I was recently
reminded that every experience is, or can be, a life lesson. In a recent
conversation with another author it quickly became apparent that our ideologies
were at different ends of the spectrum. So much so that I found myself
retreating away from the talk, knowing that if I said what was on my heart to
say, it would surely have been a spectacle. I can just imagine the Twitter
feeds about how I showed up and showed out!
After ranting to
Big Daddy I had to sit down and think about what I took away from the
conversation. This person and I are at different levels in our careers. I don’t
think she sees me as a peer because I don’t have the big movie deal and my
books are only printed in paperback. And she clearly has issues with authors
who are still finding their way in this business. Goodness knows you better not
ask her for advice if you aren’t interested in being fodder for what she hates
about aspiring writers!
I found her
jaded, her position regarding supporting and promoting others so vastly
different from my own that it wasn't funny. If her level of success breeds that
kind of contempt I neither need nor want it. I thrive on being a positive
influence in the lives of people who cross my path. I strive to write stories
that inspire and encourage. I can’t be my best if I’m not encouraging and
supporting others and emulating the wonderful women who did, and continue to do, the same for me.
She is entitled
to her opinion and I don’t write this to indict her for feeling how she feels.
But I can’t sit idly by and have anyone think that I endorse or support that
kind of attitude. I bit back what I wanted to say. I second-guessed what I
should have said. But what I learned from this experience is that not saying
anything at all didn’t serve either one of us well. Had I spoke up and said what was on my
heart to say, maybe she could have taken her own lesson away from the
conversation. And I wouldn't be feeling some kind of way.
Comments
Keep doing you Deb!
A rising tide lifts all boats.---JFK
I had the experience of meeting an author whose work I've read and enjoyed for years. When I spoke to her she was not nice at all. I WILL never forget how insignificant she made me feel. Thank you for not making me feel as such.