SM Blooding [4] Mantras for Success

CG: What advice - both mantras to cling to and traps to avoid would you mark out for the writer just starting out on this journey?

SMB: Stop thinking about your book like it’s a baby. Don’t sniffle every time someone doesn’t like your book. People are allowed to have opinions, and they’re allowed to voice them. Some people are going to LOVE you and kiss the ground you walk on. Others are going to HATE you and throw fiery coals at you. 

Sometimes, people will point out where your book is weak. It’s up to you whether or not you listen. Do you think your book is weak? Yes or no. If yes, do you want to invest the time to fix it?  Yes or no. This is a tough occupation/hobby/industry.  It’s not for the weak. It’s not for the lazy and it’s not for the whiners. If you were just insulted by this statement, you need to take a good hard look at yourself. You may not survive.

In my bio, I do warn people that I’m blunt and mildly crass. Or maybe it’s the other way around. I can’t remember.

I have a couple of mottoes: 

1. It’s okay to write crap! Just don’t publish it when it IS crap! *face palm* #LessonLearned

2. You can do anything you set your mind to. You just have to SET your MIND to DO so! #LessonFromDad

3. CAN’T means WON’T and WON’T means, “I’m a QUITTER!” I am NOT a quitter! #LessonFromDad

4. Did you put your Big Girl panties on today? (Hey, even I snivel at bad reviews for at least a good 5-15 minutes. This is my pep talk.) #FrankieIsSuchABully

5. Go ahead and aim for the stars. What’s the worst thing that could happen? You’ll fall flat on your face, butt naked in front of the entire class and everyone will laugh at you. There are worse things. #IsThisSupposedToInspireMe?!

Watch out for part 5

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