Ghosts don't scare me. Of course, that's easy to say in broad daylight, isn't it? Honestly, ghosts fascinate me, and I'd love the chance to encounter the real thing. I'm currently writing a haunted paranormal. Meeting a ghost would just be smart research!
But I'll tell you what does scare the pants off me - the thought of anyone not liking my books. When an accountant presents a report, it is nothing more than facts and numbers. But when I present my work to the world, it is intensely personal. My thoughts, my personality, my imagination are strung across every single page. Basically it's my mind, parading naked in front of the world. As I sit here, waiting for reviews to roll in on my latest release (and they've all been good so far!), I am white knuckling the chair.
The scariest part is the fear of letting down a reader. Someone who's not only plunked down their hard-earned cash, but carved out an all-too-rare pocket of free time to spend engrossed in my words. Said reader is looking for entertainment, for an escape, and I darn well better provide it to them! That onus hangs over my head every time I sit down at the keybaord. For as much as I write for my enjoyment (and a paycheck), I must never lose sight of the ultimate satisfaction of my readers.
For the record, I am scared of demons. I'm curious, but not stupid!
But I'll tell you what does scare the pants off me - the thought of anyone not liking my books. When an accountant presents a report, it is nothing more than facts and numbers. But when I present my work to the world, it is intensely personal. My thoughts, my personality, my imagination are strung across every single page. Basically it's my mind, parading naked in front of the world. As I sit here, waiting for reviews to roll in on my latest release (and they've all been good so far!), I am white knuckling the chair.
The scariest part is the fear of letting down a reader. Someone who's not only plunked down their hard-earned cash, but carved out an all-too-rare pocket of free time to spend engrossed in my words. Said reader is looking for entertainment, for an escape, and I darn well better provide it to them! That onus hangs over my head every time I sit down at the keybaord. For as much as I write for my enjoyment (and a paycheck), I must never lose sight of the ultimate satisfaction of my readers.
For the record, I am scared of demons. I'm curious, but not stupid!
I think most of us have this fear. At least, I do. May you continue to get rave reviews.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shawn...but you also have to remember that you can't please everyone. You write to the best of your ability and hopefully those that choose to buy your book love it!
ReplyDeleteAs for ghosts...I have a strange fascination with them too...don't know what I'd do if I actually met one though...lol
Good luck with your writing and may all your reviews be FANTASTIC!!
I agree with Christine, I find ghosts fascinating but I don't know how I'd handle it if I actually ran into one.
ReplyDeleteJust like watching Bones, I always wonder why people scream when they see a skeleton. I don't think I would. It's not like it's gory or anything. Unexpected, maybe, but its just bones.
So far, your reviews have been awesome, so relax, my friend.
I'm afraid of it, too, and I've never mastered ignoring my reviews, either!
ReplyDeleteGood post.