I have high hopes for Indie Authors this New Year. January Gray Reviews is going to focus 80% plus of its the time to Indie Authors starting in 2017.
My biggest hope is that writers find their own voice and write what they want, not what they think the trend is.
2016 was semi-disappointing as I saw a plethora of books with similar titles and story lines, that seemed like attempts to mimic the publishing house best selling books.
Please find YOUR voice. There are many readers who want to hear it.
I also hope that when the negative reviews come in, and they will…every writer gets negative reviews…that you brush them off and keep writing.
Let’s do this:
First, think of the name of your favorite Best Selling Author. You know, the name that even those who do not read books are familiar with.
Now, go look them up on Amazon, and read some of their reviews. Yes, the one, two and even three star reviews.
I’m going to go grab a cup of coffee while I wait for you to do that………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
SEE?
Yes, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, and gasp even Nicholas Sparks have poor reviews.
So breathe…cry…get mad…swear you will never write again…
and then…
GET. BACK. TO. WRITING.
But my BIGGEST hope for Indie Authors in 2017 is that their work is more appreciated. Actually, I hope that as the world continues to implode on itself around us, that more and more people turn to ALL of the arts as a break from the madness.
I think the movies really make writing look romantic.
And…admittedly, sometimes it is.
But mostly it is work, and sweat and tears, and yes…blood will be drawn.
I want to see Indie Authors more respected. I want the general public to understand why so many people turn away from the big publishing houses and by not going that route does not mean they are not a good or even great writer.
Once I finish catching up with my current stack of books to be read and reviewed, I promise that January Gray Reviews will be there for you Indie Authors.
Every day. All of the way.
Happy New Year (2017)
January Gray
Dec 26, 2016 @ 04:02:11
Beautiful post, I agree with the points you made. I hope you’ve been having a lovely Christmas, and wishes for a Happy 2017 filled with great books and whatever else you desire!
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Dec 21, 2016 @ 11:39:28
Thank you for this post. It’s something I really needed to hear right now. I received a not-so-nice review this week from a reviewer who was essentially attacking my style. I write in a style that isn’t trendy and I’ve accepted that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But it still stings to be attacked on the very thing that makes each writer unique in his or her own way. Then I read a part of a letter that Henry Miller wrote to Anais Nin where he apologized for trying to edit her style because he acknowledged that it is her unique style and voice and no one had the right to edit any writer’s voice and style. That really cheered me up.
May every writer, traditionally or self-published, keep on with his or her unique voice and style, come what may!
Tam
~~~Tam May~~~
Blog: https://thedreambook.wordpress.com/
Website: http://www.tammayauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammayauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tammayauthor
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Dec 21, 2016 @ 11:41:00
❤
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Dec 21, 2016 @ 09:55:24
Attagirl, January!
You are going to make a positive impact on a lot of folks.
Happy Reading!
~Icky. 🙂
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Dec 21, 2016 @ 09:56:11
😊
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Dec 21, 2016 @ 08:46:24
What a lovely and encouraging post for all Indie authors – thank you so much and have a wonderful Christmas!
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Dec 21, 2016 @ 08:47:25
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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