The perfect time to read me this:
I don't remember what I said at this point--you'd have to ask my mother--but it probably wasn't very nice.
Abby's reply:
Abby is much kinder and more tactful than me. I grumbled something to my mom about how dearest NOT should thank her lucky stars, and how she was an ungrateful little--well, you get the point.
Abby is already a successful writer, so she offered helpful and professional advice. She didn't snap back with an emotional (or jealous) reply like I might have.
In some ways I can see this new author's point. Unauthentic events wouldn't be much fun. But the rest of it comes with the territory. Did this woman not know about the PR aspects before becoming a published author? A full inbox of questions about my book and a deluge of invitations is something I would expect and embrace. (Yes, even the bad emails and questions. I am aware that not everyone will love my writing, or even like it, or care that it exists.)
I'm not saying this woman's feelings aren't valid, but I do know about 500 people (see the Supporters bar on the right sidebar) who would love to have this lady's problem.
My Reply:
Dear NOT, Thoroughly research your destination before you climb aboard the cruise ship. And don't publicly bitch when the water gets rough, or the scenery isn't as pretty as the brochure made it out to be. Those of us still stuck on land will want to throw things at you.
Well said and excellent advice. I remember this letter. I wanted to smack her, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA!!! Oh, dear. Did the author imagine that she could stay in seclusion and write to her heart's content while the book published and sold itself? That's a bit like having a baby and expecting it to raise itself. It's a nice dream, but life just isn't that convenient. =P
ReplyDeleteIt's no wonder she turned anonymously to a stranger for advice. I'm not even trying to get anything published, and I still want to slap her upside the head.
I couldn't have said it better. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pic! Well, I can see her point. She just wants to be a writer, not a PR person. BUT you are absolutely right! She should've known this part comes with the territory. Shame on her for that. Thanks for posting the article! I love Dear Abby. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome pic. Even better post! Thanks for sharing this, it's a great little bit to read.
ReplyDeleteAbby may do it everyday, but I love your response much better. Perfectly stated.
ReplyDeleteOhnoshedidn't! Wah, wah, wah! I agree with you that she should have done her research about what would be expected of her once she was published. Being published is not the end of the road if you want your books to actually sell. I guess if she doesn't want to put in the work, she should probably not consider writing a second book, and just go do something else. Great post! - G
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of writers and writer-wannabes everywhere, *standing and clapping wildly and maybe some obnoxious loud whistling* thank you and well said!! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, you're right. I definitely want to snap at her. Good thing Dear Abby is Abby and not Bethany lol.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I think we any job, there are things we don't like. It would be nice to just plug away at the keyboard and hang off our stories and that was all we had to do, right? No way! There's so much out there, grabbing people's attention, that published authors need to be out there. I am shy, too. I would struggled with this. But, you know, I'm not sure I would complain! Because most of your time will still be spent writing!
ReplyDelete(Wow. Lots of typos in my post there...)
ReplyDeleteNot only is she published but she also has a publisher willing to pay for and arrange events to promote her book? Wow.
ReplyDeleteI guess the grass is always greener.
Oh man. I'd def. throw a cupcake at her. Personally I'd say something a long the lines of SHUT UP AND BE THANKFUL!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd have definitely been grumbling at this letter if I saw it. I'm not the most social person, but I have to do a lot of events for my current job. You just smile and get through it and know what you're doing is for your own good.
ReplyDeleteexactly. well said!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat reply! I know plenty of people who would stand in line to have her "problem."
ReplyDeleteLOL, I love the picture. :) And why do I kinda wish you'd been the one to reply instead of Abby? I think you need to have a Dear Karen feature on your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree (and like) your response much better. Much. Much better. Yes, I may be jealous of all her woes but, really, complaining about success? honestly? Please. Can we smack her?
ReplyDeleteI've got the cupcakes in the oven. :D
ReplyDeleteI always assumed the interviews and publicity events were part of the rewards of being published. I mean, isn't it a compliment that people want to meet the author and promote the book? It won't last for long, so there's no sense in letting it slip past.
Totally with you on this one... I have cupcakes, lets go find her... I pray everyday for a new opportunity or just a chance at something bigger.
ReplyDeleteSome might go a step further and say it is like a singer who wants to make records but not do concerts. Still, writing a novel has nothing to do with signing autographs, or public appearances, and it is a very solitary endeavor. All the after stuff is just marketing and I say if someone doesn't like it, more power to them. Not everyone writes for money and fame, and not everyone is comfortable promoting themselves in front of strangers, and that decision should be respected.
ReplyDeleteHmm... I'm not sure. I totally see what you're saying of course :) At the same time though, I could see writing a book because you're driven to write and not really thinking about all the stuff that comes after... and then being TOTALLY overwhelmed, and questioning if it's the right path. (Okay, okay--dude, that's crazy! Of course it's the right path!)
ReplyDeleteWhen I read things like this, I make mental reminders to myself for IF *I* ever make it... I won't complain publicly when it gets hard, because there are tons of writers dying to be in those published shoes. :)
SIXTEEN DAYS TIL WE HANG OUT!!!!!!
Dang, she's got a rough life. Poor thing. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved your answer. It's like complaining that your too skinny and have to eat more.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I so like your reply better. And the picture of the throwing cupcakes. That's priceless too. And who wouldn't want to get out there and talk about books and writing? I can't shut up about it; people hate me.
ReplyDeleteShe shudda taken a pen name LOL! :O)
ReplyDeleteShe didn't read the job description. I hope to be overbooked one day because people can't get enough of my writing...if only.
ReplyDeleteOh my, what a strange letter. Certainly, this business can be really stressful. It's a job. A JOB. People forget that sometimes, I think. If she didn't want a job, then should've kept it as a hobby, probably. And maybe that's what she'll go back to eventually, but for now, she has a contract to fulfill. But my guess is she'll adjust, and will learn to accept her role in her own success. Hopefully.
ReplyDeleteThis business is definitely very, very stressful, and I feel sympathetic toward her. But yes, researching is definitely a good thing, and complaining publicly when so many others wish they were in your shoes... not a very good thing.
ReplyDeleteEmy Shin (my new blog)
Oooo, loved your response!!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like someone who got pubbed on their first book. LOL
ReplyDeleteI love advice columns, but I hate Dear Abby. She probably should have given this lady the smackdown she needed :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm wanting to drown the you-know-what, but I'll keep that to myself.
ReplyDeleteI should be so lucky to have her problem! *Grumble, grumble.*
ReplyDeleteMan...it would be nice to have her problem. :) Though I suppose we don't know her situation...but still. Someone suggested you should have a Dear Karen feature? I agree with that!
ReplyDeleteI like your reply to NOT. it's a bit like the actors who complain of being recognized everywhere they go. Hello?
ReplyDeleteand boy, I wonder who that was?
Abby's reply may have been tactful, but yours would probably be the one to get through to her.
ReplyDelete*shakes head*
I can't believe this.
I get that some people are shy, and prefer the solitary act of writing. (I'm NOT shy, I'm very social, and still I would prefer not to HAVE to do lots of PR and tours away from my family, home and pets.) But this is a tough business and it is expected that we promote our books...at least until we've built a solid readership.
ReplyDeleteYes, the writing should come first, but PR is part of the business of selling our books. She'd have to know that going in.
I'm also thinking she should be having this talk with her agent.
And that a (dry, cheap) cupcake to the noggin would stop her whining.
I'd love to know who she is. ;)