Staying Positive in a Not-So-Positive Environment

How can an author stay positive in a not-so-positive "book world"?

In the past few days I have come across some seemingly interesting, yet troubling threads/posts not only by fellow authors, but also consumers of our books as well. I have seen some downright hostile posts from authors to other authors, as well as consumers to authors trying to promote their books.

It would seem logical that after an author spends so much time, energy and effort to produce his or her material, the next step after production would be to promote it, right? Right! Well I am now learning that there are certain protocals to promoting your books in certain forums. If these protocals are not followed, an author could be the next subject/victim in a brutal electronic attack! Picture a person in water being surrounded and eaten up by piranha.

The following thread is a case in point: http://www.amazon.com/forum/kindle/ref=cm_cd_pg_pg1?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1D7SY3BVSESG&cdPage=1&cdSort=oldest&cdThread=Tx3V77Z202UI66I

Yes, I do believe that there are some authors out there that try to manipulate the system (and people) into buying their material. However, I strongly feel there are a good majority of us that are simply trying to extend our material to the masses in an honest, no schemes attached, way.

I have also noticed how people are quick to criticize another person without the slightest regard for how it would make the other person feel. What happened to compassion in our society? Even if you don't have compassion, weren't you taught that if you didn't have anything positive to say, don't say anything? The problem with the "book world" is that people make a living by writing down their thoughts, their behaviors, what's on their minds. Likewise, some consumers will pay big money to read what's on the minds of authors and what makes the author's characters come alive. So I guess it would seem natural that a person (whether author or consumer) would simply say what they are feeling at the moment, especially since it's so easy to do when one is sitting in front of a computer as opposed to in front of the actual person they are attacking. I thought the legal profession was harsh. I am certainly seeing the same critical narcisism in the book world as well. And of course I know that this is not limited to the "book world" (and legal profession for that matter) only.

So, back to the question at hand...how can an author (like myself) stay positive when it seems that there are so many negatives stacked against you...or at least it appears that way? ;-) By keeping your eye on the Lord and His promises!

"He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay" 2 Samuel 22:18-19

Just remember that the Lord is with you ALWAYS. Place your burdens on Him and allow Him to fight your battles! Staying positive can be a challenge, but when you know you have someone else to fight for you, makes that problem that was once a MOUNTAIN seem like a mole hill!

Have a Blessed day!