L.P. Cowling's Blog

Hello again all, we’re delving into the cursed subject of motivation, because I have poor self-discipline, this is the only practice that results in finished books, and it has a mind of it’s own.

As an indie-author, I've found that motivation is an elusive, often fleeting companion. Writing a novel isn't a sprint. It's a marathon - a long, arduous journey that cannot be rushed. Unlike traditional publishing, indie-authors set their own timelines. There are no looming deadlines to meet, only the ones we set for ourselves.

“Trying to force creativity during a motivational slump is like trying to squeeze water from a stone - fruitless and frustrating.”

My motivation varies - not due to the quality of the story I'm working on - but based on factors such as available time and personal circumstances. Motivation can't be forced; it rises and falls, much like the tide. There are times when I'm consumed by a whirlwind of ideas and enthusiasm, writing furiously as the words flow. On other occasions, I find myself staring at a blank screen, the cursor blinking expectantly, as if mocking my lack of productivity.

In such times, I've learned to let my manuscript sit. To step back and give myself permission to not write. It may seem counterintuitive, especially when we're surrounded by advice encouraging us to "write every day" or "stick to a writing schedule". But for me, trying to force creativity during a motivational slump is like trying to squeeze water from a stone - fruitless and frustrating. Instead, I step back and allow myself to rest, rejuvenate, and eventually return to the manuscript with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm.

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This approach requires patience and acceptance. Patience to wait for motivation to return, acceptance that it's okay not to be productive all the time. It's part of the creative process, a cycle that goes hand in hand with the unpredictable nature of inspiration and motivation. The important thing is not to perceive these periods of low motivation as failures, but as opportunities to ruminate on ideas within your mind, before they make it into the continuity of your book.

-LP

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Today, I want to take a moment to talk about 'A Flood of Faith and Folly,' the first book in my adult fantasy series 'Realm at War.' If you're someone who enjoys fantasy narratives that blend with the vibrant colors of romance and aren't shy of the raw emotions and harsh realities of adult fiction, this might pique your interest.

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The world within 'Realm at War' is extensive, with political intrigue and personal conflicts at its heart. The characters navigate this environment, each trying to balance their ambitions with their duties. They're complex, multi-layered, and at times, painfully human. Within the pages of 'A Flood of Faith and Folly,' you'll find yourself walking alongside these characters as they grapple with power, faith, and love. You'll witness their struggles, share their victories, and perhaps come to understand their losses.

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Now, I don't want to claim that this world and its inhabitants are without flaws. It's a world on the edge, and the characters are, at times, pushed to their limits. The struggles they face, the choices they make, it's all part of a journey that I hope resonates with you, as it did with me during the writing process.

While it's not for me to judge the worth of my own creation, I sincerely hope that 'A Flood of Faith and Folly' offers a narrative that you find engaging, characters you feel connected with, and a world that intrigues you.

With that said, I would like to share a few quotes and moments from 'A Flood of Faith and Folly' that, to me, capture some of the book's spirit. Please note that these are just glimpses of the narrative, a way to offer you a taste of what to expect:

“The Queen gave no reply. A calmness had come over here. One born from being pushed beyond the Queen’s limit.

No punishment, no act of vengeance, no war, no amount of blood, and no retribution that the realm had already seen, would hold a candle to what she would bring.”

“This,” He started, giving a sudden twinge of his hips so that Ariana could feel the intensity of his throbbing within her. “And you, are mine.”

“Raven’s head snapped up to face the Winterhold army, his hand instinctively reaching for his greatsword to his right. The boy hadn’t raised from his knees, and his chest heaved with each breath, staring down the tens of thousands that marched towards Raven to stop him from reaching Ariana. To kill him. To kill his followers. To keep her from him.”

“I understand your concerns, Sir William," Lithan began, his voice laced with anger. "But you must understand, my people are suffering. We simply cannot defend ourselves against Arvandor's might. We need the help of your army, or all my people may as well slit their own throats in their barns, now.”

-LP

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As an author, there is nothing quite like opening up the doors of one's literary creation to the world, to share the journey that has unfolded within one's mind. In that spirit, I invite you to take a closer look at my book, 'Gearpox'.

The book tries to blend the conventions of the genre with a narrative that delves into real-world issues like industrialization and societal change.

One of the joys of writing 'Gearpox' was the process of developing characters that walk a tightrope between being relatable yet extraordinary. Set in Owenoak, a city teetering on the precipice of an industrial revolution, the story's characters navigate a world in flux, carving out their own paths in a landscape undergoing radical transformation.

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You're invited to join the characters in this world on their journey, to understand their dilemmas, and witness their evolution. From the rebellious crown prince and his psychic-linked companion, to the mysterious forces behind the Gearpox plague, each character has a unique story to tell.

I would like to share some of my favorite character quotes and scene snippets from 'Gearpox'. I hope these words will provide you with a taste of what awaits within the pages of my book:

“Piss in your hand and clap, ya bloody westerner. Now bugger off!” The voice returned, before the murder hole was shut, replaced by another slab of wood then exact size of the window.”

“What was I supposed to do?” Lane returned. “Let him slaughter the old codger on the court room floor? Nhiles are you aware how hard it is to get blood out of carpet?”

“How’s a woman to bear me children with hips like those? Was your father a stick insect? Was your mother a praying mantis?”

“Unless we all want to end up like our spiritual friend here…” Garryck said, gesturing with the point of his lance at the hole he’d left in the dead man’s body.”

“Ohhhhhhhhhh
The King’s hair is quite fair,
And his smile’s all there.
Yet beside of all this,
The King has no heir!

Foooooooooor
The King is not there, down there.
No the King is not there, down there.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaall
The maids are so pretty,
And some even witty!
But still no heir is there,
And say so my ditty!

The King is not there, down there.
No the King is not there, down there.

Sooooooooooo
Don’t hang your brother,
For the sake of your mother!
Cuz we’ve still no heir to spare,
Unless she whelped another!

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
The king is not there, down there.
No, the King is not there, down there.”

“You speak so easily of war, when so many of your brothers and sisters lie dead at the bottom of the ocean, at the hands of the King’s navy. That is war.”

“When the maggot infested, mouldy bread runs out, and you’re so desperate for food that you daydream about finding a rat to cook, and stare contemplative at your fingers. That is war.”

“When you’re conscripted, spend years killing people, for a king, who look just like you, and come home to find your wife in bed with a man who dodged the call of battle. That is war.”

“When your people, your kind and everyone you love are hunted down and butchered like pigs in their sleep whilst they lay abed, just because of their ancestry. That is war.”

“When mothers put their daughters to the sword, rather than letting the victors have them as spoils of war. That is war.”
“When your wife fades away in your arms, simply because you and your kind have been labelled persons of interest for the knife. That is war.”

“When you sacrifice everything so that your daughter might live a better life, away from persecution, prejudice and fear, and then she is taken from you anyway. That is war.”

-LP

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Creating a fantasy world from scratch is akin to creating a painting, you throw some paint, and the picture unfolds eventually to what you had in mind, or rather, close enough in some cases. The adaptation of these landscapes play a key role in the books' backdrop, influencing the characters and their narrative arcs. This has been a significant factor in the creation of my two series, 'Remnants of Magic' and the 'Realm at War Trilogy'.

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Beginning with 'Remnants of Magic', a young adult fantasy series, one has to consider the many dimensions to the universe that has been created. The series dances around the themes of magic, mechanization, and political shifts. The historical background plays a crucial but subtle role, gently influencing the world, making it more tangible to the reader and the characters that populate it. These details of the past become invaluable allies when creating the sequels. It provides a sense of familiarity, an intimate knowledge of the world, facilitating a smooth storytelling process.

All sorts of evolving creatures are present in the ‘Remnants of Magic Cycle’.

In the case of the 'Realm at War Trilogy', which incorporates more mature themes, the historical context adopts a distinct tone. A complex tapestry of romance, political turmoil, and war is interwoven into the fabric of this universe. This rich past shapes the societal norms and culture of the world, making it pulsate with life. Here again, the knowledge of history became instrumental when writing the sequels, as it provided a sturdy foundation for building new narratives, while retaining the essence of the world.

The key to building these two series was the rigidity of their histories. Despite the contrasting themes and moods of the series, the underlying backbone of a fixed historical narrative remained intact. This helped maintain the stability of the world, ensuring consistency even as new elements were introduced and characters evolved.

Creating boundaries using rigid histories didn't limit the creative process; instead, it ignited innovative thought. Boundaries have a unique way of encouraging exploration within established limits, pushing the creator to think differently while still adhering to the world's pre-set rules.

An imagining of Ariana Valoria, from the ‘Realm at War’ trilogy.

Reflecting on this, I find that investing time and thought into developing detailed, unwavering histories for both the 'Remnants of Magic' and the 'Realm at War Trilogy' has been advantageous. For the former, the historical background helped preserve the enchanting aura of the world while enabling the introduction of new elements in the sequels. For the latter, the layered past formed a solid foundation for further exploration in the sequels, providing space for growth while staying rooted in established norms.

For me at least, creating fictional histories for my series has undoubtedly deepened the narratives, enhanced my writing experience, and hopefully the end result

-LP

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I find myself contemplating the joy and challenges that come with writing across different age groups, specifically shifting gears between Young Adult (YA) and mature adult fantasy.

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Writing, for me, has always been about exploration - delving into different worlds, embodying diverse characters, and weaving narratives that, I hope, provides some interest for readers. But this literary journey, as fascinating as it is, also brings a unique set of challenges.

One of the main hurdles I've found myself confronting time and again is the stark contrast in narrative tone that different age groups require. YA fantasy thrives on a blend of simplicity and depth - the language must be easily digestible, yet the plot and themes need to carry weight. In writing 'Gearpox', I enjoyed tapping into the vibrant curiosity of youth, framing a world of magical families and industrial revolution through the eyes of a young prince.

Swapping gears to mature fantasy brings a unique set of challenges. Mature fantasy, unlike YA, often engages with complex societal issues and explores human experiences in a detailed, nuanced manner. This genre presents the liberty, even the expectation, to incorporate adult or even erotic content, demanding a deft touch to blend these elements seamlessly with the narrative fabric.

The hurdle lies in transitioning from the relative innocence of YA, where such themes are conspicuously absent, to a world where they form an integral part of the narrative landscape. The critical task here is to balance these mature elements without undermining the plot's integrity or the characters' depth, which I am sure you have all seen often, in the more adult genre related books out there.

Despite these challenges, I've found writing across different age groups to be an enriching experience. It has broadened my perspective, pushed my boundaries, and made me more versatile as a writer. And most importantly, it's opened avenues to connect with a diverse range of readers.

-LP

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Introverted by nature, I've always felt more at home amid the quiet rustle of pages than in the clamor of social gatherings. Yet, a few months ago, I found myself venturing into the vibrant realm of #BookTok, an energetic subset of the global phenomenon known as TikTok. This isn't a guide, nor an endorsement. It's a musing, an introspective reflection on my journey thus far.

The thought of putting myself out there, showcasing my love for books, my work, my journey as a writer, was a challenging one. It's no secret that TikTok thrives on vivacity and spontaneity - traits that aren't inherently synonymous with introversion. The expanse of #BookTok was filled with users who effortlessly blended creativity, charm, and literary passion into bite-sized videos that resonated with thousands. To find my own voice in this din was an uphill task, a challenge I was willing to undertake.

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There's a certain anxiety that comes with sharing your thoughts on a public platform, especially when you're more accustomed to expressing through the written word than verbal or visual content. However, what surprised me about #BookTok was its warmth. Despite its bustling nature, I found spaces that felt intimate, discussions that felt as though they were happening in hushed tones in a library corner, rather than on a global social media platform. It was a reminder that beneath the rapid-fire video edits and the trending hashtags, #BookTok was simply about the shared love for books.

My YA monster-slayer book, ‘Zekel’ is out now!

In the few months that I've been a part of this community, I've experimented with different forms of content. From sharing fleeting thoughts about books I've read to giving glimpses into my writing process, each video has been a small window into my world as a writer. It was about finding a balance between sharing and preserving my solitude, contributing to the community without feeling overwhelmed. Engaging with others is a significant part of the TikTok experience. For an introvert like me, this was initially a point of concern. However, the interactions I've had so far were not draining, as I'd feared. On the contrary, the discussions, comments, and shared enthusiasm for books were invigorating. It was reminiscent of the enriching conversations one might have at a writer's retreat or a literary festival, minus the physical crowd and noise.

The recognition, the followers, the 'success' on the platform came as a by-product of these interactions, these shared moments of literary passion.

This is not a success story or a guide on how to 'conquer' #BookTok. It's a reflection on a journey that's still unfolding. As an introverted author in the vast universe of #BookTok, I am still learning, experimenting, and finding my comfort zones. But most importantly, I am enjoying this exploration. Because at its core, beyond the algorithms, trends, and follower counts, #BookTok is about the joy of shared stories, the magic of books that brings us all together.

-LP

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In the year 2018, the spark of an idea caught fire and led me to craft a novel named 'Gearpox'. This book became the medium through which I expressed my love for the realm of fantasy, with an equally important intent of addressing significant worldly issues like climate change. It was an endeavor to blend the enchanting elements of fiction with impactful concerns of the actual world we inhabit.

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Writing 'Gearpox' felt like a voyage into the unknown. The challenge that kindled the entire process was intriguing: could I leverage the allure of fantasy to shed light on something as pressing and intricate as climate change? The answer took the form of a unique blend of medieval fantasy and steampunk elements, with the latter being necessary to address my own personal concerns about industrialism.

World-building for 'Gearpox' was not just about creating spaces and characters; it was about building an entire civilization with its customs, principles, and social structures. The plot is set in meticulously designed cities and features creatures and technological advancements, each having their own backstory. Otherwise, there would be no stakes, in parallel to our own here in earth-land.

Among the array of characters, the psychic link between Lane and Cyrus has been a favorite among readers. Crafting this link was an experience that allowed me to delve into the depths of their individual and shared experiences. This bond not only deepened the narrative but also provided some opportunities to provide some humor to offset the serious nature of the book, without that humor affecting more than two characters at a time, which allowed for the immediate pivot back to more serious situations.

The sense of urgency forms the backbone of 'Gearpox'. The looming threat of the mysterious plague, Gearpox, coupled with the onset of the industrial revolution in the capital city of Owenoak, underscores this urgency. The plague does not label industry as inherently negative but calls out the harms of its overuse and the desperate need for balance. Otherwise, the risk of being too on the nose, and making the allegory go from obvious, to cringe-inducing or preachy, would be too high.

The journey of creating 'Gearpox' was filled with valuable lessons. One such learning was regarding the portrayal of the character Lyle. My attempt was to portray him as ambitious to the point of blinding his sense of judgment. However, the feedback received pointed towards the need for giving him more depth, something I plan to address in the sequel.

One of the challenges faced during the writing process was striking the right balance between world-building and maintaining the flow of the narrative. Despite the need for detailed descriptions, it was crucial to avoid obstructing the momentum of the story, a fine balance I strived to achieve. One of the most fulfilling aspects of writing 'Gearpox' was the creation of magical creatures and their evolution. Borrowing from the concept of evolution in Pokémon, I introduced a unique aspect to the creatures in Gearpox. The close tie-up of these creatures' evolution with their tamers added a fascinating dynamic to the narrative.

To sum up, the process of writing 'Gearpox' was a thrilling ride, a mix of challenges, learning, and triumphs. It allowed me to utilize fantasy fiction as a vehicle for addressing climate change. I hope the journey of 'Gearpox' and the insights gained from it would inspire others in their own writing pursuits. This experience has been about exploration, experimentation, and most importantly, expression. 'Gearpox' is more than a fantasy world; it's a conversation starter, a tool for fostering understanding, and a subtle nudge towards acknowledging the critical issues that our world is facing today.

I’ll see you for book two.

-LP

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We often find ourselves wandering the ever-evolving terrain of book marketing. Among these platforms, there's one that frequently stands out: Goodreads. As an online platform, Goodreads doesn't merely serve as a repository for book reviews or a hub for ardent readers. Rather, it evolves into a vital conduit connecting authors with their audience. If you're yet to discover this platform or utilize it fully, consider this a guiding light.

Goodreads offers a distinct space for authors, differing from the commercial nature of websites like Amazon. It emphasizes organic, community-driven interactions. Readers visit Goodreads not only to find their next read but also to interact with authors and fellow readers. It's a platform that fosters a unique community centered around a shared love for books.

One of the significant advantages of Goodreads lies in the exposure it offers to your work. Your book, presented alongside an array of literary pieces, is available for potential readers to discover. With that said, how can we, as authors, tap into this potential?

Start by establishing a Goodreads Author Profile. This profile acts as your public persona within the Goodreads community. It's your literary digital footprint, the hub that links all your works together. Setting up your profile makes it easier for readers to find your entire catalogue and keeps them updated with your latest works.

Engagement is a crucial part of the Goodreads experience. Joining discussions, responding to reader questions, and updating your profile helps build deeper connections with your audience. It’s not just about promoting your work; it's also about creating a dialogue around it. Goodreads provides an apt platform for hosting Q&A sessions, participating in book clubs, and sharing insights about your writing process.

Another important feature to consider is the Goodreads Giveaway program. Organizing a giveaway can significantly increase your book's visibility, thereby attracting more readers. This often leads to more reviews and, in turn, greater awareness of your work.

Goodreads Reviews and Ratings are a direct channel for readers' feedback. Reviews provide valuable insights, and you can learn much from them. Encourage your readers to leave their thoughts, as reviews and ratings often boost a book's visibility on the platform.

Goodreads also presents comprehensive analytics, providing valuable insights into your reader demographics. You can use this data to tailor your marketing strategies, and even adjust your future writing direction.

Additionally, Goodreads offers interoperability with other social media platforms, enabling you to reach a larger audience. By integrating your Goodreads profile with Facebook, Twitter, or your blog, you enhance your online presence and broaden your reader base.

In summary, Goodreads can be a valuable tool for authors, acting as a central hub where readers can find your work and engage with you directly. It's more than a platform; it's an ecosystem where your work can connect with readers and flourish.

Being an author often entails navigating unfamiliar territories. We might face challenges and uncertainties along the way. However, platforms like Goodreads can help guide us, making our journey a little less daunting.

In closing, I’d like to remind us all of one important thing. Each author brings a unique voice to the literary world. Goodreads is one of many platforms that allow our voices to be heard, our stories to be shared, and our craft to be celebrated. Embrace it, explore it, and let it serve as a stepping stone to reach your readers.

-LP

Author LP Cowling is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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I want to talk about something that’s been a game-changer in my author journey: Findaway Voices. I know some of you might have stumbled upon it, others might be using it, while a few are still exploring options for audiobook creation. Wherever you stand in this spectrum, I hope sharing my experience helps.

My journey with Findaway Voices began out of necessity. Living outside the United States meant Amazon’s Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) was a no-go for me. But like many of you, I understood the growing importance of the audiobook market and didn't want to miss out. So, off I went, hunting for alternatives. That’s when I stumbled upon Findaway Voices.

Yes, the cost was a bit of a shock initially. But looking back, I now see it as an investment that has paid off significantly. Let’s break it down together.

First off, Findaway Voices is more than just a platform to get your book turned into an audiobook. It's a comprehensive service that guides you through every step of the process. From matching you with the perfect voice for your book to distributing your audiobook to retailers and libraries worldwide, Findaway has you covered. And let me tell you, having that kind of support made the whole journey less daunting, especially if this is your first production, or, like I was then, completely ignorant of the Audiobook creation process.

As an independent author, maintaining control over your work is crucial. With Findaway, it’s not just about picking a narrator from a list (though they have an impressive pool of talent). They let you be as involved as you want to be in the process. You can listen to auditions, communicate with your chosen narrator, and even guide the style and tone of the narration.

I have been able to find voices that don’t just read my book but brought it to life. There's an inexplicable thrill in hearing your characters speak, in listening to the world you created unfold in audio. It's magical, and it was made possible because of the narrator Findaway Voices helped me find.

Now, to address the elephant in the room—the cost. No beating around the bush, it can be expensive. But here’s the thing—when it comes to quality, you get what you pay for. I wanted my readers to have a high-quality audiobook experience, and I was ready to invest in it. You simply need to be of that mindset.

There’s also the royalty share program, an appealing option for many authors. You get a top-tier production, and instead of paying upfront, you share the royalties with your narrator for a specified period. It’s a win-win, especially if you’re working with a budget.

One more thing I appreciated about Findaway Voices is the control they give you over pricing. If you've dealt with other platforms, you know how rare this is. Being able to set my own price gave me flexibility and control that, as an indie author, I truly value.

Now, was everything smooth sailing? Of course not. There were hiccups, as with any new venture. But every issue was met with professionalism and a desire to find a solution. In conclusion, my experience with Findaway Voices has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s given me an opportunity to step into the audiobook market and connect with a whole new group of readers. The investment in time, effort, and yes, money, has been worth it.

The world of audiobooks is expanding, and as indie authors, we need to grow with it. There are many paths to achieving this, and Findaway Voices is a compelling one. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. Each of us has a unique author journey. But if you’re looking for a professional, comprehensive, and global solution to enter the world of audiobooks, I recommend giving Findaway Voices a thought.

-LP

Author LP Cowling is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Hey there, fellow writers. We've all been there—clicked on that dreaded "reviews" tab, heart pounding in our chests, only to see that someone, somewhere didn't love our book as much as we hoped they would. We've all stared at that screen, blinked a few times, and thought, "Well, this stinks."

