If you are an aspiring author then there will come a day when you will hope your friends (and the rest of the world) purchase and read your novels. And then you'll hope they'll like them so much that they'll recommend them to everyone they know. But before we put our hands out for support, we must give it. Part of building your platform (your life, your friendships even) is to support others. You're probably wondering how many of my published friends books I own. All of them, yep really, because I believe in paying it forward.
If you don't have time for your friends, eventually, they won't have time for you. So when you're building that platform, understand that it isn't just tweeting, blogging, or commenting on a profile. It's actual support of others who are fighting the same battle you're fighting.
~Heather
Heather is the author of the YA paranormal Channeler series which includes; The Secret Of Spruce Knoll, Born Of Fire, Channeler's Choice, and coming in May of 2012, To Ride A Puca. A short story of Heather's is also available in the free In His Eyes eBook anthology.
I never understood this actually. It's almost if they want you to take time to validate their work but they can't support your writing.
ReplyDeleteI always believe in paying it forward. :)
Yeah, it's sad to come across people like that. But then people like you make it all worth it. :)
DeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteThanks Aimee!
Delete"It's actual support of others who are fighting the same battle you're fighting." YES! Absolutely.
ReplyDeleteI also don't understand why this person would come to you for support, when she's never read your work. :(
It's hard to figure some people out. :(
DeleteI would have been kind of pissed too. If I were that person, I would have been embarrassed to ask. OR I would have at least read some of your books so I could be all "Okay, I get it! You rawk! Now will you help me?"
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this person wasn't the type to get embarrassed about much.
DeleteLike any other important relationship, this has to be a reciprocal one. I love reading other writers' work and helping if I can. I truly do! But I've learned to do that only with people who will take the time to help me when I have something that needs critiquing (and who are likely to critique in a way I can use). I'm glad you were able to say no, Heather. Sounds like it was clearly the right decision.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support Linda!
DeleteDuring the early years, when golfers began to market clubs, a weekend golfer asked a pro golfer (Nelson, I think) to critique his swing. The pro golfer looked at the guy's golf bag, saw a signature name that wasn't his and said, "Ask him."
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that there "is more happiness in giving than receiving". I feel honored to help others, whether it be with critiques or promoting others work. Isn't that what our writing community is all about?
ReplyDeleteIt truly is! Funny enough, I couldn't get this person to participate in the writing community either. Go figure!
DeleteSo true Heather, it is important to read your friends books, and support them.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should tell that person that you would love to read their book, but first they should buy all of yours, read them, and tell you what they liked and why they want your help. That will put the ball back in their court first. You can be willing to help, but they have to do their part first.
I think I might have all your friends books too. :)
Keep up the great work supporting those who support you.