How to Keep Your Chin Up as a Writer
I think every author has said it at least once in his/her lifetime. Writing is a difficult discipline. The difficulty is often dismissed or minimized by many because writing is an activity if performed well it looks easy. How hard can it be? And everyone writes, right? However, there is a huge difference between writing technical reports and/or school essays, as a hobby, and novels. The first one is usually a rattling of facts and empirical data. The second one usually isn’t subject to analysis or inspection by anyone, has no deadlines, and editing is optional. However, the last one leaves the writer vulnerable to the world’s scrutiny. It is the last one that this post will focus on.
Most writers put their hearts into their writing. Often, writers will refer to their works in progress (WIP) as their “baby” or speak of their characters as if they are real. This is annoying to some because it seems senseless or childish. However, I urge one to take a moment to put himself/herself into the shoes of the writer who has submerged himself/herself in developing the story for countless hours. It becomes personal and almost like a living thing. Receiving criticism for the thing that one has developed may be difficult. Yet, writers must, or, at least, professional writers must. Once a manuscript goes out into the world it becomes fair game and sometimes target practice. Editors, literary agents, publishers, and reviewers are all free to take a swing. Writers are warned to develop tough skin—or more like chainmail body armor—and take a seat on the sideline. Sometimes, it is a bloodbath, as writers are warned to never engage, even if the criticism is unfair and unwarranted. And by unfair and unwarranted, I do not mean it’s because a critique is negative.
For example, one reviewer wrote a critique citing an event that never occurred in the book. Perhaps the reviewer confused books or accidentally posted on the wrong account. However, the author is stuck with the erroneous review as the cite it was left on refused to remove it. Another reviewer wrote a review criticizing a book for its content despite the book having both a trigger warning and a foreword addressing it. At the end of the day, the authors are expected to bear the brunt with a stiff upper lip. Maybe authors disagree or dislike it, but it is what it is.it is what it is. So, here are some things authors should keep in mind.
DISCLAIMER: The intention of this article is not to bash or trash-talk anyone. It is to offer ideas to consider and ponder when experiencing imposter syndrome.
Reviews are opinions. Everyone (including all readers) all allowed to have opinions.Most reviewers leave reviews in good faith. They are being true to who they are.Most reviews aren’t personal. Reviewers aren’t attacking the authors. They are making comments on a book or story. Now, sometimes, it can be personal. There’s always an exception.Good information can be learned and gathered from negative reviews. Many reviewers leave constructive criticism that authors can use to improve their writing.Readers are fans. They want to enjoy books. They write reviews to express how they feel to other readers.Not all readers are going to read or even pay attention to reviews.Not all review sites are equal. Some sites allow anything and everything with no monitoring or verification.Some reviewers leave negative reviews or rank every book they read as low.Never compare scores. I don’t think it has been proven, but it seems that newer or lesser-known authors are critiqued more harshly than well-established or more popular artists.Book review averages are numbers. The fewer reviews a book has the more impact a lower ranking or negative review will have on that average.Books are about more than reviews. First, any author who has completed a manuscript should be proud of himself/herself for doing so. Many people state they want to write a book but never get that far. Second, if the book has reviews, then that’s another thing to be proud of because the author has had the courage to publish. Those two things constitute success.Rejection from publishers is part of the process. Most of the greats have been rejected at one time or another. It happens.Repeated rejections don’t mean the author is a poor writer. Likely, it means the writer hasn’t found his target audience or a publisher who he/she meshes with. Keep looking.Okay, this one is going to hurt. Literary agents and publishers have “formed letters.” A formed letter may look personalized, but it’s just a generic formed letter sent out to all writers whose work has been rejected. It may say something to the nature of, “Thank you for submitting. While your work was interesting, it just doesn’t meet our needs at this time. Keep us in mind for future works.” Yadda, yadda, yadda. This may or may not be true. They may not have even read your submission. It’s a formed letter. Now, if the letter goes