The 10 lessons I learned from being an Author . . .
1. Be KIND . . .
If I am not kind, then I should expect to be treated badly. It may not be today… but it may be a time when I really need it.
2. Don’t be HAUGHTY . . .
I am the first person to say that I am not the expert in anything.
3. Read other Author’s work without an AGENDA . . .
No one in the world wants to be pre-judged. You have a genre that you feel comfortable with, that’s great. However, branch out and test the waters with other genres without any judgement. You will be happy you did!
4. Always read a book from COVER to COVER . . .
If you talk to a person, you don’t walk away during mid-sentence – that would be rude. Don’t do that to your fellow Authors!
5. Be good to YOURSELF . . .
You are important, if your brain isn’t rested and happy, then your work will be compromised. Use common sense. Take care of your best resource . . . yourself!
6. Take time for WRITING . . .
Shut out the world and sit down to write. It doesn’t take much time, if you are centered. I use earphones and listen to music. You may find sitting outside on your porch works or getting up in the middle of night? Find your niche.
7. Don’t get trapped into thinking every word that is written has to be PERFECT . . .
Perfection doesn’t exist. I have no doubt that every great Author has to re-write and/or edit. Don’t let your creativity be stifled by perfection.
8. You have to be ENGAGED . . .
You need to educate yourself thoroughly about Social Media, and you can’t be afraid to put yourself and your work out there with WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.
9. BREATHE. . .
Rome wasn’t built in day, and neither is a career. You have to work, put in your dues and take your time. Don’t rush yourself. Know that being an Author is hard work. Give yourself time and relax to enjoy life.
10. This is the most important lesson I have learned . . . Karma is a Bitch!
It seems my first rule is like my 10th . . . huh . . . could be something to that, you know? If you review, write or act like your work is perfect, you are wrong! No one is perfect, and Karma will turn around bite you in the butt. Maybe it will be a chance of a lifetime that you will miss. All my fortunate circumstances have come from being humble and paying it forward.
Enjoy this song, it’s one that I listen to a lot when I work . . .
Basically, I agree with you … except that I won’t finish a book I find boring or bad. I’ve spent too time being sick to spend time on things I don’t find worthwhile. I’m not rules-driven, not in life or in writing. I try to be nice to everyone because that’s how I want to be treated, but otherwise? I write because I have to. It’s my way of making sense of this life. It’s like breathing … gotta do it.
Yes, you are right Marilyn. Time is precious and shouldn’t be wasted. I have read some books which I was so disappointed in reading. But in a couple cases, I did write the Author an email to explain my trouble, and I think it helped them . . . maybe? I have had so many breaks because someone took pity on me, and helped. I just feel very lucky and want to pay it forward. But I agree with you Marilyn, time is too valuable to waste. Lots of love, Emily
I have made both friends and enemies of authors by telling them my thoughts. Some authors — some very famous and successful ones — are extremely touchy. I butt out unless invited to comment.
Sounds like good advice. But I have so many books on my Kindle that if I do not enjoy one I don’t finish it. Books should be for enjoyment and education.
Yes! My Kindle is stacked with books, and most of them are mine to edit! You are right about books being for education and enjoyment. I try to stick to my genre most of the time, but then there is that one book that I just feel might be worth reading . . . most of the time when I do that, I’m not disappointed. THANK YOU for replying, I know you are very busy! Lots of love, Emily
I once gave a book a four-star review, even though I didn’t like it. The author’s prose and descriptions were beyond reproach, and anyone who would “get into” that kind of story would LOVE it! My job as a reviewer was to inform people who would want to read that type of story, that they would love this book. Not everyone likes every type of story, but we need to respect other readers and authors for their differences. 🙂
I struggle with this. If I don’t like it, I include a disclaimer in the review that my taste is not necessarily yours and YOU may love it. But it is hard for me to review things if I can’t say “I really didn’t enjoy it.” Often, I will decline to review the book because I don’t like giving bad reviews, but I hate even worse giving dishonest ones.
And I NEVER agree to review a book for a friend. I have too few friends to lose them, so when approached by friends, I say I’ll read it, but I won’t review it. I may regret it after reading, but at least I’m not forced into a corner.
Reblogged this on Books, Movies, Poetry and commented:
You should take the time and check out this post. These are important lessons to consider as an author. Thanks Emily for posting it.
Reblogged this on West Coast Review and commented:
This pretty much covers it…
Follow this blog and you’ll learn…what it means to be a writer, to be creative, to make magic, how to be a Vampire and how to be part of the blogging community with grace and style.
Reblogged this on Seumas Gallacher and commented:
….what a fabulous post, from author pal, @Emily_Guido … LUVVED IT! …thanks for sharing …Gonna reblog it!
