Fragile State of Mind

I've been witnessing authors and writers on social media lately who are scared to get reviews. More importantly, freaked out when they get a review they hadn't anticipated. Or better yet, what most would call a bad review. This made me wonder, what is it really all about?

There's no such thing as a bad review, as long as you're an honest, straightforward author and not trying to scam the readers! Did you know bad reviews get more looks and hits than all of the five star reviews combined? And constructive critiques will make you a better author and writer, if you listen. They could actually help book sales or cause others to come to your rescue, read your book and decide the other person is wrong. And did you know that every review is important to give you validity as a writer and author? There are a lot of writers and authors out there who couldn't pay people to review their books. Be happy you are getting reviews and there is movement.



I will be the first to admit, sometimes when things happen not expected in this business regarding my books, it does shake my confidence to an extent. I start to question all the things that other authors and writers question when fear rises and insecurity takes over. We all do it on some level or another. I must say, I am very grateful to those people who take the time to point out certain aspects maybe I should think about changing. Because without their constructive critiquing, I might never be the wiser. And then, there are those times beyond constructive critiquing when you get a review that is just plain mean with loads of criticism. What then? Nothing, you must rise above with the understanding this person probably has more going on in their lives than we're privy to. They were able to say their peace, whether the book simply wasn't their cup of tea or whatever their reasoning.

Most people of the world understand completely, this is your baby and you've worked so hard doing the very best you could at that particular time.

In the grand scheme of things, this is what you signed up for. This is the process of moving forward, learning from your mistakes and growing as a writer and author. This is the process to make us better and represents movement, movement represents life.

*Being an author or writer as with any business, you have to acquire thick skin.
*Have conviction and know who you are, not only as a writer but as a person.
*You have to take the good with what we perceive as bad.
*Looking at the whole picture, it's just the journey we must go on to achieve greatness while conquering our fragile state of mind as creative individuals.
*There is light at the end of that dark tunnel, but you have to make your way through the tunnel first. I have found lots of good resting places along the way to recapture and be renewed by that light before trudging back into the tunnel.





You want to talk, I will listen. Post a comment to start a conversation.




SK Thomas is a writer, author, book reviewer and the curious creative complex brain behind this blog. Connect @skthomasauthor or http://www.skthomasauthor.com to learn more about her Pawned Queen Thriller Series.