Welcome to this week’s Marketing for Romance Writers (#MFRW) 52-week blog challenge entitled, Item I Can’t Live Without. You don’t even have to know me personally to realize at least one, or two items, that I can’t live without. I’ve written about them before and openly admit my unbreakable addiction to Blistex lip balm. So much that I should be getting a kick-back from my praise, and from how much I’ve personally invested into their company.
Therefore, I initially wondered just what I could talk about that hadn’t already been said. Then I realized, there was something that wasn’t an item, but it seems that I can’t live without it, no matter how hard I try.
The Benefits of Praise
I’ve long realized the benefits of praise from training Scruff (surely you’ve met my writing assistant before). Praise, and treats, contributed to Scruff’s transition from dog to little furry human in our house. Praise also played a huge role in raising my
twins, and what I feel is essential to being a good supervisor. Although criticism is often a good thing, if provided constructively and permitting growth, it never hurts to have a sprinkle of praise to make the medicine go down smoothly. I just hadn’t realized how much it affected my day-to-day life.
I’m a grown-ass woman, I don’t need praise to make me feel better—do I?
The Hazards of Author-dom
I talk a lot on the blog about the great things about being an author, but there’s much that goes unsaid. As a writer, and especially as an author, you’re pretty much baring your soul for dissection. It’s not as if it’s your personal story, but it is very personal.
So when you get those good reviews, or genuine compliments about your book, it is the best feeling ever. It can bring the sun out on the darkest day and allow the author to validate that they can write a good story.
Many authors will say that these things don’t matter, but they kind of do. Otherwise it’s like you’re advertising the “World’s Greatest Burger” but the only person who really tried this burger and liked it was you.
#Authors need validation to ensure that it’s a good story. We’re a bit needy like that (or perhaps it’s just me.) #MFRW #praise Click To TweetThe Fire of Freelancing
Although I’ve always said you need a thick skin to be an author, I’ve found a place where your skin needs to be almost like armor. That’s freelance writing.
Granted, I’m not as attached to the writing as I am my story (because hey! Those characters are like family!) but the problem is that when you’re writing short pieces, for multiple people, you get MANY opinions, some praise and LOTS of criticism. People are paying you to write it, and they know exactly what the finished piece should look like, even if they haven’t figured that out yet.
So sometimes I’m on a roll, and I’m basking in the praise. It elevates my day until I feel untouchable. I’m a superstar! Other times I’m wallowing in criticism, edits, or rewrites and I start to feel like I’m an imposter and maybe this isn’t for me—because I’m not good enough, smart enough, heck I must really suck! (Not sure what Imposter Syndrome is? Check out my freelance article here.)
A Little Praise Will Do You Good
Sometimes I hate having a dependency on genuine, earned praise. But I realized years ago, it’s part of what makes me tick—and I can tell if it’s false. But praise is what makes many people do more than survive in life, it helps them thrive.
I suppose it’s the people-pleaser in me. So praise would be an “item” I can’t live without. That and Blistex. Water. Snacks and my computer to name just a few other essentials.
It’s a Blog Hop
Don’t forget to check out the other authors to see what item they can’t live without. I’m sure they’re not nearly as needy as me. 😉
You make a good point: writers are needy people. We crave praise and admiration; the lack of it does soul-deep harm.
Enjoyed the post. Praise and admiration can make or break an author. And its something that makes life better. That’s called being human. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by ladies 🙂