As authors, we can get so involved with our own work that we totally segregate ourselves from the rest of the writing world. When we do take a break and look around us, we see that an author here and another author there has reached their accomplishments, and we question our own feelings. Do we feel joy or envy?
Sometimes, we work really hard to write a particular story or article or even a book, and it’s taken all of our thoughts and our time as press towards the mark of getting it published and making it a successful publication. Many of us are linked together in different social or business networks such as Facebook or LinkedIn, so we have met many other authors and we have an idea of where they’re heading.
But sometimes when we see that they have become well-recognized and accepted because of something they published, our own reserves can be offended. We feel that it’s not fair or that it should be us out there being congratulated for our work. But it’s not because we’re still working on it, or maybe we finished it and it just didn’t make it the way theirs did.
It’s certainly normal to want to be a successful author and to be recognized as one. It’s the goal we all head for. But there are many reasons why another author has reached success ahead of us, and we have to control our emotions so that they are edifying and not envious.
We don’t know the details that influence the lives of our author acquaintances and so we have to be careful that we don’t judge them or get angered because they made it and we didn’t. Perhaps they’ve struggled for years and endured much criticism and hard work to get to that point, and perhaps they are well deserving of their success.
How can we support each other? If it’s geologically possible to go to book signings then we should go and support them there, and if we can’t get there then we can leave them a message when they promote it in the social media. We can read their blogs and leave a comment, visit their Facebook page and give our support or go to their website and leave a word of encouragement.
One of the greatest supports that authors can have is that of each other. We need to reach out with a happy heart and truly congratulate them when they succeed even in the smallest way. It’s our encouragement and inspiration towards each other that will keep us focused and on the path to success.
The life of an author can appear unrewarding and filled with struggles and unbelievable trials as each one continues in their endeavour to be successful. It’s very easy for an author to become discouraged and give up, and that could be very sad because there are many authors out there whose work is truly worth every word they write.
And on the other hand, when it seems as if the world is against them and totally dumping ice on their hopes to be a writer, there is nothing more supporting and uplifting than the encouragement of other authors. So, whether it’s an author who just accomplished a book that became a best seller, or an author who has written a worthy article on their blog, we should take the time to send them a few words of support that lets them know that their work is appreciated.
From one author to another, let’s support each other with words of joy and not with hidden feelings of envy.
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Reblogged this on A Hairdresser's Diary Authors Page.
You have said it all Ronnie and I want to share this with everyone I know. Thank you my friend you have always supported so many.
Thanks, Chris – and thanks for reblogging this. I really feel that it’s important for authors to stick together and support each other.
I agree. This business is hard enough without dealing with fellow authors who are not supportive.
You have always been and hopfully I have as well but I am going to try harder. Bless you my friend,
Ronnie, Mia culpa. In a way, you “stole my thunder.” I am planning to write about the difference between criticism and critique. I find it difficult not to react when some mean-spirited person puts me down without ever having read my work. I am doing much better at controlling that reaction and withdraw from a discussion instead allowing it to turn into an argument. I am happy for every author who has made it. Even though I have sold only two books. I’m working on marketing, a very interesting learning experince.
Thanks for your comments, Ruth Ann. I had to revise my blog just now because I realized that I had missed one very important paragraph, and that is how we can show our support to each other. I have found that many discussions are provoked by people who want to be authors but don’t want to follow the basic writer’s protocol and that is to write what they know and to write it with professionalism. And many of them don’t realize the work that goes into a successful book and so instead of supporting their fellow colleague, they tear them down. Ignorance is not a bliss when it comes to etiquette and moral support. We should always be prepared in our hearts to give praise where praise is due because it has far more value to the author receiving it than royalties.
That’s what I love most about the writing community–how we all support each other, each in our own way.
Good article, Ronnie. Though I want to get my work published and would dearly love for it to be well-received, I am not envious of those who do become successful. I think it is encouraging to hear of someone getting their book out there and know that it is selling well. That means that if they can do it, so can I. Giving words of encouragement to others is a simple thing and costs nothing but a few moments of our time. I believe it brings blessing back to us when we do it.
Well said, Ronnie. The writing community can be supportive, and it can be critical of its own, too; and there’s the irony. I have received support and positive reactions to my book and even my short stories; I hope I have returned the same kindnesses to others.
Thank you so much, Donelle. You are a blessing to everyone you meet, and I’m very happy to call you my friend. Blessings.
There is something magical in the communications from author to author as the communication blossoms and grows. Maybe the ‘air’ is more pleasant because sincerity overrides envy. Seems the more you become connected the more you wish success on fellow writers. It’s like a family has been formed even if it is in the vitual world. Those that choose to criticize do not become part of the family, thereby becoming more and more cynical, rather than supportive.
I totally agree with you. There is a bonding that forms between authors in the virtual world and it really is like a family. I have made many friends and we all support and praise each other and it’s a real treasure. Thanks for sharing this.
There are so many fantastic authors and great books out there that sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin.
Thanks for stopping by.