As an inspiring author, this title probably sounds a bit self-serving, but I’m mostly coming at this from the angle of an avid reader (and what can I say, maybe I needed a hug today).
Think back on the last book you read. Did it frighten you? Inspire you? Make you laugh, make you cry? Did you find love or desire between the pages? Did the book alter your mood or way of thinking? When weaving a story, the intent is to evoke emotion – to write a book that will change the reader in some way; even if it’s in a small way.
As a pre-teen, there were several book series that enhanced my childhood – Nancy Drew Mystery Stories (pseudonym, Carolyn Keene), Sweet Valley Twins (created by Francine Pascal), and Baby-sitters Club (Ann M. Martin). These characters’ stories inspired me and fueled my imagination. In addition to “collecting clues” to solve a mystery of my own making, and fantasizing about having a twin sister, my church friends and I started a baby-sitters club. Although we rarely could afford to pay our dues and were too young to land paid babysitting gigs, none of this stopped us from holding regular meetings in the churchyard. When the club finally dissolved, we took what measly dues we’d collected and had a pizza-party sleepover at someone’s house. The creators of these book characters altered my childhood without ever having met me – which is powerful and super cool if you think about it.
Like most authors, what I want more than anything is to write a story that speaks to me, and then to share that story with as many readers as possible in the hopes that it will have the same impact on others as it did on me. But to achieve this goal, an author has to put themselves out there. They must pour all their thoughts, feelings, and imagination into their book, their characters, and each scene. The effort leaves the writer raw, emotional, and exposed.
So why do writers put themselves through this?
For most writers (myself included), writing isn’t about fame or recognition (many authors are introverts). It’s not about fortune (BELIEVE me, if you saw my last royalties deposit, you’d have a good chuckle). It’s about having a story inside you that is begging to be written; a story in which you (the writer) is baring a part of your soul and then putting that part of yourself out there for the world to read. And critique. And judge. But that’s okay, it’s part of the job.
If you follow your favorite author(s) on social media, you might notice these authors ask for book reviews. There are two main reasons for this: (1) Your review helps get the word out. It helps us engage more readers. Remember, our intent is for our stories to reach as many people as possible. It’s not about sales (though that can be nice too), it’s about having an impact; and (2) Authors are truly looking for honest feedback. This feedback lets us know if the story was on-target or missed the mark. It lets us know how we can improve to better connect with our readers – to better connect with you. Positive reviews are always nice to read. It can be uplifting to hear what others loved about the book. And yes, in many ways, hearing about the “good stuff” provides validation and feeds the fragile ego. But if you didn’t like something about the book, we want that feedback too.
Now, to clarify, honest feedback doesn’t translate to brutal honesty (a scene just popped in my head from the movie, ‘Jerry McGuire’ … “You added the brutal.”). But a review with constructive criticism, although it can be tough for an author to read, and may sting a bit, is necessary (and appreciated) so we can grow and better serve our readers.
So, find that book that speaks to you and read it, lend it, borrow it, post about it, tell a family member, tell a friend – spread the word. And if you see an author, give ‘em a hug. They are sleep-deprived, hardworking, and putting themselves out there in ways others can only imagine. And while you’re at it, hug a friend or family member. We could all use more love and encouragement. Love and best wishes. xoxoxo