I take my position as top poster in my favorite forum seriously. It’s not an internet addiction see, it’s a social management role. The person who talks the most sets the tone, and I want our little forum to be friendly, professional, and helpful.
I attempt to set the professional tone with my own posts, such as this one:
“I do believe this thread may hold the record of Three–count ‘em–THREE people all saying “Traci is Right.”
Forget taking screen shots of sales ranks, I’m totally taking one of this. ; )
I’m just glad we’ve all noticed the same pattern. Success attracts naysayers.
Traci”
Okay, so I do go for silly on occasion. Or regularly.
But that post came from a recent thread worth talking about. We authors have noticed that when a book begins to sell hundreds of copies a month people pop out of the word work to warn other readers away. I’m sure that on some level that kind of activity is a valuable public service.
When it happened to me I amped up my skill level. I took a class. I hunted for better, stronger editors to help me whip my book into shape. This is the correct response to critique. But, in spite of knowing and doing the right thing, it is important to note that this happens to all of the hot sellers. And hopefully, when facing criticism all of the hot sellers will be willing to look honestly at their books and see if there is room for improvement.
Speaking of doing our best work at all times, I wrote the following post in response to a question about book blurbs. I think the last line sums up the attitude an author should have.:
“I usually just read the first two or three sentences of a blurb, so they need to be really good. I never buy a book I haven’t read the blurb of…but sometimes the book’s story sounds good even when the blurb isn’t perfect.
That’s just my 2 cents, but in all things we need to strive for excellence. We’re not just making art we are serving others, and should do our best for the readers. : )”
That’s my philosophy anyway. The writers job is a service job. Offering the gift of escape and entertainment to a weary and battered public.