Hi Suzanne, you are so right. I have learned that everything good comes from putting others first and treating other Authors with respect and kindness! An important lesson that so many of us need to learn. Authors should help other Authors because we all have gifts to contribute, no matter how small! Lots of love, Emily
Thank you Cate! There is nothing so destructive to a soul than not being kind. It’s a way for our psyche to regenerate and grow! Also, it is a way to make us smile. We need more of that in the world! Lots of love, Emily
I’m posting this comment on behalf of Danny the Dog, because he keeps getting a message saying he can’t post one:
A great article and very good advice. BUT I must take issue with #7. I don’t think every word has to be perfect . . . I know every word that I write is perfect because I, Danny the Dog, wrote those words!
Your friend,
Danny http://huckfinn76.com
Well Danny the Dog,
I should really give you a good belly rub for reblogging this post! Believe me, I know you are perfect, Danny the Dog, my cat sense tells me so!
Lots of love, Emily
The beauty of being an author is having the unapologetic excuse to learn. To learn facts, to learn about people, to learn about the words that lurk inside you.
Thanks Dannie! I really meant that even though I may not understand what an Author says or why the Author says it, I can’t judge them. All of us should help each other because even though we don’t want to admit, we are all in the same boat! Lots of love, Emily
Be Kind – you are an exemplification of that and I want to thank you here for all the kindness you have shown me in promoting my writing. I will admit that I am very poor at promoting, which is your 8th rule. Anyway, thank you again so much and Aloha – pjs.
I will promote an Author every Friday.
Please email me at guido.emily@gmail.com and say "Pay it Forward Friday" in the subject line. I need:
1. Cover pic of the book you want to promote.
2. Bio with or without a Bio pic, (around 200 words).
3. Synopsis of the book (around 300 words).
5. Character Interview, Guest Post or Snippet (around 300 words).
5. Stalker Links to Amazon, B&N, Facebook, Twitter, Blog
I will advertise to over 750 followers on Wordpress, over 6900 Facebook Fans, over 1700 Twitter followers, and my Facebook Page, BOOKS, READERS AND AUTHORS, over 15,500 followers! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOOKS.READERS.and.AUTHORS/
Lots of love, Emily
CHARMEINE the First Novel in THE LIGHT-BEARER SERIES on Amazon
MACTUS the Second Novel in THE LIGHT-BEARER SERIES on Amazon
ACCENDO the Third Novel in THE LIGHT-BEARER SERIES on Amazon
SEDITIOUS the Fourth Novel in THE LIGHT-BEARER SERIES on Amazon
The Blood-Hunter Race or Elders have been on Earth for over 10,000 years. Because of this, they do not use conjunctions like "I'm, don't or can't".
Several OLD EDITIONS are in circulation of my books. Please contact me at guido.emily@gmail.com to check the edition you have is the RECENT edition. If not, I will provide one for you. Please leave a review on the CURRENT edition!
1. Be KIND . . .
4. Always read a book from COVER to COVER . . .
8. You have to be ENGAGED . . .
The Light-Bearer Series by Emily Guido 
Basically, I agree with you … except that I won’t finish a book I find boring or bad. I’ve spent too time being sick to spend time on things I don’t find worthwhile. I’m not rules-driven, not in life or in writing. I try to be nice to everyone because that’s how I want to be treated, but otherwise? I write because I have to. It’s my way of making sense of this life. It’s like breathing … gotta do it.
October 1, 2014 at 12:24 am
Yes, you are right Marilyn. Time is precious and shouldn’t be wasted. I have read some books which I was so disappointed in reading. But in a couple cases, I did write the Author an email to explain my trouble, and I think it helped them . . . maybe? I have had so many breaks because someone took pity on me, and helped. I just feel very lucky and want to pay it forward. But I agree with you Marilyn, time is too valuable to waste. Lots of love, Emily
October 1, 2014 at 5:19 pm
I have made both friends and enemies of authors by telling them my thoughts. Some authors — some very famous and successful ones — are extremely touchy. I butt out unless invited to comment.
October 1, 2014 at 5:21 pm
I hear you! Good Advice, Marilyn. You are a beautiful person and soul! Lots of love, Emily
October 1, 2014 at 5:24 pm
I like #9! So true!
October 1, 2014 at 12:58 am
Thank you! I really think it is so important! Thanks again for replying and taking time out of your day! Lots of love, Emily
October 1, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Reblogged this on MrMilitantNegro™.
October 1, 2014 at 3:44 am
Sounds like good advice. But I have so many books on my Kindle that if I do not enjoy one I don’t finish it. Books should be for enjoyment and education.
October 1, 2014 at 5:20 am
Yes! My Kindle is stacked with books, and most of them are mine to edit! You are right about books being for education and enjoyment. I try to stick to my genre most of the time, but then there is that one book that I just feel might be worth reading . . . most of the time when I do that, I’m not disappointed. THANK YOU for replying, I know you are very busy! Lots of love, Emily
October 1, 2014 at 5:12 pm
The tip to be good to yourself is so important!
October 1, 2014 at 4:23 pm
Thank you for replying! Yes, I believe in it wholeheartedly! Too many people to please, we have to please ourselves! Lots of love, Emily
October 1, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Reblogged this on Vampire Syndrome Blog and commented:
Perfect, spot-on advice from my dear friend Emily Guido! 😀
The perfect wsy to start October!
