ADVICE FOR THE NEWBIE
Okay, I can't keep my mouth shut any longer. This is something I have been seeing from certain authors for a while, and I cannot keep quiet any longer or I'm going to explode--literally.
Time and time again I have read the same words from different authors: When I make it big, I will never forget what it was like to be just starting out, or struggling to be recognized. I will make time for any newbie author, because I remember what it was like to be where they are now. And then, a newbie runs across their post, sends them an email asking a few questions, and either they never hear back from said author, or they only hear from said author's assistant. And the reply is ALWAYS the same: Sorry, I don't help other authors. I'm just too busy.
Okay, maybe they don't say it just like that, but they might as well. I fully understand not reading another author's unpublished work. Because if we did, and accidentally used a phrase in one of our books later, we could be sued.
I don't care if an author sell tons of books every month, they should try to help the newbies in some way. Even if it's just answering a few questions. It tells that author you remember starting out and you remember just how hard it was. If I can help you by answering a few questions, I will be happy to.
Most of the time a newbie just wants to know you are still human even though you've made it big. I know after personally encountering quite a few authors who had made it big and were NOT living by their earlier statements, I made a promise right then and there to NEVER be condescending to others and to NEVER shut the door in their faces.
And now, I am keeping my word. I hear from newbies all the time. I definitely take the time to answer each of them--personally. No assisstant. No automated responses. And no mass emails. I have made some wonderful friendships and have stayed true to my word.
Is their any magic secrets to becoming successful? Yes, it's a secret, but come really close and I'll tell you. Write, write, write. And when you think you've written enough, write some more. Volume sells. The more you write, the more your name gets out there. Most authors make it after releasing at least three or more novels. Don't get discouraged. It will happen, just probably not over night.
One last thing. I am easy to reach via this blog, facebook, twitter, or my email. Get in touch if you need anything or just want to talk. I'M HERE!! Be Blessed. ;o)
Time and time again I have read the same words from different authors: When I make it big, I will never forget what it was like to be just starting out, or struggling to be recognized. I will make time for any newbie author, because I remember what it was like to be where they are now. And then, a newbie runs across their post, sends them an email asking a few questions, and either they never hear back from said author, or they only hear from said author's assistant. And the reply is ALWAYS the same: Sorry, I don't help other authors. I'm just too busy.
Okay, maybe they don't say it just like that, but they might as well. I fully understand not reading another author's unpublished work. Because if we did, and accidentally used a phrase in one of our books later, we could be sued.
I don't care if an author sell tons of books every month, they should try to help the newbies in some way. Even if it's just answering a few questions. It tells that author you remember starting out and you remember just how hard it was. If I can help you by answering a few questions, I will be happy to.
Most of the time a newbie just wants to know you are still human even though you've made it big. I know after personally encountering quite a few authors who had made it big and were NOT living by their earlier statements, I made a promise right then and there to NEVER be condescending to others and to NEVER shut the door in their faces.
And now, I am keeping my word. I hear from newbies all the time. I definitely take the time to answer each of them--personally. No assisstant. No automated responses. And no mass emails. I have made some wonderful friendships and have stayed true to my word.
Is their any magic secrets to becoming successful? Yes, it's a secret, but come really close and I'll tell you. Write, write, write. And when you think you've written enough, write some more. Volume sells. The more you write, the more your name gets out there. Most authors make it after releasing at least three or more novels. Don't get discouraged. It will happen, just probably not over night.
One last thing. I am easy to reach via this blog, facebook, twitter, or my email. Get in touch if you need anything or just want to talk. I'M HERE!! Be Blessed. ;o)
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