When my kids went to the church’s pre-marital counseling, they were asked to write notes to each other that were life-affirming. As a writer, I put my work out there in the hopes that people will not send me hate mail, or burn me in effigy on the Capital steps. I hate when that happens. No one has shown up at my door with torches and pitchforks, so I’ll put that in the “win” column.
Twenty-five years ago, if somebody criticized my taste in footwear, I would have thrown out my shoes, curled up on the closet floor, and just rocked back and forth with a glazed expression. Drooling might be involved. Then a friend gave me two very important pieces of advice:
“What others think of you is none of your business.” and
“Don’t take it personally, even if it was meant that way.”
I’ve taken that to heart and worked hard to stop being a weenie when faced with negativity. I think I’ve done pretty well, but just to be on the safe side, I made sure to collect some positive reviews of my book to look at when I’m feeling down.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. There was pathos, angst and helpful laundry tips.
-Karla’s Mother
A timeless classic, with an amazing plot twist. Excellent spelling and punctuation!
-Karla’s Best Friend
Attaboy!
-Karla’s Husband
[Insert rave reviews from newspapers, magazines, and semi-literate chimpanzees here.]
Actually, if you click on Reviews at the top of this screen, you can see some really nice snippets of what others have said about Box of Rocks. I strongly encourage you to take a look so I won’t have cut and pasted for nothing.
I think affirmations are important, I’m just not very good at giving them. When my dog poops, I shout “Hooray!” and give him a cookie. When he walks in on me in the bathroom, I tell him, “You found me! You’re a genius!” Clearly, it doesn’t translate well when people are involved.
Fortunately, social networking has a solution for the problem—the Like button. With a click of the mouse, we can tell people we truly care about them. You can test this theory now by simply clicking on this link to my Facebook fan page and hitting the like button. We’ll wait.
If you haven’t felt appreciated today, just know that I consider myself blessed to have you in my cyber-life. Just don’t expect a cookie when you poop.
I have put Box of Rocks on my Must Read List. I hope to buy it soon. I loved the reviews. I already wanted the book, but the reviews just made me want it more!
No cookie if we poop??
Well…
OK
What about a cookie if we are eternally grateful for your existence???
Can I borrow a few of those semi-literate chimps for my taking over the world scheme?
You’d have an unstoppable army.
You can’t use reviews from relatives? That’s a relief! Mine would have slaughtered me!
LOL. Glad to hear I’m not alone with this…situation. Ruff, ruff, or is it bow-wow? At least you were brave and had your book published–I’m standing over here looking for a reason to re-read your blog and write a long and lengthy comment, so I don’t have to get back to my revisions. I think you’re awesome, honestly. Add that to your affirmations!
I already liked you on your facebook page. Now what? I stalk you, I buy your book even when you sent me one for free, I buy your t-shirt.
Still no cookie?
Bageezus, woman. I’m tired already. And broke. And I think I have to poop. How’s YOUR weekend going?
Love ya’s!
I have three flat tires from driving through what looks like a hardware store. Nails, screws, I’m surprised there’s not a staple gun sticking out of my sidewall. Otherwise, things are going great.
Box of Rocks is hilarious. You did a great job with it so I’m not surprised it’s getting great reviews!
If you’re feeling down, just look in a mirror and repeat the following, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!” – Stuart Smalley