into specific details about what was submitted, then, it’s likely true. But just because it includes the name of the manuscript means nothing. It’s a field in a formed letter. It may be an indicator that the author will never be a fit with the publisher or editor. And that’s okay. There are plenty of publishers and editors out there. There’s even a little thing called self-publishing. The thing to remember is not to wrap oneself up in a form letter that may lead to nowhereville. But this is good information. Why? Maybe the next time the writer submits a work, he/she will look at other literary agents and publishers first—ones that may be more aligned with the writer’s style.Online and social media writing communities that support writers exist. Writers aren’t alone in the world. Reach out to others.Rarely do first novels make the bestseller’s list. It’s not impossible, but it’s not the norm, either.Making a bestseller list is more than writing a good book. Some books do extremely well in sales but never make a bestseller list. That is because some lists have rules about what types of sales count. For example, some lists only count book sales from certain outlets or during a certain time period of release. It also has been rumored that some lists have been known to boot lesser-known authors from the list to make room for a better-known author, even if the lesser-known author has outsold the better-known author. Let me reiterate. That’s the rumor. Take it for what you will.More authors don’t make the bestseller’s list than authors who do. And it appears (although I have no supporting evidence) that it is easier to make a bestseller’s list if the author has made it previously. And this may be because the author has more publicity.In the writing world, there is a space for everyone. There is a niche for different sub-subgenres, book lengths (e.g., flashfic, microfic, epic, novella, etc.), tropes, and more.Writer’s block is something most authors experience. It’s unpleasant but passes. Wait it out by editing or working on another writing-related project.Writing challenges are a good outlet to rid self of writer’s block.All authors have to begin somewhere. It’s hard work for everyone, but it gets slightly easier with time.Writing is always evolving and tropes happen in trends. For example, there was a time when vampire stories were the hot tamale of sellers. Then, people got tired of them. But guess what. They came back around in fashion. Sometimes, the success of a book is about the timing, which some in the past have referred to as zeitgeist.Not all authors are antisocial, grumpy, raving alcoholics. I include this because it’s an antiquated, ridiculous stereotype, and sometimes one just has to laugh at the asinine.Buckle up and get ready.
Demon Rodeo is releasing on September 5, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon. For video book trailers, visit my TikTok page. The full blurb is on my Instagram and Amazon.
Demon Rodeo is the first book in the Chasing the Buckle series. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. It’s a friends-to-lovers romance set in the rodeo world. These are not your typical cowboys. It’s a widely diverse cast of characters and a mashup of genres that aren’t always seen together. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, this may be a book for you. Also, expect a lot of goodies and giveaways.
Preorder
⇨ Amazon: https://readerlinks.com/l/4174852
⇨ All Stores: https://books2read.com/u/bP8RG7
Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
If you’re not following my blog, Creole Bayou, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click here and sign up today.
Want to chat about writing, mental health, Cajun cuisine, Creole culture, or just spill some tea? If yes, let’s get connected. Follow me on one of my social links. There’s plenty to choose from.
Facebook: Genevive ChambleeX (formerly Twitter): @dolynesaidsoInstagram: genevivechambleeauthorGoodreads: Genevive ChambleeAmazon Authors: Genevive ChambleeBookBub: Genevive ChambleeTikTok: CreolegurlNolaBluesky: Genevive ChambleeThreads: Author Genevive Chamblee
[image error]LOCKER ROOM LOVE[image error]
[image error] Locker Room Love Series [image error]
Are you searching for a sexy book boyfriend? You’ve come to the right place.
Out of the Penalty Box (book #1) One minute in the box or a lifetime out. Defending the Net (book #2) Crossing the line could cost the game. Ice Gladiators (book #3) When the gloves come off, the games begin. Penalty Kill (book #4) Let the pucker begin. Future Goals (book #5) The future lies between a puck and a net.About the Author:
Hi, I’m Genevive, and I am a contemporary sports romance author. My home is in South Louisiana. If you like snark and giggles with a touch of steamy Cajun and Creole on the side, I may have your poison in my stash of books. Drop by the bayou and have a look around. The pirogues are always waiting for new visitors.
