Wednesday, June 13, 2012

BREAK IT DOWN.

WRITE...
W...What do I want to capture for my story.
R ... Reach a target audience.
I ...  Ignore bad comments.
T ... Treat your story as fiction and don't ignore real life.
E ... Each word matters -- and so do you.

If you're like me, summer is here and some daily routines are pushed aside and forgotten. Writing is one of them. I have to remind myself, as soon as I open my eyes because it's the first thing that pops in my mind, to not give up. That it's okay to take some time off and live in a reality world and not partially consummed in a fictional one. Yes, as a writer, and you know who you are, it's a real challenge to shut some voices off. What helps is knowing that you're not the only one out there that feels the same way. I guess that could apply to just about anything in life, right?

Here's the dilemma. How do you not let negative comments get in the way of you continuing to do what you enjoy doing? I've read reviews and comments from those who are published getting unfair and bad reviews. And you know what's even more frustating, when you read the review yourself, most of them are so far off the mark. It's almost like the person skimmed over the words and never actually read the meaning. I'll admit, I've had a few myself. But I'm lucky I guess. It's only been two, and even those weren't bad. Now watch me post this and ten show up today. Would that be bad karma or what?

I've decided it doesn't matter if you do what others expect you to. Do what makes you happy. Even if it means checking off the dream that came true and pursuing another one.

Have a great and safe summer everyone!




2 comments:

  1. I think some feel they have to write critical reviewes to get good readership. They think writing hunky dory reviews will drive readers away. So many blogs seem to be guest spots for other writers and everyone invariably writes about the craft of fiction writing. Reading blog after blog about creating tension, making up interesting characters or when to use show/tell can get tedious. I may do something similar on occasion, but mostly I want to write my blogs as if I'm writing a nonpolitical newspaper column about life as I see it.

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    1. You always have a good point, Mike. I feel like you on some reviews. Not all. I've had some very dedicated bloggers who have poured their heart out and made me cry with their kind words. But as you know, not everyone is thoughful with words. Oh well, you can't please everyone. I've even seen scam reviewers, that's what I call them, give 1 and 2 star ratings on some books that aren't even out yet. Makes me wonder.

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