There WAS one name I didn't see--mine.
Did I really expect to see it? No. I knew other writers who entered, had read their most excellent books and frankly felt their stories were a couple shades better than mine. Still, I've learned long ago writing is subjective. So is judging. Throw all that into the mix and maybe, just maybe I stood a teeny chance. Then again...maybe not.
I felt that way about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The book reigned on the NYT's Best Sellers list for months. I fell alseep during the long chapter on economics and gave up the ghost before I reached the mid-way point. It just wasn't for me. Loved the movie though. Both of them.
This often happens with reviewers who pan a book or short story. It just wasn't for them. Writing is subjective, after all. Still, a bad review stings. To recieve a poor score on a contest entered chafs. Why couldn't they see the beauty in the book? Because...we're all different. Don't allow a bad review or a low contest score to prevent you from writing your next piece. We don't write for others anyway. We write for our souls.
17 comments:
This indeed epitomizes your outlook Vonnie, the power of positive thinking. And what you said is so true. We can't all be that million dollar author, but we can all write from our heart and for ourselves. There is always next year, and who knows, maybe next year will be your time to win!
You're absolutely right! Keep on keeping on...
Very good points and I'm sorry you didn't see your name on the list.
Jinny, for now I'm trying to concentrate on improving my craft. I have so much to learn. Even so, I always write from my heart. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Anny, what else can we do, but keep on keepin' on. To do otherwise would be to deny our talent--big or small--in whatever creative outlet we love.
Calisa, there were so many WRP authors who deserved to be on that list. Not me, especially, but I can quickly name 3 or 4 who did. Their talents drive me to keep trying harder. Thanks for stopping by.
Our souls are all better for positive comments, Vonnie! Even when a review doesn't get a high five I think, like you, that you've just got to look for the nice kind words(they're likely to there somewhere)and get on with the next ms. The smaller publishers, I think, are gaining in strength as the ebook years clock past.
You are absolutely right, Vonnie! I've run the gamut with my stories with both judges and reviewers who either absolutely loved or hated my story. I don't seem to find any middle ground, so don't take it personal when that happens.
And now, I'm just waiting for any review of my new release. I have to wonder if the subject matter of my book turns reviewers off, or is it the length, since it's a full novel?
Don't know. But I guess I just have to wait. I will enter this book in contests once it's eligible, but I think I'll skip the Rita. Just doesn't seem worth the expense, since I'm not with one of the biggie publishers.
Thanks, Nancy. I keep hoping small publishers will soon earn RWA's respect.
Susan, I have your latest on my Kindle. I'll start it tonight and post a review on Amazon for you.
Will I ever enter a RITA again? I don't know. Perhaps as my writing gets stronger.
Great post - things we often forget as we get caught up in contests, reviews, etc. Not that they aren't important in their own way, but it's the satisfaction for ourselves and the chance to bring an afternoon or two of pleasure to a reader that makes it worth the effort.
Thanks, Vonnie! Mostly I'm disheartened that the professional reviewers don't seem to have an interest in this book, but I did wait a long time for reviews on my prior books, so only time will tell.
Well put, Vonnie! However, one of the contemporary romance finalists is from an e-pub only publisher - Carina Press - and she's my Australian buddy Fiona Lowe, Boomerang Bride. I'm so jazzed for her little book that could being up against all of those power books!
Each year I like to buy several of the finalists books and I have found some fabulous new authors along the way. But like you, sometimes I'm scratching my head and wondering how the book got the nod. As you say - it's all subjective.
Good blog, as always.
I so agree, Melissa. Our souls are happiest when creating enjoyment, not only for us, but for otheres.
Yay Fiona Lowe. I saw Carina Press listed, but I guess I think of them as a larger press. They're certainly better known than many small presses. Good idea you've got of reading some of the finalist's books. I may do that.
I love your comment A writer has to write for their soul. It says it all.
Vonnie, I am a GH finalist and a double EPPIE finalist, and will probably have to content myself with that. The RITA door is firmly barred to small press authors. Still, maybe someday one will break through. You certainly deserved to!
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