Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sometimes Things Change, Sometimes They Don't

About two and a half years ago, I was preparing to see The Deathday Letter released into the world.  My first book.  My baby.  And I was terrified of how I'd handle bad reviews.  The thought of people hating on my book kept me up late at night.  I'd seen authors flame out and kill their reputations because they responded to those types of reviews, and I was terrified that I'd end up doing something like that.

Luckily, I didn't.  I got a point with Deathday where the bad reviews stopped bothering me.  I understood that my book wasn't for everyone, and I learned how to be grateful for those bad reviews, because even if they ended up not liking my book, at least they took the chance on it.

As FML's release approaches (June 2013, baby!), I thought I'd be much more zen about it.  I thought, that since I'd come to terms with people not liking Deathday, that I'd be okay if people didn't like FML. Not bloody likely!

Everything feels new again.  People are going to dislike FML, and that terrifies me.  It hurts.  I suppose that, like with Deathday, eventually I'll learn to be okay with that, but right now, it feels like every one star review is a knife in my heart.

But that's life.  It's wonderful and heartbreaking and painful and glorious.  I have no right to whine about possible bad reviews because I have a freaking book coming out.  I wrote a great book and I have a great life and people are paying me to do something I love.

So, as that release day approaches, I'd like to thank every reader from the bottom of my heart.  Whether you fall in love with Simon Cross and his friends or not, thank you for giving them a chance.  Thank you for reading FML.





8 comments:

  1. I will be first in line to read it. Long time in the waiting since DDay Letter. Look forward to it.

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    1. It has been a long time. I hope you'll think it worth the wait. Either way, thanks for being awesome.

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  2. Can't wait to read the final copy!! A raspberry to those who don't like it. :)

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  3. I just read a sample of "The Deathday Letter." Pretty funny. You can tell it's a young adult's mind narrating the story. The four rules of life are so true for me: taxes, death, sex and food. LMAO when I read that. I'll be buying the book today. Can't wait to see how Olli lives his last day. Great job!

    Also, don't worry about critics. You wrote something you like, and you're sharing it. Very brave. I congratulate you!

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    1. Thank you. You have no idea how much that means. I really hope you enjoy it. :) Happy New Year!

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