Better to Be Nice than Not
We all know the old adage that you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar (though I never really understood why anyone would want more flies) but the meaning is clear.
It's far better to be nice than mean.
I'm going to use this in the writing world and give some examples.
If you read someone's books that has lots of typos or other problems do you send them an email and berate them? Well, guess what some people do. Of course the author probably would like to know, but this can be done in a nice manner.
What about authors who jump all over their publishers for one thing or another? Yep, that does happen. How long do you think the publisher is going to want to work with that author?
Readers do have opinions--and I've heard readers say I'm never reading so and so's books again because of how rude she or he was to me. Okay, that was only one reader, but don't you think that reader will tell another and so on?
And what about the stuff we writers put on Facebook or Twitter? Do you worry about offending readers? If not, say whatever you want. But, believe it or not, I know that readers have quit reading an author's works because of what they have said on Facebook.
Frankly, I want readers to like me and I hope they'll want to buy my books.
I love to meet readers too, whether it be at a signing of some sort, a talk I'm giving or at a conference. I love to meet new people--and I hope they will enjoy meeting me too.
Anyway, that's my opinion. If you have another, feel free to say so.
Marilyn
It's far better to be nice than mean.
I'm going to use this in the writing world and give some examples.
If you read someone's books that has lots of typos or other problems do you send them an email and berate them? Well, guess what some people do. Of course the author probably would like to know, but this can be done in a nice manner.
What about authors who jump all over their publishers for one thing or another? Yep, that does happen. How long do you think the publisher is going to want to work with that author?
Readers do have opinions--and I've heard readers say I'm never reading so and so's books again because of how rude she or he was to me. Okay, that was only one reader, but don't you think that reader will tell another and so on?
And what about the stuff we writers put on Facebook or Twitter? Do you worry about offending readers? If not, say whatever you want. But, believe it or not, I know that readers have quit reading an author's works because of what they have said on Facebook.
Frankly, I want readers to like me and I hope they'll want to buy my books.
I love to meet readers too, whether it be at a signing of some sort, a talk I'm giving or at a conference. I love to meet new people--and I hope they will enjoy meeting me too.
Anyway, that's my opinion. If you have another, feel free to say so.
Marilyn
Comments
Another I never did read because she constantly snubbed me even though I saw her at many events and always smiled and spoke to her.
Never hurt either one of them, I'm sure, but there are plenty of authors to read who are nice.
Thanks for highlighting this!
Billie
Madeline
Wendy
Awhile back, another author sent me an email asking to do a post on my blog. The reason he gave for wanting to be my guest is "you seem so nice and thoughtful on FaceBook." I was thrilled! And, of course, responded that I'd love to have him as my guest.
And, Marilyn, I've never seen you be anything but nice and pleasant.
Marja McGraw