So how do I deal? Most of the time, I can shrug it off pretty easily. I work at a newspaper, so I’m used to people complaining and/or yelling at me. Often, for no reason or over things I don’t have anything to do with. You wouldn’t believe the calls we get … but that’s a post for another time.

Sometimes, I just mope around or complain to my significant other. He usually tells me to man up and get back to work. So I do. Working/writing helps me focus on something other than the review.

Some bad reviews fire me up and make me want to write an even better book that will blow the reviewer’s socks off.

Basically, though, I think you have to give yourself a moment or an hour or even a day to be depressed or angry or whatever. And then, you’ve got to suck it up and get back to work.

Zoe — If I had any scrapbooking skills whatsoever, I would totally make a Happy Book! That is a really awesome idea. My mom’s a real Martha Stewart type. Maybe I can get her to do it for me …

Cyndi — You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy Jinx!

thank you, Jennifer. I didn’t want to slobber at your feet, but I am such a fan!

This will go to the TOP of my TBR pile.

THANK YOU AGAIN

Have you considered printing out those fan emails and putting them into a scrapbook of sorts? You could call it your Happy book or some other such silly name. So you can pull it out whenever you need to without having to get on the computer and dig through emails lol.

My crap draft is very very bad too. I don’t normally do the whole (insert scene here) thing, but I do end up writing what basically amounts to “and then, and then, and then” I get very stuck in the and then’s. lol.

And congrats! Your cover looks awesome. I saw it in RT Book Reviews and it definitely looks like a kickass book!

Great post! I was lucky enough to quit the day job about 6 months ago and write full time. Haven’t sold a manuscript yet, but I am making some substantial progress on finishing and revising those crappy early drafts of projects. I’m having to schedule time for workouts. Who knew sitting at a computer for 10 hours a day would put weight on?? So, no milkshakes for me, I’m afraid.

I do find visual aids are great motivators for me. I have a paper calendar hanging near my computer where I track my daily word count. And quotes–I love quotes! I have reminders posted on my computer: “I am Diligent.” and “Choose Well.” And this quote from Amelia Earhart:

“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Enough said.

Except–is there anyone out there who writes a PRISTINE first draft? I thought they were *supposed* to be crappy!

Thanks for the motivation!

I’m with Cyndi in that I write full time with a husband at home. Love LaDonna’s comments about staying motivated at home – thanks! I think I need to structure my day more…