Hi there, guys and dolls! Yours truly had a very interesting conversation with an author friend of mine the other day. It was about what what you value and think about as a writer – telling stories and connecting with readers. The gist of it turned out to be all about what you are presenting , how it is received, and where you place your due care and attention. Talk about using your gray matter…

We chatted about pleasing people and the good (and not so good) opinion of others. As a writer, you have stories to tell, in a manner in which you are drawn towards presenting, but also the desire to reach people and want to consider the manner in which you present your stories to them. It can be at times a fine line, blurred by insecurity and overthinking.

We had both heard of authors experiencing thoughts of, “Well if I write it this way, will people like it?” sometimes compromising their integrity to be more popular. And then later on, when your work is out there, fussing over those who nit pick and don’t like your work (they are always out there, aren’t they?), sometimes publicly criticizing, other times wanting you to give your hard work away for free, or knocked down for a bargain deal ‘just for them,’ and you have no idea who they are and quite frankly have not behaved in a deserving manner.  And then, when they make us feel compromised or uncomfortable, we have trouble saying no, and worry and fret about what they will say to others about us.

Truth is, none of us are perfect and all of us have plenty to learn. When I have my druthers about me, I realize (my alter egos, actually) that I need to follow my heart and know where to place my focus. Tell my stories in the best way that I am inspired, do my research, take my time and have to confidence to share it in the way that I have been inspired to do. I’ve had some sage advice that I keep close to me – continue in the way of consistency to connect with those who have been interested and faithful to your ways, thanking them and having gratitude when they bring their peers to your work. Leave the judgmental naysayers and wheeler dealers behind, don’t get into it and let them go. It’s how they roll, you will not win as there is nothing to gain.  They’ll move on, and so will you as you gain more readers, and stay connected with those of kindred mind and heart.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean