Ashley Hodges Bazer - Author
  • Home
  • Star Sailors
    • The Commodore >
      • Characters
    • The Princess >
      • Characters
    • The Skyjacker >
      • Characters
    • The Stowaway >
      • Characters
    • The Operative >
      • Characters
  • The Crown's Call
    • Heralds of the Crown >
      • Poison >
        • Characters
        • Deleted Scenes
      • Fusion >
        • Characters
        • Deleted Scene
      • Reconciled >
        • Characters
    • Rise of the Crown
    • Touch of the Crown >
      • Outlaw >
        • Characters
    • Champions of the Crown >
      • Asylum >
        • Characters
    • Fun Stuff >
      • The Timeline
      • The System
      • The Inhabitants >
        • Logia/Lumen/Ghosts
        • Strages/Crepusculum/Legacy
  • Time Spinners
    • In the Beginning >
      • Characters
  • Other Novels
    • Tinsel Pines Tales
    • Checkmate >
      • Characters
    • Once Upon a Heist >
      • Characters
      • Map of Paladia
      • Venefica's Curse
  • Bio
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Promo
    • Mamma Mia
  • Buy
  • Blog

Things I've Learned This Week

6/21/2013

6 Comments

 
This week has taught me a lot as a writer. I'm not talking craft or business...but about me. The person I am and have to be as a writer. That probably sounds odd, so let me explain.

I started this week as my usual introverted writer self, hoping some fabulous agent or publisher would pop out of the blue and offer me a contract. (Okay, so I'm still there on that one, but I know that's a crazy dream that I need to give up!) My sad little book sits on Amazon at the bottom of the sellers' rank, and although I've been told not to pay attention to that, I do. Honestly, it can be discouraging at times.

But on Tuesday, I stepped out of my world to attend a learning session provided by Pikes Peak Writers. I've posted about them before, and I will post about them again. They are a fantastic group of writers. They are supportive and interested in helping those involved grow. The presenter spoke about using social media, primarily Facebook and Twitter, to promote yourself as a writer...not just your book. The insights were most helpful. I never would have thought to do what this person suggested. And it's worked! I am amazed at what's happened over the last few days. Not only have I pressed out of my comfort zone to reach people, but I'm discovering more about myself as a person.

On Wednesday, I went to a critique group, also sponsored by Pikes Peak Writers. (Seriously, awesome group!) The folks around the table encouraged me and gave me constructive feedback that I can apply to my writing. Just spending time in their presence, listening to their critiques of each others' works...I just soaked it in. Love my time there.

Today, I received a rejection from a pretty major publisher. In the past, I probably would have cried. (Okay, I have to admit, a couple of tears leaked out...) I would have been quite discouraged. But this person offered such insight that I felt inspired. I've been stuck in these stories for the longest time, I couldn't see past them. I know I'm not a perfect writer. I still have lots to learn. But I'm also confident that I'm not on the bottom rung. So I'm taking this rejection and turning it around. It's a launching pad for my career.

Looking back, it's been a good week. I've grown as a writer in many different ways. And I plan to continue to do so. Just hope you'll stick with me until I can find that one person in the industry who believes in me...

...which reminds me...another thing I've learned this very day...Rise of the Guardians is a fantastic movie!

Blessings, my friends.
6 Comments
Teresa
6/21/2013 01:25:15 pm

Keep your chin up! You are an amazing writer and I believe it's only a matter of time till things break loose for you! My mother is 80 and is in the final stages of publishing her first book. She's been getting the same kind of information from her publisher and has started a blog, is on Twitter and opened a FaceBook page to help promote when the book is released. I have such huge respect for writers! It's a really tough world to break into!

Reply
Ashley Hodges Bazer link
6/21/2013 03:04:34 pm

Thank you for your words of encouragement, Teresa! Your mother sounds like a firecracker! :)

Reply
Kris
6/21/2013 01:43:04 pm

ashely-- all I can say at least you have a 'sad little book" which means your on the mountain path. I envy you. I am lost in to foothills of that mountain. I have yet to finish a story or the real corsage to share with any one what drivel I have written, Thank you for sharing your week w me ;)

Reply
Ashley Hodges Bazer link
6/21/2013 03:06:26 pm

I have faith in you, man. You have so many good things to share!! Thank you for lifting my spirits. :)

Reply
Elmer Medina
6/21/2013 02:04:56 pm

I cried a lot when I got my first rejection, when I got my second one I honestly didn't cry. I know that God has my back and even now I'm dealing with some fears about my book which is yet to be released. It's hard for me to look at successful authors who write smut and erotica and I envy them. Sometimes I feel inferior. But I shouldn't. I'm going to be a great author and I know that in time those publishers who rejected me will regret it. Ashely you are an awesome writer and you motivate me and without God and people like u I'd quit. You are a masterpiece who writes masterpieces and those publishers will be drooling for your amazing god given talent. Keep your chin up and keep going. You're closer to victory than u think.

Reply
Ashley Hodges Bazer link
6/21/2013 03:08:34 pm

Oh, Elmer - you don't know what a special friend you are. I'm so glad God brought you into my life. You're a wonderful encourager, all the while working on your own amazing story! Thank you for cheering me on! I appreciate your belief in me and my stories! I know you're going to be successful, too!! :)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Duchess Writer

    Award-winning sci-fi author * Christ follower, wife, and mom * broadcast content producer. And yes, I am a real duchess. http://amzn.to/2eLTlH3  

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Tweets by @DuchessWriter

    Archives

    July 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    April 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Star Sailors
    • The Commodore >
      • Characters
    • The Princess >
      • Characters
    • The Skyjacker >
      • Characters
    • The Stowaway >
      • Characters
    • The Operative >
      • Characters
  • The Crown's Call
    • Heralds of the Crown >
      • Poison >
        • Characters
        • Deleted Scenes
      • Fusion >
        • Characters
        • Deleted Scene
      • Reconciled >
        • Characters
    • Rise of the Crown
    • Touch of the Crown >
      • Outlaw >
        • Characters
    • Champions of the Crown >
      • Asylum >
        • Characters
    • Fun Stuff >
      • The Timeline
      • The System
      • The Inhabitants >
        • Logia/Lumen/Ghosts
        • Strages/Crepusculum/Legacy
  • Time Spinners
    • In the Beginning >
      • Characters
  • Other Novels
    • Tinsel Pines Tales
    • Checkmate >
      • Characters
    • Once Upon a Heist >
      • Characters
      • Map of Paladia
      • Venefica's Curse
  • Bio
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Promo
    • Mamma Mia
  • Buy
  • Blog