Let's talk about it. The unglamorous, often unspoken side of our passion—handling negative reviews.

First, let's take a moment and be real with each other. Having your book out in the wild, up for public scrutiny, takes guts. You've bared a part of your soul to the world, and that's a big deal, no matter how many times you do it.

But here's the thing—reading is as personal as writing. Everyone has their own take on things, and not every book is for every reader. And that's okay. It really is. It doesn't mean they're wrong, and it definitely doesn't mean you're a bad writer. It just means your story didn't resonate with them.

Now, there's often this urge to respond to a negative review—to clarify, to explain, to defend. And who could blame you? Your book is your baby, after all. But take it from me, responding directly to a negative review tends not to end well. Readers are entitled to their opinions, as hard as they may be to read sometimes.

On the flip side, don't just write off a negative review. They can sting, I get it. But once the initial hurt has passed, revisit it with a cool head. Is there something you can take away from it for your next book? Is there a grain of truth hidden beneath the disappointment? Some reviews might be pure venting, but others might provide some valuable feedback.

That being said, don't dwell too much on them either. Take what you can, leave what you can't, and then close that tab. Don't let it fester. Don't let it steal your joy or rob you of your writing spirit.

How about staying positive? It can seem like climbing Everest in flip-flops, especially when a particularly biting review comes in. But remember, you're not alone. Every writer has been there, and every writer has bounced back from it.

Remember why you write—probably not for the rave reviews (although they're nice when they come), but because you have stories to tell, because you love it. Remember the joy you felt when you wrote "The End" on your manuscript or when you held your book in your hands for the first time.

And don't forget about the positive reviews. For every reader who didn't connect with your book, there's likely another one who did, whose day was a little better because they got lost in the world you created. Those reviews count too, probably more than the negative ones.

Writing, like anything worth doing, is a journey, with ups and downs, highs and lows. Negative reviews are part of the journey—they're tough, they're not fun, but they're not the end of the world. They're part of the process, and they're part of what makes us better at what we do.

So, the next time you get a negative review, take a deep breath. Read it, learn from it if you can, and then move on. Keep writing, keep improving, and keep telling your stories. After all, that's why we're all here, isn't it?

Okay, so we've talked about handling negative reviews, but there's another aspect of this whole review business I want to touch on. It's something I feel strongly about, and I know many of you do too—the question of engaging with reviewers.

Now, I get it. As authors, our books are our babies. We've spent countless hours, many sleepless nights, and probably a good chunk of our sanity bringing them into the world. So, when someone criticizes our work, our natural instinct is to defend it.

But here's the thing we need to remember—reviews aren't for us. I know, it sounds odd, right? Our book, our work, our heart and soul poured onto the page, and the review isn't for us?

Nope, it's not. Reviews are for other readers. They're a space for readers to share their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to our books with other potential readers. They're a part of the reader community, a space that we, as authors, should respect and maintain distance from.

Engaging with a reviewer, particularly on a negative review, can easily cross lines. It can come off as defensive, confrontational, or even intrusive. That's not a good look for anyone, let alone someone who wants to build a positive relationship with their readers.

Moreover, it's not fair to the reviewer. They should feel free to express their opinion without worrying about the author looking over their shoulder, ready to jump in at any moment. And let's be real, no one likes to feel watched or judged, especially in a space that's meant to be safe and open.

So, how do we handle this? How do we sit on our hands and resist the urge to respond when someone misinterprets a character or dislikes a plot twist we were really proud of?

The answer, my fellow scribes, is simple but not always easy—we let it be. We respect the space between author and reader, and we remember that not every reader will interpret our work in the way we intended. That's the beauty of literature—it's subjective. It's personal. And once our book is out in the world, it's no longer solely ours. It becomes a part of every reader's personal literary journey.

Remember, it's okay to feel frustrated or disappointed when a reader doesn't 'get' what you were trying to convey. It's okay to want to explain or clarify. But rather than engaging directly with a review, channel that energy back into your writing. Use it as fuel for your next book, your next character, your next twist.

Because at the end of the day, that's why we're here. Not to argue over reviews, but to tell our stories the best way we know how. So, keep writing, keep learning, and keep respecting the line between author and reader. Trust me, your professionalism and respect for readers' opinions won't go unnoticed. And who knows? That one-star reviewer might just pick up your next book and love it.

-LP

Author LP Cowling is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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