabout way of saying, "thank you," to everyone who voted for Maynard Soloman Proves Santa Claus is Real. It really goes a long way with me. It says to me I'm doing something right.

The next Maynard installment aims to be one of the best. I'm collaborating with Laura Roberts, who is best known for her sex lit writing. It's going to be wild.

P.S. Click here to get to know Maynard Soloman on his very own facebook page.

P.P.S. Click here for a full rundown of Maynard Soloman short stories.