Most authors have a favorite genre or troupe that the enjoy writing. Some authors write in a variety of genres and have more than one pen name. Changing things up can be a good thing. It helps you stretch yourself as a writer and maybe discover a niche the draws you to write more.
I’ve been writing gay romance and mysteries since I published my first story. I’m very proud of the books that I have released in the last six years. But, there have been those moments when, I feel like maybe I’d like to try something else. Would it be easier? Could I do it better? What if I fail miserably and I’ve spent hours that I could have been writing what I know?
Then those little moments of doubt creep in. Am I really cut out to be a writer? Sales are down, are my books losing their punch? Do I write as well as other authors? We all have these moments and thoughts. No one is immune to these feelings, whether you are a writer, an artist, a poet, a crafter, a musician. We’re human and we are going to have an occasional moment of insecurity.
Sounds like a downer doesn’t it.
That’s why it’s so important to build a community of like minds around you. People who understand what you’re going through. Who’ve been there and come out the other side. Someone who can encourage you to keep trying. Go ahead and try something outside your box. Give it a go. I’ve been very fortunate in this business to have found folks just like that.
Some of them I’ve had the immense pleasure of meeting in person. Some of them I’ve met on social media and I’ll never get to meet them in person. All of them play an important role in how I feel about writing. All of them are gifted in one form or another. They craft amazing book covers, design logos, edit and re-edit other people’s work, or help you when you get stuck on a scene you are writing. All of us need those kind of people in our lives.
In this time of stress and negativity in our country and world, it’s easy to let negative influences affect our every waking moment, and sometimes, even our sleep. Striving to have positive people in our lives is a good goal, no matter what your career. But more than that, when we have those people in our lives do we thank them? Do we let them know how important they are to us? Don’t you think we should?
This is my way of saying thank you to those positive influences in my life and career. You make the rough times easier. You encourage me with your kind words. You lift me up when I feel like a failure at what I do. Thank you each and every one.
Reach out today and be a positive influence on someone. You never know how much someone might need it at this very moment.
CJ Baty
