You would get to know me better if you read my work but then again that’s your choice. My point is that there is no need to feel intimidated.
So you know someone with whom you hold a nice enjoyable interaction on or off the internet who also wrote a book, so what? Doesn’t mean you have to buy it especially if it’s that certain kinda genre you don’t read. Books are all about interest. Fiction or non-fiction, if it holds your interest only then should you obtain a copy.
I firmly believe that.
Unless you’re someone who I can force at gunpoint to buy my pieces without the slightest worry of what this may do to my reputation and/or relationship with you, you’re safe. And the only three people on earth who enjoy this status in my life are my two brothers and my cutie pie hubbykins. Mom and Dad and a few close friends - I don’t put a gun to their heads. I just hand them a copy whenever I can.
My book Aoife & Demon: Cursed be the Syhlain belongs to the fantasy genre. It is not a mainstream genre as in not everyone reads it. I understand and respect that. What I don’t understand are certain behaviors that appear annoying initially and odd when I look back at them. Makes me wonder why would anyone do or say that?
For instance, I don’t understand why people won’t congratulate a writer for her/his achievement especially when they’ve known the author personally? I mean she took out a book. That’s HUGE! They don’t have to buy it as I think we’ve already established that. The least one can do is utter this magical single word.
CONGRATULATIONS! One simple word. Well…it does have like three - uhm - ok yeah, FIVE syllables. Longish sort of phrase-like piece of vocabulary…may get stuck half way up the throat. And in case you're in cyberspace, there are the nightmares of obstinate keypads and incorrect spellings. How about CONGRATS then? Two syllables only and it ends with a rats if that’s how you really feel when someone you know has achieved something you didn’t. No? A smiley face then? Sigh…FYI this is one of those words that if you’ve said it once, you’ve said it a million times! The receiver is forever grateful :)
Then there’s the kind who will neither read the book nor refrain from commenting on what other actual readers think about it. My humble request to them: Please, detach yourself in peace. You don’t have to read it if you don’t want to and you don’t have to pass a negative comment on something you haven’t read. It’s rude.
We writers are a proud breed. We don’t force our creativity on people who aren’t inclined to appreciate it. Oh no. We have publicists and marketers for that. And in case you ever do come across a creative genius who coaxes, mauls, threatens and begs you to swap their work with your money against your will, you may make them read my blog ;)
And now let me take a moment to thank you all who have been with me either all the way, half the way, for a moment in time or prayer - I am forever grateful to you all!
Thank you for your Congratulations :)