Unbeatable
I recently ran across an article on Stephenie Meyer and her new book, The Chemist, which comes out shortly. I’d not been following her career and haven’t read any of her work except the Twilight series, and did not follow her to the alternative POVs on the saga she wrote afterwards. Now she’s tackling more the thriller genre, while still keeping a love story prominent in the work. I cheer for her (that’s the sound me me clapping).
In searching her books, I also saw a book I won’t even mention, with a title disparaging her name and her writing. And this was allowed on Amazon, in fact, shows up on her Amazon search page as an “also buy.”
I’ve about had it with some of the things allowed under the guise of free speech. The great Zon in the sky allows a title like that with a four-letter word front and center, demeaning an author, but has a problem with a naked man’s chest (or God forbid, nipples showing under his shirt), in their advertising. None of my book covers, for instance, are allowed to be advertised in paid ads. They either contain a man’s torso, or a couple looking lustily at each other, or a feather with a little dangerous blood on it in my angel series, starting with Heavenly Lover.
I certainly approve of controls to protect young children from reading or seeing adult content or themes. But children see far worse on the television and in movies every day. They hear rap music with disgusting lyrics and somehow we are taught that this is “mainstream” while writing about sex or a couple enjoying sex, that’s a bad thing.
So is degrading an author for being successful supposed to be okay too? So are phony reviews and hurtful things said and done by small-minded people intent on wielding their two seconds of fame on the internet. We are so PC about some things, and not on others. Being a romance writer, or someone who writes happily ever after tales, we develop a thick skin, and endure all sorts of things most people have no idea actually happen to writers.
Conflict cannot survive without your participation – Wayne Dyer. I once got to spend an afternoon with a small group gathered to hear Mr. Dyer speak to us, and got to speak to him over lunch. I found his message hopeful, and uplifting. He had detractors in his career. Horrible things said about him and his writing or his speeches. And he didn’t participate in any of that.
I have things all around me that remind me of the good things in my life, not to fool myself, but to remind myself that I’ve decided to participate in a different game. I’ve decided to follow my heart’s desire and passion for the things I do with meaning. I’ve also had to make tough choices to protect that creative and willful streak in my being. Sometimes saying No is better than saying Yes. Just like sometimes being kind is better than mouthing off under the guise of “being free.”
Because being unbeatable means remembering that when life is full of passion and hope, all things are possible, no matter what anybody else says or does. We write, edit, put it out there, be awesome and then do it all over again. That’s the game I want to play.
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My grandmother use to say if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all. Is sad to see narrow minded sad people having a go at someone wheather they are successful or not. Be true an to oneself, keep doing the things you love Sharon there will always be negative people in all walks of life. I love your book covers and HEA
Thanks, Julie. I love them too, and am having fun. It is amazing how some feel entitled to bash, but more a reflection on them than anything else. I like my thick skin! Getting thicker by the year!
Sharon- You are a class act! Manners will always win out! Your heart and integrity are a tough act to follow.
Thanks, Sandie! Very nice of you to say!! I wish I could always wear that label. Sometimes I fall off the wagon a bit but I do get back up.
I totally agree with Sandie, your a class act Sharon. I love the person you are. Your heart makes you the wonderful person you are and your integrity makes you an even better one. <3
Love you, Karen! Thank you!
Thanks, Karen. You and Sandie are the same to me as well. Love your heart. So happy you listen to my rantings!! LOL.
Follow your heart my princess and you can never go wrong. "To thine own self be true". When you're doing something right in life, there will always be conflict. Dr. Dyer is right. Simply choose not to participate. You're the best!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo,YP
Thank you, my prince. Love having you by my side along this beautiful path. You are known for being the same way…Love your heart.
oxoxYA
Love your heart too my angel.
xoxoxoxoxo,
YP
oxoxoxox
One of my favorite books is Stephanie Meyer's "The Host." I'm not a fan of 1st person, but there was no other way to write that story. The movie didn't do it justice. Sadly, there are a lot of people in the world who believe that if they point out the flaws of others, their own won't be as noticeable. So glad you don't let them dim your sparkle.
Thanks, Judy. Yes, I'm reminded of the words of wisdom a friend once said, "Don't wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it." LOL. Sort of like taking rat poison and expecting the rat to die. Forwrd, not backward. Always. Perseverence. Worth it in the end, right?
Absolutely. The only easy day was yesterday. Embrace the suck. 🙂
I'm always appalled by what folks feel comfortable doing, secure in their anonymity. I have been delighted to find that there are far more decent folks in the romance world than not (although there are a few distressing folks who delight in trying to be mean and hurtful, they are thankfully in the minority). Keep being true to yourself, Sharon, you are a shining example to all of us!
Thank you for that Eni. I agree. Thank goodness there are more good apples. Sometimes I think maybe just a few of us experience this, but even someone so undisputedly successful as Stephenie Meyer gets them too. We are not immune, but like I said, we are unstoppable. Unbeatable…Great to have your support for so long and so often, Eni!
Your posts are uplifting and interesting.
It makes me sad to see the negativity and the jealousy-fueled nastiness of some people. That is why I try to support my fave authors in any way I can and hoping they never come across any negative people.
Yes, I value that too. Thanks so much for all you do for all of us authors. We so appreciate it. But it is amazing why this is one of the things we have to remain thick skinned about.