Personal note to hopeful writers, particularly those who want to write memoirs... Two and a half years ago, I published Overlay on Amazon and had no idea what to expect. I had a story to tell and I told it. I was naive then, and felt a) I could remain somewhat anonymous and b) everyone who would read my works would be friends and naturally support my efforts. I was wrong on both counts. By far my favorite criticisms I receive in reviews are from those who write I never mention my children...and question if I paid any attention to them at all while I chased men around? I sigh with relief at these reviews and thank God I at least allowed my children their privacy while completely blowing my own! The issue of privacy is a big consideration for memoirists. For example, one of my children wants to enter politics. I wonder if my published declarations could haunt this particular child one day? Could my battles and SUCCESSES ever be used against any of my children? Ive written my collection of memoirs because I want to blow out the social stigmas of depression, addiction, rape, molestation, suicide, abuse and whatever other discussions I can jumpstart. This is my contribution to the world at large...I want to touch others in a way that says, Its okay. Ive been there. I understand. You are not alone. I have my platform and I must stand on it, regardless. The second point is not everyone is going to like your work. I receive criticism regularly calling me a narcissist, self-centered, boring, rambling. Etc. In the beginning, I wondered why these readers didnt get me, didnt get my story. As a professional copywriter, Ive learned that one of the primary copy writing goals is to eliminate the tire-kickers through your message. You WANT those who do not resonate with your work/product/message to recognize their own dislike and move on. Those people are simply not your market. Period. So as a memoirist... a) I am no longer anonymous b) Ive given up my own privacy while guarding my childrens c) And not everyone likes me and/or my work. And Im at peace with this natural order of things. (P.S. My daughter just came in and I asked her if she ever worried that my books would affect her life or privacy. Her answer was, I dont know. I havent read them.)
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 17:19:56 +0000
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