Member-only story
Things To Remember When You’re Publishing a Book (or Maybe Anything)
My second novel, Panpocalypse, comes out April 5th, and I wrote some reminders for myself and anyone else who needs them.
Don’t look at Goodreads. I mean it. There’s nothing for you there. Even if there are many wonderful, kind, glowing reviews, you will somehow find something bad, and eventually because it is Goodreads and the Internet, there will always be something bad. There may even be many bad things. Because it is Goodreads. Besides, why are you really there anyway? For a little ego boost, some “information” about how your book is doing, to check in with your fans? No. Your ego will feel better without looking. You don’t need that information or “data” as you might be inclined to call it. Your fans, all ten of them, are doing just fine.
Okay, so you looked at Goodreads. It’s fine. We all do sometimes. But don’t stay long and consider what you’re looking for there. Validation? Love? Confirmation that you’ve chosen the right path of abject poverty and artistry? Confirmation that your parents, ex, bully, sister, wife, brother, teacher were wrong about you? Consider where you might find other forms of validation like: yourself, tik toks of animals, your therapist, your pets, a walk in the park, your favorite treat, dinner with a dear friend, a bike ride, or a gentle yoga class.
