Have you noticed it lately? It's all over the Internet. And man, am I tired of it.
Venomous comments on Facebook concerning politics or other public figures, frighteningly vehement. I've noticed juvenile feedback on web articles, and even YouTube videos (thankfully, none of my own, but it still bothers me). Authors who blog about what other authors shouldn't say on their blog.
Even nasty feedback on free reads. Free reads! A story given to you by an author. If someone handed you a gift in real life, would you say nasty things about it? Doubtful, but if you did, it would only be shared in confidence. So why do that to an author?
For awhile, some negativity made me doubt myself. I wondered: Am I doing everything wrong? Should I not talk about my writing, or writing in general, or mention nice reviews on my blog? Well, for goodness sake, what is a blog for if you can't share a good review? I'm happy for other authors who receive good reviews. Show a little generosity of spirit and say, "nice job." And writing is my passion. In fact, it's my escape. It's why I began this blog.
Sorry if this post comes off as negative. I work very hard at trying to remain positive, but sometimes the naysayers drag me down. I'm not saying it's all aimed at me. Much of it isn't. There's just been so much of it - on blogs, on Facebook - too many places.
We're all doing what we love, and doing the best that we can. And I love helping other authors, so I post plenty of tips both here and on my Facebook page.
I'm a big believer in karma. Negativity comes back around, maybe when you least want it to revisit you.
But beyond that, I think of myself as a professional. And in a professional world, we should conduct ourselves as such, and show some grace, some encouragement, some friendship. I have no respect for anyone who tries to elevate themselves by bashing others.
So this is my advice to anyone who visits, today or any day - believe in yourself. Love what you do, and let it show. Don't let anyone else tell you it's wrong. And if you don't like what I share on my blog, well, I'm sorry, but it's what I love. My passion. If you want to see pictures of the snow, or the sunrise or my dog, they're on my personal Facebook page. I have nothing against sharing that sort of thing on blogs, and I like seeing it on others' blogs, but it's just not my focus. Writing is.
Getting off my soapbox now...
And thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for coordinating the Insecure Writer's Support Group! It's a great way to connect with, and support, other authors.
Venomous comments on Facebook concerning politics or other public figures, frighteningly vehement. I've noticed juvenile feedback on web articles, and even YouTube videos (thankfully, none of my own, but it still bothers me). Authors who blog about what other authors shouldn't say on their blog.
For awhile, some negativity made me doubt myself. I wondered: Am I doing everything wrong? Should I not talk about my writing, or writing in general, or mention nice reviews on my blog? Well, for goodness sake, what is a blog for if you can't share a good review? I'm happy for other authors who receive good reviews. Show a little generosity of spirit and say, "nice job." And writing is my passion. In fact, it's my escape. It's why I began this blog.
Sorry if this post comes off as negative. I work very hard at trying to remain positive, but sometimes the naysayers drag me down. I'm not saying it's all aimed at me. Much of it isn't. There's just been so much of it - on blogs, on Facebook - too many places.
We're all doing what we love, and doing the best that we can. And I love helping other authors, so I post plenty of tips both here and on my Facebook page.
I'm a big believer in karma. Negativity comes back around, maybe when you least want it to revisit you.
But beyond that, I think of myself as a professional. And in a professional world, we should conduct ourselves as such, and show some grace, some encouragement, some friendship. I have no respect for anyone who tries to elevate themselves by bashing others.
So this is my advice to anyone who visits, today or any day - believe in yourself. Love what you do, and let it show. Don't let anyone else tell you it's wrong. And if you don't like what I share on my blog, well, I'm sorry, but it's what I love. My passion. If you want to see pictures of the snow, or the sunrise or my dog, they're on my personal Facebook page. I have nothing against sharing that sort of thing on blogs, and I like seeing it on others' blogs, but it's just not my focus. Writing is.
Getting off my soapbox now...
And thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for coordinating the Insecure Writer's Support Group! It's a great way to connect with, and support, other authors.
