Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Feel The Fear - What If Nobody Likes Me? by Vicki Batman

What is my Greatest Fear: What if Nobody likes Me?

I'm a writer and like most other authors, my fear is what if no one likes me and doesn't buy my work. It can be very disheartening. Yet, it is something a lot of creative types face whether we are artists, crafters, musicians, and writers.

I'd already held myself back from trying for a long time because I didn't think I could write as well as my favorite author, Dick Francis. I gobbled his work like candy.  He crafted amazing mysteries around the horse racing business set in England. I'd never had any formal training. I'd read a lot and written poetry.

But my friend knew I could do this, and she gave me the push to try.

Should we let fear paralyze us so much we don't pursue what gives us joy?

No. Once I entered a contest and got back a judge's scoring sheet and written on it was the comment: Why are you writing? I burst into tears. My writer person within me was so fragile when I first began. I knew I wasn't great, but to get that comment was just so mean. I actually didn't work on my project for two days. Then I looked at the computer and asked myself, "Am I letting someone else define me?"

The answer: Yes.

Which was so wrong. We have to have conviction and belief in ourselves. Persistence. And just maybe prove that judge wrong.

Determination filled my soul. I put my head to the grindstone and got to work. Nothing anyone said would stop me, and if I got criticism? I could work with that.

A while later, the book took third in a contest, and not long ago, I got an offer to publish it.

Maybe I won't be a NYT or USA bestseller. But I'm betting there will be lots of people who will like me and my work.


Blurb for Bug Stuff…and Other Stories: From sassy writer girl, Vicki Batman, comes three romantic comedies: "Just Desserts": a political dinner gone disastrous brings together a reluctant attendee and her seat-mate. "Bug Stuff": An accountant unites with his co-worker to fight a pesky adversary. "With This Ring": When a wife forgets her little black dress, it all turns into something utterly romantic and unforgettable in the end.

Find Bug Stuff…and Other Stories at:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cuV6Ry
Barnes and Noble:http://bit.ly/1gaie8P
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/394602



Author Bio:

Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm--the list is endless.

Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories to TRUE LOVE, TRUE ROMANCE, TRUE CONFESSIONS, NOBLE ROMANCE PUBLISHING, LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS, MUSEITUP PUBLISHING, and THE WILD ROSE PRESS. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.

Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

Find Vicki at:
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkv
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman  
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=116288777&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
Plotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com


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14 comments:

  1. Vicki Batman, sassy writer26 February 2014 at 18:01

    Hi, Zanna, and thank you for hostessing me today.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Patricia26 February 2014 at 19:49

    You are SO right about fear, Vicki. I'm betting your experience is typical of all of us writers. I entered contests and was blasted every time about how I didn't know what I was doing. I persisted and continued to write and now I feel much more secure in my writing abilities. Can I write like my favorite authors? No. But I'm continuing to try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki Batman, sassy writer26 February 2014 at 23:34

      Hi, Patty! Isn't it true about anything we do, that we have to practice, practice, practice. And we will get better. My wish now is that new people will try my little romantic comedies and maybe they will chuckle and recommend them to others. ox

      Delete
  3. Kat26 February 2014 at 21:34

    I hear you Vicki! ... I recently received a review that left me walking around the house looking stunned and channeling Kate Jackson, saying... "They like me. They really like me."

    We have to believe in ourselves in order to be writers, we couldn't do this any other way, but sometimes, especially when a story-line is sagging, a character puts her nose in the air and refuses to talk to us, or a judge is unkind it's hard, really hard.

    I have a wall covered in inspiration to keep me going on those not so great days :)

    And judges everywhere need to remember the people behind the work they're reading.

    Sounds like a great series!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vicki Batman, sassy writer26 February 2014 at 22:41

    Hi, Kathryn Jane! Isn't it wonderful when all clicks? You hit the button about believe in ourselves. After that horrible judge's comment and when I grew enough to be a judge, I keep what she said in mind and try to be more positive in my approach. Thank you for stopping. Hugs, vb

    ReplyDelete
  5. Melissa Keir26 February 2014 at 22:50

    Very inspirational post! We all need to hear it whether we are an author or the person trying for a manager position. We have to step outside our comfort zone in order to find success! I like what Kathryn says about an inspiration wall. I have my book covers on the wall in my office.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Vicki Batman, sassy writer26 February 2014 at 23:33

    Hi, Melissa! I have my book covers on my wall along with the tags my RWA chapter gave us when we sold. My pride and joy! Thanks, hon.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous27 February 2014 at 01:03

    Oh, Vicki, what a great post!!! I love reading about how other writers are encouraged and overcome adversity. I can't believe someone wrote that on your manuscript. Shame on them! You do know there is a writer's karma, right? And that person is probably in writer's hell right now--blocked.

    Wishing you continued success!
    -Lani

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki Batman, sassy writer27 February 2014 at 02:52

      Thanks, Lani! I love the idea of writer's karma. lol The good news is her comment didn't deter me, instead propelled me. Thanks and hugs!

      Delete
  8. Angela Adams27 February 2014 at 01:27

    I always enjoy and get inspired by your posts, Vicki!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki Batman, sassy writer27 February 2014 at 02:53

      Hi, Angela! thank you so much. This comment means a lot to me. And I so appreciate you stopping. Hugs, vb

      Delete
  9. Unknown27 February 2014 at 16:03

    Thanks for all your wonderful messages ladies - inspiring stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jean Willett27 February 2014 at 19:17

    Kudos for kicking fear to the curb! We all suffer the dreaded F word and overcoming it is a reason to celebrate. Still love the bug cover :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Vicki Batman, sassy writer28 February 2014 at 16:50

    Hi, Jean! Yep, FEAR goes to the curb. We are in charge of our destiny. And boy am I happy now. As we speak, art is coming through for the book's cover. Squee! Thanks for posting. yep, Bug Stuff cover is pretty adorable.

    ReplyDelete

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