Packing Heat 053: Author in the Room
Posted by Jordan Castillo Price at 5/14/2009 9:21 AM 
Categories: Motivation,Business of Writing
Tags: envy blogs work anecdote mental health
Categories: Motivation,Business of Writing
Tags: envy blogs work anecdote mental health
| Download | Duration: 00:18:24
Author in the Room
I've noticed at my day job at the public library that readers who moan and groan about how much they hate a novel suddenly LOVE the thing the minute the author is in the room. Why is that?
Don't be a Douchebag
I see a lot of people mocking stories, prose, cover art, etc. in blog comments. Guess what? They author's in the room. We have Google alerts and we come and see what's being said about us.
Self Publishing
If you opt to self-publish, there are a number of things you can, and should, hire out.
Your Assignment
If you surf into a blog post where everyone else is being a douchebag, don't join in. Better yet, find something positive to say.
I have to admit, I was lured in by the original title to this piece as it showed up in my inbox/notification. *g*
I finally got a chance to listen to it and wanted to say I found it a good reminder on a bit of common sense it's easy to forget.
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Ha ha, yeah, my first thought for the title was probably something I could've gone with! I think a lot of people get caught up in the negativity and don't realize they're hurting feelings. Maybe some don't care, but I'll bet some do, and then later feel bad once they realize they've been murdering someone's muse. Thanks for commenting!!!
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I work for a review site that believes in giving constructive comments rather than mean ones, no matter how horrible the book is. Working there has taught me how to be positive and helpful with my criticism rather than tearing authors down.
Any kind of creative endeavor is hard work. I think the work involved deserves at least a little respect, even if I don't care for the end result.
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Cassie, thanks so much for commenting! I suspect that even constructive criticism is hard for some authors to bear. After all, in an ideal world, everyone would sincerely love everything we write -- but that's not the case. I, myself, do like constructive criticism. It shows that the reviewer thought about the part they didn't like, rather than simply dismissing it.
I love hearing that you can be respectful whether or not you like the end product. Maybe this whole thing really is about respect, when it comes down to it. I think so!
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It invokes the Rage in me when I read some Douchebag's comments on others artwork.
Even worst, the haters they'll nit pick anyone due to their jealousy over the talent they don't have.
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I think what bothers me most is seeing non-douchebags getting caught up in the spirit of the "fun" and going along with the comments. If someone's an idiot, I'm sure I won't change their mind by doing a podcast, y'know? But maybe I can make a regular person look at his or her motives for mocking, picking, etc.
Thanks so much for commenting!
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I gave up on that battle of the minds quest. I just sigh and remember the internet is full of teenagers and adults acting like teenagers. By the way, I've listened to all the podcasts. I play them in the background while doing graphic work. Hmm...might look into doing book covers now lol.
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