The first Wednesday of every month, us insecure writers get together and discuss the things that make us writers insecure. We also look at ways to overcome those insecurities.
One of my biggest worries as an author/blogger/parent.. and just about everything else, is that I'm doing it wrong. I've made loads of mistakes along the path, so there's a lot of evidence (still in people's basements) to prove I've done it wrong. A lot.
Even now, with the release of my new book, Dognapped?, I keep thinking I'm doing something wrong with my giveaway. The book sales are going great - thank you to everyone who downloaded it! But not a lot of people have put their name down to win a free Kindle Fire. Is that unusual? Am I not promoting it right? Should I care if the book sales are still good?
But I do care. I worry that people have earned an entry and won't have their fair chance. I worry that I'm doing it wrong. I worry that I'll disappoint people. And I have mild panic attacks.
Then I calm down (usually after sleeping it off), and remember getting it wrong has taught me a lot. It's shown me better ways to do stuff. And I remember that the people I think are judging me, are actually just like me. They're not perfect, they make mistakes too, and they'll understand.
If it wasn't for you guys, I would crawl under a rock whenever I got it wrong and stay there.
Now, if you did get your copy of Dognapped? (even if you got it when it was free) don't forget to get your entry in for the Kindle Fire comp!
KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY
To celebrate the release of my new mystery novel for girls, I'm giving away a Kindle Fire and a $25 Amazon gift voucher! Simply download Dognapped? A Dog Show Detective Mystery or blog about the book to enter!
All your concerns seem legitimate to me! I don't suppose we ever get over those small fears which plague us. But if sales are doing well maybe it'll quieten the fears a little. Seems like you've found a very zen way of looking at it. Mistakes are just opportunities to grow aren't they?
ReplyDeleteGook luck with the giveaway!
I'd crawl in after you, the easy choice, but never the right one. I'll post on twitter and FB for you, good luck.
ReplyDeleteGo by the sales numbers; they're the real indicator. And you're so write about people not judging you; we've all been there.
ReplyDeleteI've read several posts and articles about the worry and stress that comes with the marketing piece of the book-- this is, in the history of publishing, a relatively new concern for authors and I bet the least fun part of the process. Congratulations on your book!
ReplyDeleteMaybe everyone already has a Kindle Fire. Don't worry about it. Such a generous offer!
ReplyDeleteI will keep tweeting for you! It is a great giveaway. Really just a matter of expanding the circle of folks who know about it.
ReplyDeleteIf you're doing anything wrong, I can't tell :)
ReplyDeleteJust keep spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteTweeted and shared!
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Charmaine,
ReplyDeleteEasy to think we're doing stuff wrong when we don't see anything tangible happening. I kinda feel squeamish and repetitive and boring :) to remind people over and over again about my giveaway, but I keep plugging away despite how I feel, 'cause sometimes our anxiety and fear lead us to see what's not in front of us.
You have some time yet, so keep reminding your network and readers about what you're doing. I'll be on the sidelines cheering you on. I enjoy your writing so as soon as I finish Dognapped? you can count on a review from me.
I agree with you about getting it wrong. Like everyone else has said we all get it wrong but your a great example of continuing on and making it work in the end. BTW I have slept in some basements as well so we can both hang out in the got it wrong place together :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, it is hard to know isn't it? I'm sure you are doing everything as right as you can. Can you do a giveaway wrong? *shrugs* I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything!
No shame in getting it wrong if you learn from it.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
I think you're doing it right, because it shows that you're taking it seriously. And sometimes worrying can be a good thing, because it can make you think about a situation from more than one perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis is a journey where we all learn, fail, pick ourselves up and go forward. So you're doing great!
ReplyDeleteNas
If you need help spreading the word, I can mention your giveaway this Friday!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex, of course I welcome any mentions :)
DeleteWe all make mistakes. Good thing there's erasers on pencils.
ReplyDeleteNew Follower. Congrats on book sales and don't worry about the giveaway. You offered a great reward for your readers. It's up to them to accept it.
ReplyDeleteBlog: Queendsheena
IWSG Co-host
I think you hit on something really important here--the fear of being judged by others. I'm the same way, and I think sometimes we're our own worst judge. Great post! Thanks for your honesty!
ReplyDeleteI'm always doing it wrong and getting corrected. I'm tired of it, but I guess I have to learn how to get it right for a change. Maybe it teaches us to get it more right the more wrong we get it.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way as you do. It's really stressful sometimes and the only cure is to remind myself that I'm not doing it wrong, sometimes things take a while (even giveaways) and to relax. Naps help too! (Really, is there anything a nap can't fix?)
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell, you're doing it VERY right!
ReplyDeleteThese are normal thoughts to have. I'm always tweaking how I do things.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there will be more entries.
My problem is Rafflecopter scares me, so I never enter giveaways :)
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK - I'm sure Alex's mention will give you a nice boost :)
Actually, you might have a point there Mark, I've spoken to a few people who don't like giving their details to apps like Rafflecopter. It would be great if you could run comps right through the Amazon website, then people would automatically be in the draw when they purchase and they wouldn't have to share any information with third parties. Cheers - hope you had a great blitz!
DeleteIf only we could do everything perfect! But it looks like you're doing fine to me. I've noticed that giveaways tend to go either way. I've never understood why more people don't enter them. They don't hurt. . .usually :)
ReplyDeleteHey, if your sales are doing well, I say the rest is a wash. Oh, and have you checked out the Goodreads giveaways? That might be a great alternative to Rafflecopter. Mind you, I haven't tried one, merely observed from a distance.
ReplyDeleteNo worries! I think you're doing a great job! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst congratulations on the sales of Dognapped? I'm no expert, but if your sales are doing well, then you must be doing something right! And like Mark, I'm not a big fan of the raffelcopter thing. I've entered a few times but I just feel like I shouldn't trust it. Maybe I'm being a bit paranoid, lol! Anyway, congrats again on your release. :D
ReplyDeleteI agree with Elise - the sales numbers mean that people are liking your work :-)
ReplyDelete