Few things I've learned from/about this group

[J. Daniel, Lurking since 2015]

I lurked around in this group during February, joined in March, and usually check in a few times a day to see what's going on. I'd like to share a few things I've learned, if you'll indulge me for a few moments.

Never respond to reviews. Unless you are directly contacted, don't say anything. I know the temptation can be great, and maybe you could get them to see the error of their ways, but chances are you'll do much more damage to yourself than any single bad review could ever accomplish. Provided with the opportunity, I truly believe "me" from a few months ago would have completely blown this.

Be excellent to each other. This is good advice in any aspect of your life, and not something I learned from this group. However, in here this philosophy is embraced, encouraged, and even enforced. It's a pity about that last bit, but such is the world in which we live.

There are no rules in writing. One of the biggest attractions and advantages to indie publishing is the complete control over your own work. If you want to publish a stream of consciousness account of your daily bowel movements, no one is going to stop you. Furthermore, within this group you will likely find someone to beta read it, review it, blog about it, and you'll certainly receive words of encouragement for telling the story YOU wanted to tell. No one can or should tell you what you write is wrong.

Everyone has something to offer. No matter how much or how little one has written, we each have had a unique experience. This means there will be questions for which only you will be uniquely qualified to answer. Don't be afraid to provide that answer!

Even mods make mistakes. They are human, just like the rest of us, BUT they are always quick to acknowledge their mistake, apologize, and make amends. They are all truly kind people and I am proud to call them fellow indie authors.

That's all for now. Feel free to add your own observations.

Now everyone back to work!
And I call dibs on the stream of consciousness novel idea.

[Christina]

Very well said! I'm pretty happy to be a part of this big ol' indie author jumble as well. :)

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

J. Daniel wrote: "Even mods make mistakes. "

No we do not. That's a dastardly lie! We're repfect. You watch it, D. Janiel.

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

J. Daniel wrote: "I lurked around in this group during February..."

But, seriously, thanks for the kind post. It's great to know people are satisfied with the way this group is run.

[Riley, Viking Extraordinaire]

"J. Daniel wrote: "Even mods make mistakes."

Dwayne: No we do not. That's a dastardly lie! We're repfect. You watch it, D. Janiel."

What are you talking about Dwayne? I look for mistakes to make, so I can warn others about them! #VulturePressMustDie!

As for the rest of the post, you authors are the ones that make it! We just try to keep it all in line...hard to do with 2500+ different personalities, but we think it's worth it.

[Ellen]

Sorry, J. Daniel, I'm working on the next big stream of consciousness novel now - it's the last part of an accidental trilogy. Anybody write a book called the "Accidental Trilogy?" About an author who writes one book and the fans say, but what about doing it this way..." and all of sudden there are more books in the series?

What keeps me coming back to this group and stay away from others is the actual support I find.

[Christina]

I will write the accidental trilogy, but I'm a bit short on time, so it will have to be two books. ;)

I came for the support, but stayed for the dad jokes.

[J. Daniel, Lurking since 2015]

Forget the "like" button, we need a "rimshot"

[K.P.]

Bwahahahahaha

[Owen]

I've learned quite a few things from and about this group. But I'll start with just one: the people here are awesome. As in "restores my faith in humanity" awesome.

[Anita]

I'm with the "People here are awesome" part, it is so nice to be in a group of writers who exhibit mutual respect, and who offer support whenever its needed. I used to feel like I was floating around by myself sometimes, now I just come here when I need to read words by my fellow writers who can be helpful and supportive but also funny and a nice diversion to the "work" part of writing. This is a great group.

[Ellen]

Christina, I've got some plot points if you need them. ;) But I'm sure you'll do fine without me. Off I go to wrestle with Chapter 7 of the latest novel I haven't finished. Thank goodness I'm my own boss or I'd be in deadline deep doo-doo.

[Susan]

I totally agree with Owen - I've learned a lot from this group - very helpful place & people for Indie writers - thank you everyone!!

[Hailey]

I'm new to this group (and new to goodreads), so this was insightful. Thanks for the tips! :)

[Rachael]

Being indie / self published can sometimes feel very isolated; it's great to chat with other people in the same boat. I've considered giving up so many times, but then I come on here, speak to a few like minded scribblers and have my faith restored.

[Eric]

J. Daniel wrote: "If you want to publish a stream of consciousness account of your daily bowel movements, no one is going to stop you."

Gods help me, the temptation! If I was drinking soda when I read that, my nostrils would be displeased with you. Admittedly, I've come to love this group, as new as I am to it. I don't hesitate to tell other potential authors to publish, then join THIS group.

[T.L.]

Aww; everyone is awesome (imagines the Lego characters singing!). :-)

And yes, be excellent to each other is a most excellent saying, created by bodacious dudes! (*plays air guitar*)

It is really nice to have a group where us lone star indie warriors of magnificent works may gather and get support from like minded weirdos, I mean awesome people. :-)