It’s one thing to talk about writing a book—another to put in the due diligence of researching and learning the craft, then actually writing it. But to have it available for purchase, now that is an interesting sensation.
This week my Aviation Thriller went live, and the feeling was like no other. Not until people could actually purchase it, did I feel this sense of fear rolled up in a pile of nerves.
Nerves? Fear? I felt like I was standing naked on the street for everyone to judge me! And they will. Which brought me to the essence of this post.
We are not what we do.
Our value is not based upon our work.
Our self-worth has zero connection to the opinion of others.
I can see a serious trap in falling down the path of attaching our self-worth to whether or not people like our work, or if we sell thousands of novels.
Repeat after me: “I am not my work. I put my life into it. I did my best. I think it’s good. But not everyone will like everything. I know I have much learning to do—of course I will continue to get better. But today, I know that I am worth more than judgment on my novel, by someone who may have not done what I have done. I am proud to finish this book and say, I am an author.”
Now, I have to shout about my work. I have one review so far. And if I do say so myself, Linda couldn’t have said this better—
“I've read it: here's my Amazon review (everyone can go to Amazon and add their reviews, too) Flight for Control is a heart-pounding, bone-shaking aviation thriller that manages to incorporate fun and humor in the broader story, too. The friendships among the women in the book are great, and key to the plot, along with shocking behavior and unsettling revelations by other characters. I think this book will appeal to both men and women. Petitt is a long-time pilot who knows what she's talking about in the world of commercial aviation. You will stay up late reading this book (but you might not want to do that while you're a passenger on an airplane)” Linda Gray
Thank you Linda!
Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene
Congrats! I don't think people outside the "writing world" realize the amount of time, energy and heart that goes into writing a book. Be proud of what you have done. :)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, you are so right. They don't know. Thank you so much for the comment and support.
DeleteWise words of advice, Karlene. Lots of highly successful actors and authors claim they never read reviews for this very reason. They're onto something. Based on the snippets of author interviews I've read/seen on this issue, NO ONE gets by without bad reviews from (often) anonymous people. Best for us all to be ready for that, whether that means armadillo skin or not reading the reviews. You did it. Your book is complete and out there, and it's good. You got some great reviews besides mine, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, I appreciate that so much. I'm not reading reviews... but with Twitter, Facebook, and email... it's amazing how people can find you. lol. Thank you for all your time, energy and support!
DeleteWoohoo! Congrats, Karlene! Celebrate the awesome and forget the haters. Not everyone is going to love our books. Even what we think of as the best of all time get bad reviews. It's just part of the profession. No, it doesn't define you as a person. You have achieved an incredible goal! Enjoy the ride!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristie! I know it's easier to say... but a must do. We must all remember this! Thank you so much for your comment and support!
DeleteCongratulations Karlene! We've been waiting for this day for so long. It will be totally surreal to be in Hawaii this summer with our books in hand, knowing that's where our journey's began. I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Karlene. I can't wait to get my copy! I want to take this quote and post it in my office...
ReplyDelete“I am not my work. I put my life into it. I did my best. I think it’s good. But not everyone will like everything. I know I have much learning to do—of course I will continue to get better. But today, I know that I am worth more than judgment on my novel, by someone who may have not done what I have done. I am proud to finish this book and say, I am an author.”
Well said! Here's wishing you many sales!