2
| Jun 2011 |
When I saw this tweet from one of the sweetest book bloggers and reviewers I know, I was incredibly sad.
I don't know exactly what made her say it, but I wanted to let her and others who feel this way know that their dedication and love of reading and written words keep us writers going.
For me, writing a story is a solitary affair that can last months. Sometimes it's fabulous, sometimes it's hard. Then there's the post-publication period, when I wonder if anybody's reading my work.
I told someone — I think it was Pearl from Pearl's World of Romance — that publishing a book is like an audition. I'm in a dark auditorium, and I stand on the stage completely alone. I cannot see my audience at all (assuming I have one). A bright spotlight glares down on me. I'm performing, doing my best, to engage this audience I cannot see, hoping that something — anything — I'm doing hooks them. Makes them want to stay till the very end.
Then the reviews slowly start to trickle in. Book bloggers and Goodreads members start talking, and I know that at least I wasn't alone in that auditorium. Nobody likes a bad review, but even a bad review is better than being ignored, and can be used to make my next book better. And if I get flattering reviews, I savor them and keep them, so that when going gets really tough, or when I feel like quitting, I can go back and read those reviews and know that it's worth it for me to grit my teeth and chug along.
Perhaps it's selfish of me to want people like Lea to continue when they feel so down and sad about book blogging and reviews. I cannot ask that they continue if they derive no joy from their labor of love; writing thoughtful reviews is hard work. But I want them to know that I love them deeply and that they're appreciated.
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:36 pm · Link
Hugs to Lea and Nadia you are wonderful.
I know why I like you so much.
June 2nd, 2011 at 11:27 pm · Link
It is sad to read that. You should be happy and enjoy books, they should never make you feel like that.
June 2nd, 2011 at 11:37 pm · Link
Wonderful post Nadia, thank you!
And loved reading about how you perceive writing. Please reserve me a seat in the front row, I’ll be there at your performances! ;)
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:03 am · Link
Nadia, I love this post!!! I couldn’t agree with you more. Putting your work out there is sooooo scary. I SO appreciate book bloggers and reviewers! Keep it up, guys!
June 2nd, 2011 at 6:40 pm · Link
@SusiSunshine: Aww, thanks, Susi. I wanted Lea to know that I really love her and people like her out there. I know you guys don’t get enough love. :hugs:
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:40 am · Link
Hi Nadia:
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, lovely post. It truly means more than you can know.
I was actually re-reading Carnal Secrets last evening, and know it has become one of my comfort reads that I turn to again and again. Such a special story.
Wishing you well in the coming weeks – will be thinking of you and the little guy.
Warm Regards
L ;)
June 3rd, 2011 at 12:25 am · Link
@Savannah Chase: I know. Her tweet broke my heart, and I hope she feels better soon.
@Stella (Ex Libris): Aww, thank you, Stella! :)
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm · Link
@Amanda Bonilla: Exactly!
@Lea: Hi Lea, I’m glad my post made you feel better. And thank you so much for your lovely words on Carnal Secrets. :hugs: