I’ve noticed a few posts (I won’t say where, this isn’t about bashing someone–it’s showing my side of the story) that come down to the same thing: “How can you be so arrogant?” All because I said my books were “phenomenal” and deserved 5 stars. That sometimes I was in awe of the fact that I wrote what I did.
Yes. My books are amazing. I make no apologies for that statement. I spend a year or more on each book. I spend a lot of money/time/marketing into making my books as perfect as humanely possible.
But let’s back up. Before I ever published my first novel, I spent years perfecting my craft (reading books, college degree in English, practicing by putting Butt In Chair every. single. day., and more conferences and workshops than I can count). I faced HUNDREDS of rejections and rallied to keep trying. Keep working. I spent years struggling to move from “writer” to “author”.
You can’t forge through those kinds of disappointments, face the kinds of setbacks I have faced without a certain amount of confidence–something deep inside you that says (despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence to the contrary): I will get there. I am already there. My time is coming.
I wouldn’t publish a book that I hadn’t given 110% to. I wouldn’t put my name on something I wasn’t proud of. I wouldn’t be an author if I didn’t believe in myself.
And I make no apologies.
Author
Cryptic blog post is cryptic.
Nothing says success like some dumb [redacted] trying to elevate herself by stepping on your head.
Second Anthony's statement and you definitely don't have to apologize Amber.
Amen!
You go girl!!!
Jackie
And you shouldn't back up from that ever!
If you don't love your books, you don't put them out there without thinking they're great! Why you put up for sale something you'd think is not good enough, right?
Writing is your job! It's your craft! You should feel confident and proud of what you do just like anyone else would feel confident in their employment. There's nothing wrong with that.
So true! You should be proud of your stories. If you aren't, then who else will be?
Anthony: *evil grin*
Sheena: Can someone tell this person that? Sheesh.
Michelle: Hallelujah!
Jackie: This is me holding back.
Pili: My thoughts exactly!
Kathryn: I agree. Why wouldn't I be proud.
Cherie: Yup. It all starts from us and shines outward.