Five Helpful Tips for Indie Authors ~ Red Phoenix

It has been a while since I posted something to my fellow indies. Frankly, I have been so busy I haven't had time to think straight. My own fault... (rolling eyes)

Here are five helpful tips after a year of writing:

Realistic Deadlines: Do not set yourself a deadline that seems doable but as it approaches, you realize you are way off and have to kill yourself to make the date. I have done that twice now. It makes the writing process...not so much fun.

Write, Write, Write: I do not procrastinate with my writing. I may move from story to story, but I am always writing. The more you write the better you become, it's a lovely process. I do, however, highly recommend having your work proofread. It was a mistake I made in the beginning and am now having to go back and fix.

Take Reviews with a Grain of Salt: Yes, those gut-wrenching reviews are to be expected (you can't please everyone), but not the harsh comments. Trust me on this one, if a review does not provide you with something you can build on - IGNORE it.

Support One Another: Some writers feel like they are in competition with each other. Hey, if you do well this little chick is happy for you! Your success does not harm me and if it is in the same genre, it may even help. Readers tend to look for similar work. Encourage each other.

Tell Your Own Story: Don't copy another author or jump on the bandwagon just because a topic is popular. Write the stories that long to burst forth from your own heart. Your words will resonate and reach others if you trust your unique voice and message.

More than anything, enjoy the journey.

 

How Should You Take Bad Reviews as an Indie Author?

You suck!

Bad Reviews, Everyone Gets Them

Bad reviews are inevitable. It is the natural way of things, because people are different and tastes are different. Early on in my writing, I got slammed by readers on B&N. The reviews were harsh and made me question myself as a writer. It forced me to decide why I was writing. Was I writing for others or was I writing for my own enjoyment?

Turns out, I am writing for me. I love bringing my characters to life and seeing how their stories unfold. It is a high like no other. At the time, I chose to ignore the reviews even though they hurt. I chose not to let someone else decide what I would do with my life.

Had I listened to those depressing reviews Luke and Tesse, Dan, Jenny and Ryan, and sassy little Brie would never have been born into the world. Their voices would have remained silent.

Follow you heart, authors. Ebooks allow us to write without anyone losing money if we fail. We have the freedom to let our imaginations soar. Yes, look at the bad reviews to see if there is something you can improve on. You should always be willing to grow. However, don't let it kill your dream if you know you are meant to write.

Something else to keep in mind: The people who write bad reviews are generally not your audience. It is okay if they don't like your work, because they aren't the people you are trying to reach. 

* If you want to check out my nasty reviews (you know you want to), here's a link. FYI, Amy does NOT do her cousin.