Those who matter don't mind :)
I happened to run across some cool comments from a reader who purchased Sun Signs for Writers, which led me to this reader's personal LJ. I commented, thanking her for the nice words about the book, and wished her success in her writing. She was gracious enough to add me to her LJ f-list, of which I am also thankful.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book, Isabellerose23, and I'm honored that you keep it next to your computer. It's so delightful to make your acquaintance and I look forward to knowing you better :)
Hopefully she won't mind if I repost the blurb she wrote about my book -- it's terrific!
"I bought a book yesterday titled 'Sun Signs for Writers' by Bev Walton-Porter and the more I read it the more I love it. Because it talks about ways that writers born under a certain astrological sign should deal with writer's block and rejection and all that good stuff us writers have to deal with on a regular basis. I keep reading the Pisces section of the book and all I can say 'That's totally me!'"
Wanted to add that I've received many e-mails from readers who love the book, not just because of the information in it, but because they enjoyed its conversational tone -- they didn't feel like they were being talked down to or lectured (which is something I personally LOATHE). The only negative review I've gotten for the book (out of numerous positive reviews thus far) dinged me for being too conversational and, perhaps, what may have been perceived as being too friendly in the book. Too casual, perhaps.
However, I wrote the book they way I "speak," if that makes sense. I feel no need to talk down to people and especially readers. I wanted them to feel like we were sitting at a table, having coffee, and just chatting about writing. That's my voice and that's how I write. If being conversational and down-to-earth with readers is unprofessional, then so be it. That's my personality and it's not gonna change at this point.
I look at readers as human beings, not as people 'beneath me' to whom I need to pontificate or patronize. In fact, I learn from other writers and readers and I'm always learning new things or ways to do things differently every single day. The wisest man or woman is one who says, "I don't know" or "I'm not sure -- but tell me what you think?" Then you take the information, run it through your personal mill and use what seems to make sense, given your circumstances.
As I've said before, I'm a blue-collar writer. My voice is just...well...MY voice and I consider readers my friends/literary partners. And while you do write for yourself as a writer to much of an extent, I never write ONLY for myself. I want to write about things that open up dialogue and cause interaction with readers -- readers who are human beings and who live/breathe just as I do. Writing connects authors and readers to common life experiences or common thoughts/feelings -- or even thoughts/feelings that are opposed to one another. It's interpersonal communication and it's all about being human and touching emotions or stirring up feelings. It's NOT about talking down to the reader or trying to appear elitist and out of touch. That's not my style and never will be.
If conversational and friendly is thought to be "unprofessional" to some, then I suppose I'll never be your idea of a professional writer. I'm more interested in my readers than I am in any armchair critic who doesn't "get" what I'm all about.
Perhaps Dr. Seuss said it best:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Indeed.
And this one is related to nothing in this post, but I like it because it's positive!
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."
--Theodor Geisel
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book, Isabellerose23, and I'm honored that you keep it next to your computer. It's so delightful to make your acquaintance and I look forward to knowing you better :)
Hopefully she won't mind if I repost the blurb she wrote about my book -- it's terrific!
"I bought a book yesterday titled 'Sun Signs for Writers' by Bev Walton-Porter and the more I read it the more I love it. Because it talks about ways that writers born under a certain astrological sign should deal with writer's block and rejection and all that good stuff us writers have to deal with on a regular basis. I keep reading the Pisces section of the book and all I can say 'That's totally me!'"
Wanted to add that I've received many e-mails from readers who love the book, not just because of the information in it, but because they enjoyed its conversational tone -- they didn't feel like they were being talked down to or lectured (which is something I personally LOATHE). The only negative review I've gotten for the book (out of numerous positive reviews thus far) dinged me for being too conversational and, perhaps, what may have been perceived as being too friendly in the book. Too casual, perhaps.
However, I wrote the book they way I "speak," if that makes sense. I feel no need to talk down to people and especially readers. I wanted them to feel like we were sitting at a table, having coffee, and just chatting about writing. That's my voice and that's how I write. If being conversational and down-to-earth with readers is unprofessional, then so be it. That's my personality and it's not gonna change at this point.
I look at readers as human beings, not as people 'beneath me' to whom I need to pontificate or patronize. In fact, I learn from other writers and readers and I'm always learning new things or ways to do things differently every single day. The wisest man or woman is one who says, "I don't know" or "I'm not sure -- but tell me what you think?" Then you take the information, run it through your personal mill and use what seems to make sense, given your circumstances.
As I've said before, I'm a blue-collar writer. My voice is just...well...MY voice and I consider readers my friends/literary partners. And while you do write for yourself as a writer to much of an extent, I never write ONLY for myself. I want to write about things that open up dialogue and cause interaction with readers -- readers who are human beings and who live/breathe just as I do. Writing connects authors and readers to common life experiences or common thoughts/feelings -- or even thoughts/feelings that are opposed to one another. It's interpersonal communication and it's all about being human and touching emotions or stirring up feelings. It's NOT about talking down to the reader or trying to appear elitist and out of touch. That's not my style and never will be.
If conversational and friendly is thought to be "unprofessional" to some, then I suppose I'll never be your idea of a professional writer. I'm more interested in my readers than I am in any armchair critic who doesn't "get" what I'm all about.
Perhaps Dr. Seuss said it best:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Indeed.
And this one is related to nothing in this post, but I like it because it's positive!
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way."
--Theodor Geisel
posted by Bev Walton~Porter | 2:53 AM
