When I contemplate my author life, here are a few biggies I am grateful for:
• My hubby who encouraged me to write after I speed-read every romance novel in our local library;
• Virginia Romance Writers for that unpublished author contest that gave me hope that I might have something;
• Virginia Romance Writers for encouraging me to submit my crazy story to The Wild Rose Press; and
• TWRP editor who took a chance on that crazy story (and she knows who she is!). :-)
But beyond those, I'm grateful for readers who pick up our stories and give them a chance, especially when you consider the millions of books currently on the market (100 pages of Romantic Suspense alone on Amazon!).
Special thanks to all who write reviews, even the woman who trashed my "Christmas Dance" with a 2-star review and called my characters selfish. She was right, by the way, but that was kind of the point of the story! She said a whole lot more that I have (in selfish, self-preservation mode) blocked from my memory, but the point is that she cared enough about the story to stop and post her thoughts. And thankfully there were other reviewers who reacted a bit less negatively to the story. :-)
And then there are the readers who don’t like posting reviews but who tell their friends and co-workers about a great book they just read. If that’s you – thank you! Word of mouth is the author’s best friend.
So a big THANK YOU today to those who read. You keep us going.
Wishing all my fellow Roses, all my fellow authors, and all my fellow readers a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.
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Leah writes stories of mystery and romance, good and evil and the power of love. Learn more at leahstjames.com, and stop by and visit on Facebook. She loves talking to other readers and authors!
17 comments:
Lovely post, Leah. Isn't it sad how we remember the bad reviews more than the good ones? I do, too. The support of other writers is so essential. Their encouragement keeps us going when we want to give up. Above all, a supportive spouse is a blessing. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family. Enjoy the addition of your new daughter-in-law to the family mix.
What a great list Leah!
Thanks for sharing
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT
Truth! Readers matter. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Well said, Leah! And I'm glad you could find a kernel of good in a bad review. Have a blessed holiday.
Beautiful post! Wow, that TWRP editor must be awesome. ;) I am so thrilled that you put aside your misgivings and took the plunge. I adore your writing, and I can't WAIT for you to finish the book you're working on. Ha, yes, gotta love those reviewers. Don't let the negative spoil the positive. The story was fantastic, even though they were selfish. That made it all the more realistic. I second your thanks to readers, well said. Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving!! From your biggest fan. (But not in a stalkery 'Misery' kind of way. :D)
Oh, I like this concept! When I meet women who read a book a day... at conferences, usually, I think of baby birds with their mouths open, stretching toward us writers...chirping "more, more, more!" We writers have to believe that what those babies want is more of our stories. Clearly they want yours, Leah. Onward and upward!
Hi Leah, Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Hope it is an enjoyable one and enjoyed your post!
Great post. I share your thanks for contests, readers, reviewers, and that very special editor who gave both of us our first chance.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Oh, Diane, I obsessed for several days about that review! I have been blessed with many wonderful, encouraging author friendships. I am looking forward to my first Thanksgiving as a mother-in-law!
Thanks, Pam and Jannine. Happy Thanksgiving!
It took me about two days before I found that kernel, Alina! But you have to put these things in perspective, right??? You have a blessed holiday as well.
Thank you, Alicia...for so much. :-) Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Great visuals of the baby birds, Rolynn! I feel like that myself with my favorite authors!
Thank you, Connie and Marissa,for stopping by. Wishing you both a joyous day!
I'm struck by how closely my "writer's thanks list" mirrors yours. I'm thankful to be on this path with you and the other Roses, as well as all the other writers I'm privileged to know. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sorry I missed you yesterday, Leah. Love your list. A lot like mine. At least that bad reviewer got the point. Sort of.
Happy Thanksgiving, Alison and Margo! I'm glad my thinking is in line with yours. :-)
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