Good morning! Today I’d like to talk about what we deserve as authors and as writers working so hard to be published. And it is work! We all know that. Start to finish, it took me two solid years to have my paranormal/suspense novel ALEX published. My short stories took far less time, of course, but in a way, trying to tell a story in less than 15,000wds can be just as difficult.
Then there’s the blog tours/reviews to set up and Facebook and Twitter accounts to keep up with. Though my problem there is that I spend way too much time talking to friends instead of promoting. It’s amazing how addictive Facebook is… We also have to keep busy on book sites and Goodreads and writing groups. So many tiny details to keep track of! Book signings and press releases… Then there’s trying to find time for my WIP.
Don’t get me wrong! I absolutely love doing guest blogs and meeting new writers and having my stories reviewed, especially when people like them. But as writers, we put so much of our time and ourselves into our work it’s wonderful to get a pat on the back now and again.
And that brings me to my topic for today. I’d like to share this post from Tony Eldridge that I found very inspiring. It assures me that all the effort I’ve put in has been worth it and reminds me why I write in the first place.
So, what do you deserve as an author? In my humble opinion, you deserve:
• Self Respect- This is huge. No matter what is going on in your life, you did what few others have done. That is something to be proud of and something no one can take away. Like earning a diploma, it's something you will always have.
• Proof that you can overcome great obstacles- If you can write a book, then you deserve to know that you can overcome any obstacles set in your path. The skill of overcoming obstacles is one that's worth gold when you have tangible evidence you can do it.
• Proof that you can overcome great obstacles- If you can write a book, then you deserve to know that you can overcome any obstacles set in your path. The skill of overcoming obstacles is one that's worth gold when you have tangible evidence you can do it.
• A legacy to leave to your descendants- 100 years after people leave this earth, there is little left as a legacy. A book is a way to live eternally to those who come after us. What a wonderful thought that your great-great grandchildren will read your words with pride.
To me, it all boils down to this: As an author, you deserve to be proud of your great accomplishment. So, get out there and do your best to persuade people to read your book and to help share it with others. The passion and knowledge you have about your book will help find those people just waiting to discover your book and the joy you have created between the covers.
To me, it all boils down to this: As an author, you deserve to be proud of your great accomplishment. So, get out there and do your best to persuade people to read your book and to help share it with others. The passion and knowledge you have about your book will help find those people just waiting to discover your book and the joy you have created between the covers.
-Tony Eldridge
http://bit.ly/c96681
Keep up the good work and good writing! Have an enjoyable, productive day.
Dianne Hartsock
http://bit.ly/c96681
Keep up the good work and good writing! Have an enjoyable, productive day.
Dianne Hartsock
Thanks for this post, Dianne! Managing time is one of a writer's major concerns. Or rather, effectively managing time! I particularly liked Tony Eldridge's comment on leaving a legacy for your descendents. It's so true! Not only are you leaving your words... but also your royalties. Bonus! :))
ReplyDeleteI also find it difficult/rewarding to manage my time. Tony's comments about leaving a legacy is something I'd always thought about. I wanted something of "me" left after I'm gone; something my children and grandchildren can pass down by saying, "She was an author. Here are her books."
ReplyDeleteA greater joy is just knowing I've accomplished what I set out to do...write and become published.
I never thought too much about leaving a legacy. I don't think I'm that good of a writer! But it's very satisfying to know that people I've never met have read my stories and liked them.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. I like what you shared and I agree,no matter what we think of our self (we are are own worst critics), the stories we write leaves a legacy that will be passed down through the ages . . . even if it's just our own family!
ReplyDelete