Developing A Thick Skin

[Daphnesmate04]

I read on a thread recently how people really don't to read books containing a certain topic. Well I have written a book where this topic features in a major way.

I'm yet, to publish it (self publishing later in the year) but straight away, it is obvious that some people will not like it. I suppose I have told myself that all along but seeing it written in black and white somehow feels more 'real' and that a negative review is more than likely.

For anyone who has had a book published, how do you deal with this type of thing and keep writing?

Isn't it true for most topics that there will be some people who won't want to read about it? Is your topic almost universally shunned? I have a friend who is mad about history and has no end of books about Adolf Hitler, which won't be everyone's cup of tea.

No not really youkiddingme. But it's not what you would call a light read though it has a sort of happy ending. Grief being the primary subject.

I have several unfinished books.
They are stored on a portable hardrive if I want to resume at any time. I only have my phone now and can't do it all on that.

It is good to take a break now and then as I look back on some of the first things I wrote and it is cringe!

I do want to get one of my factual books finished.
I design my own covers too which I enjoy.
For anyone wanting to do covers, Pixabay has some fantastic free to use images. Sadly they won't always be free so, get them while you still can.
Canva is a brilliant site for image editing and templates too.

Some reviews are helpful and others can be purposely annoying or inflammatory.
Learn to distinguish between them and carry on.

What is your favourite ever book? Find that book on Amazon and Goodreads and I guarantee there will be at least a handful of people who absolutely hate it, whether it's Jane Austen or Jilly Cooper.

Not everything's for everyone, and that's fine.

I was on a writing course and one lady was in her 60s.
She wrote a peice on science fiction (future) and it was brilliant!
I don't usually like that category.

Another local lady wrote some amazing pieces.
I was honoured when she said turned to me and said outloud "I love the way you write."

On tasks we had to do homework. I actually surprised myself with what I'd produced - especially the first time.
When I joined I said "I can't write fiction."
I joined for the inspiration and to improve grammar etc..
My teacher turned to me and said "When you joined my class you told me you couldn't write fiction. Well, you just did it. Well done."

One day I'll publish some material. Although I'm waiting for a British website to develop a decent publishing site.

Or perhaps collaborate to create one.

Honestly just remember that even a bad review means someone read it and cared enough to comment. Personally nothing aggravates me more than a complete lack of feedback. Obviously I'd much prefer positive, but even negative I'd still be happy that someone wanted to talk about my work.

it is obvious that some people will not like it.

This is true and there's nothing you can do about it!

Once your book is done, its out there - that's it, you relinquish control.

It might be popular, it might not, it might touch a few people very deeply, it might change the way people think, it might rarely be read at all.

You can't control the response to your book - you can only write your book.

I get some truly wonderful reviews that move me to (good) tears - and some horrors. :) If the horrors have something constructive to suggest, or if their critique rings a bell at some level, I feel grateful and think about applying it to my next work. Usually they don't, and I just ignore them. It helps to laugh about them with my family too. Or print them out or use them as your social media header or something. Don't take them too seriously.

One way to gauge your writing is in writing a blog and seeing how many read it. It isnt always about comments.
I get positive comments in messages, on other platforms etc.
Not everyone comments on Amazon or wordpress.
If you see what I'm saying.

I have some things that get minimal views and others that are growing in numbers.

Go into it aiming for the ceiling or the attic? Just try not to come out of it disappointed.

Personally, my best stuff isn't out there yet.
The more you write, the better you get.
If your stats reflect that, you are going in the right direction.