They Really Like Me! I hope. By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

 Most writers, by nature, are hideously insecure. Think about it. We work alone, trusting only our fickle imagination. If we’re pursuing an agent or a deal with a big publishing house, chances are good we will be rejected time and again.
In my case, years.

Self-publishing gives writers another avenue to reach readers, but the self-doubt continues. A 1* review bruises any ego we have left after we hit publish. And if no one buys our work, there’s another low blow to the self-esteem. What made us think we could write a book readers would pay good money for? Who do we think we are, anyway?

We try to pump ourselves.  Convince ourselves we’re in good company. After all, the best of the best also had their share of criticism and rejection.  

 -Rudyard Kipling: I’m sorry Mr. Kipling, but you just don’t know how to use the English language.

-Emily Dickinson: [Your poems] are quite as remarkable for defects as for beauties and are generally devoid of true poetical qualities.

-Ernest Hemingway (regarding The Torrents of Spring): It would be extremely rotten taste, to say nothing of being horribly cruel, should we want to publish it.

But even if we’re lucky enough to taste a modicum of success, self-doubt continues to rear its taunting head. We’re a fake. An imposter. That book was a fluke. The next one will never be as good. Fans will hate it.

And thus continues the writer’s roller coaster of fear and loathing, celebration and success. Through it all, we keep writing, living for the crumbs of praise and validation to come our way.

Then, out of the blue, you get a letter like this:

“Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us. I enjoy your books so much.”

And this happens.

5* "This set of books was simply captivating. They were the perfect blend of romance and adventure." Booksprout Review

They Like Me! They Really Like Me!

The fact that they like me gets backed up by sales. Right now I’m on a peak. No doubt the next release will cut me down to size really fast.

If you enjoy box sets about Mail Order Brides in the Old West, Here Come the Brides Volume 1 and 2 are also in KU. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZJTYLPN

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZPZ9XC4

And if you happen to be hankering after a way to cool down during summer's heat, here's a selection of Christmas in July Sweet Christmas Reads.  Mail Order Noelle has been discounted this week for the sale.   https://books.bookfunnel.com/5daychristmasinjulybookblast/nvovne87an

USA Today Bestselling Author Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.   

With nearly 50 published novels to her credit, she enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional romance into historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction.     

She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest and loves to hear from her readers.  www.kathleenlawless.com

Sign up for Kathleen’s VIP Reader Newsletter to receive a free book, updates, special giveaways and fan-priced offers.    http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

 

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