Ranty Mc Rant…
Aug
1
2011

I just wanted to take a brief moment to comment on something – this business can seem overwhelming at times. So much going on, much of it out of your control as an author. It’s big and sometimes scary.

First: Your success does not need to come at the expense of anyone else.

What I mean is, I see a whole lot of backbiting and nastiness from some authors when others do well. Lots of “well she has XYZ and I don’t” None of that matters. You have what you have. Be that your deal, your book the time of year it comes out, the amount of publisher support, etc. Whining about how YOU can’t get something because of all these factors doesn’t actually help you. It doesn’t change space/time to make things different. It just makes you look like a petty whiner.

None of our success exists in a vacuum. Many people have helped me achieve what I have today and I’d say the same of most everyone’s success. We can CELEBRATE other people’s good news without it meaning we have less. And if we can’t, it’s better to just SIT DOWN and SHUT UP than to act like a diva and throw a fit when someone else has a good day.

Second: If you happen upon a post from another author telling her first sale/call story – please refrain from taking out your personal issues with that publisher out on said author.

What I mean is this, one of my friends recently wrote her “call” story for her publisher’s blog. I happen to love call and first sale stories and I think they’re one of the things that keep us all going when times might get rough. Also, the author telling that story has a right to rejoice in it instead of having some jackwagon with issues come and post his nasty commentary just to be petty. Also, it wasn’t even correct commentary, not that it will stop this person. Don’t be a dick, people. If you have issues, address them in the proper way/forum. And that’s not in the comment thread of anyone else’s blog post.

Just, you know, don’t be a dick and be kind to people who deserve that kindness.

11 comments to “Ranty Mc Rant…”

  1. Shiloh Walker
    August 1st, 2011 at 10:55 am · Link

    you have awesome mcrants.



  2. Steena Holmes
    August 1st, 2011 at 10:56 am · Link

    I couldn’t agree more! We all know how rough this path is. We should be celebrating with people when they tell us about a success. Jealousy and pettiness reveals more than we imagine.



  3. LB Gregg
    August 1st, 2011 at 11:03 am · Link

    Well, I have no clue what set this off, but it’s the same story/ different day. We chatted about this type of behavior when I saw you at RWA.

    “Don’t be a dick.”

    Those are words to live by.

    And I love ‘first sale’ stories! They keep me coming back to RWA. (That and the bar.)



  4. RG Alexander
    August 1st, 2011 at 11:09 am · Link

    I also have no idea what this pertains to-but completely agree with the sentiment. Plus I really like saying Dont Be A Dick 🙂

    I love hearing everyone’s good news, from first sale to bestseller and everything in between. I love how supportive the romance community can be. I know I would still be wandering around with a half written story wondering what to do with myself if I hadn’t had A LOT of help and encouragement from my friends.



  5. Beverly Diehl
    August 1st, 2011 at 11:10 am · Link

    Why go out of your way to pop somebody else’s balloon? That’s just mean – and what does it get you but bad feelings and turning somebody who might have been an ally, or at the very least, neutral about you, into an enemy?

    On the other hand, establishing a reputation as a whiny bitch (or bastard) does build ample opportunity for future whining, since any number of people may decline to work with you because you’re “difficult.”



  6. Kate Pearce
    August 1st, 2011 at 11:11 am · Link

    I think all of us may have a moment when we feel a bit jealous of what someone else has achieved, but you have to get over it pretty damned quick, because that path leads to paranoia, bitterness and, imo, ultimately affects your ability to write.
    I truly believe that there is room in this business for many many people to succeed, and that we should be pleased to see anyone navigate these treacherous publishing waters. Well that’s how I feel anyway 🙂



  7. Minx Malone
    August 1st, 2011 at 11:14 am · Link

    Word.

    I think “Don’t be a dick” will become my new response to all the passive-aggressive behavior I’ve been seeing lately.

    We all need to have our big girl panties on and act like professionals.

    Great rant, by the way 🙂



  8. Laura Hunsaker
    August 1st, 2011 at 11:34 am · Link

    Wow, that’s just plain mean to steal someone else’s thunder. Especially by being a jerk about it. I’ve had people ask me which publisher I’m with and then go on to tell me a friend of a friend’s roommate’s sister’s bad experience with them. It’s a downer.
    Sorry that happened to your friend, Lauren.
    Words to live by:Don’t be a dick.



  9. Mary
    August 1st, 2011 at 12:05 pm · Link

    Not an author but it seems as though no matter what walk of life you are in the small minded and sour grapes try to find a way rain on your parade. I just consider the source. Their attitude probably determined the amount of help, promotion and assistance they received.



  10. Danielle Monsch
    August 1st, 2011 at 12:06 pm · Link

    I understand that split second of disappointment when you hear someone’s good news while you are still struggling – that is human nature and not something we should be embarrassed about feeling.

    Dwelling on it and acting on it, that I see no need for.

    Take that second to acknowledge your disappointment, then take a deep breath, buck up, move on, and for goodness sake congratulate the person that all their hard work has paid off.



  11. Nicki Elson
    August 1st, 2011 at 12:14 pm · Link

    “Don’t be a dick” hehe, I think I feel a T-shirt coming on. 🙂

    You make an excellent point that someone doing well takes NOTHING away from anyone else. So applaud them and see if there’s anything to learn from their success, yes?