Ripping off the Bandaid.

First, I should preface this blog post by saying that this is in no way a call to arms.  I don't want anyone to ever embroil themselves in arguments with any of my readers.  I really just needed to purge this from my system.  I will never ever respond to negative reviews and I ask that you, as my readers, not do it either.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and theirs is just as valid as the ones that make me happy.  So no going on a manhunt.


Alright, to the point of this post. 


The day I hit the publish button on my book See How She Runs was the most terrifying day of my life.  I put something that amounts to a bit of my soul out into the world to be weighed and judged.  I knew going into this that there would be people that did not like my book, that I eventually would get a negative review. 

Well, it has finally happened and it hurt far worse than I thought it would.  Mostly, because in my mind, if they don't like the book that means they don't like part of me.  Now, I know this is illogical.  I know it is ridiculous, but the emotive parts of me refuse to see reason.  So how did I cope?  How did I pull myself up and put my big girl panties on?

I did so with the help of some fellow indie authors and wonderful supporters that reminded me everyone's opinion is different.  Everyone has different tastes.  As Belinda told me last night, I can choose to let their negativity eat away at my self-confidence or I can brush it off for what it is, one person's opinion, and keep moving forward. 

I felt very much like Izzy in that moment.  I had a choice.  I could allow this to change the way I write, or to ultimately keep me from doing something I love, or I could move forward.  I choose the latter. 

I know that this will not be the last negative review I receive.   I know that my book is not for everyone, and I am okay with that.  This experience has taught me that I need to separate myself from the reviews and look at them objectively.  I have learned quite a bit from reviews I have received so far, things that I plan to implement in the next book.  I am not adverse to criticism.  It is important if I ever plan to grow.  (It does not follow that it is not at least a bit painful, though).

The point of this post?  Well, honestly I just needed to purge this from my system.  I needed to get this icky feeling out and move forward.  It won't be the last time I am swept up in the angst that comes with throwing myself out there to the wolves.... but I learned very quickly last night that I am abundantly blessed with support from amazing friends.  I can make it through anything with them by my side. 

My advice, if you are an author getting ready to publish, surround yourself with a support system. 
When you get windswept and battered by the waves of negativity, you will need it!  I know my friends propped me up last night.  They made me laugh, they made me remember my worth.  They made me remember the people that have loved the book. 

Have no fears, I am fine this morning.  I have dusted myself off and I am ready to get back to editing See How She Fights.  Thanks for stopping by to hear me ramble!  <3

xoxo,
Michelle