October 1, 2014 at 9:45 pm
I once gave a book a four-star review, even though I didn’t like it. The author’s prose and descriptions were beyond reproach, and anyone who would “get into” that kind of story would LOVE it! My job as a reviewer was to inform people who would want to read that type of story, that they would love this book. Not everyone likes every type of story, but we need to respect other readers and authors for their differences. 🙂
October 1, 2014 at 9:53 pm
Well said Daven! Respect is all everyone wants. I would want the truth if it was constructive and honest. Lots of love, Emmy
October 1, 2014 at 10:08 pm
I struggle with this. If I don’t like it, I include a disclaimer in the review that my taste is not necessarily yours and YOU may love it. But it is hard for me to review things if I can’t say “I really didn’t enjoy it.” Often, I will decline to review the book because I don’t like giving bad reviews, but I hate even worse giving dishonest ones.
And I NEVER agree to review a book for a friend. I have too few friends to lose them, so when approached by friends, I say I’ll read it, but I won’t review it. I may regret it after reading, but at least I’m not forced into a corner.
Not everything is clear cut.
October 1, 2014 at 10:55 pm
Reblogged this on Books, Movies, Poetry and commented:
You should take the time and check out this post. These are important lessons to consider as an author. Thanks Emily for posting it.
October 2, 2014 at 1:16 am
Reblogged this on West Coast Review and commented:
This pretty much covers it…
Follow this blog and you’ll learn…what it means to be a writer, to be creative, to make magic, how to be a Vampire and how to be part of the blogging community with grace and style.
October 2, 2014 at 4:26 am
Thank you so much Juliette! You are so good to me, and I am a HUGE fan of your blog! I’m honored! Lots of love, Emily
October 2, 2014 at 1:39 pm
You said it all. Great post. I will be sharing this. 🙂
October 2, 2014 at 4:28 am
Excellent advice Emily.
October 2, 2014 at 7:22 pm
….what a fabulous post, Emily… LUVVED IT! …thanks for sharing Gonna reblog it!
October 3, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Thank you Seumas! I’m a big fan of your writing and blog! Lots of love, Emily
October 3, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Reblogged this on Seumas Gallacher and commented:
….what a fabulous post, from author pal, @Emily_Guido … LUVVED IT! …thanks for sharing …Gonna reblog it!
October 3, 2014 at 1:55 pm
It’s all true and all important.
October 3, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Hi Suzanne, you are so right. I have learned that everything good comes from putting others first and treating other Authors with respect and kindness! An important lesson that so many of us need to learn. Authors should help other Authors because we all have gifts to contribute, no matter how small! Lots of love, Emily
October 4, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Very well said! I love it that you started with “be kind.” We need more of that.
October 6, 2014 at 11:34 pm
Thank you Cate! There is nothing so destructive to a soul than not being kind. It’s a way for our psyche to regenerate and grow! Also, it is a way to make us smile. We need more of that in the world! Lots of love, Emily
October 8, 2014 at 6:33 pm
Great informative post.Its a pleasure to visit your blog.Jalal
October 20, 2014 at 4:38 am
Love The Alan Parsons Project!
October 21, 2014 at 1:26 am
They are awesome! I love this song! It brings good memories! Lots of love, Emily
October 21, 2014 at 10:04 am
Very good advice, Emily!
October 21, 2014 at 7:50 pm
Excellent post Emily!
November 1, 2014 at 7:20 am
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog….. An Author Promotions Enterprise! and commented:
Great advice from Emily 😀
November 1, 2014 at 11:46 am
I’m posting this comment on behalf of Danny the Dog, because he keeps getting a message saying he can’t post one:
A great article and very good advice. BUT I must take issue with #7. I don’t think every word has to be perfect . . . I know every word that I write is perfect because I, Danny the Dog, wrote those words!
Your friend,
Danny
http://huckfinn76.com
November 1, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Well Danny the Dog,
I should really give you a good belly rub for reblogging this post! Believe me, I know you are perfect, Danny the Dog, my cat sense tells me so!
Lots of love, Emily
November 1, 2014 at 11:24 pm
I’m not too seditious … so I’m here for my belly rub. By the way, do you have any hotdogs … I love hotdogs.
November 2, 2014 at 2:57 pm
The beauty of being an author is having the unapologetic excuse to learn. To learn facts, to learn about people, to learn about the words that lurk inside you.
November 1, 2014 at 12:59 pm
I must say, you said it perfectly. I don’t know many writers with the confidence to say they are perfect but we’d all do well to re-read this post!
November 1, 2014 at 4:24 pm
Thanks Dannie! I really meant that even though I may not understand what an Author says or why the Author says it, I can’t judge them. All of us should help each other because even though we don’t want to admit, we are all in the same boat! Lots of love, Emily
November 1, 2014 at 11:08 pm
Thanks, Emily – and thanks for all your support. It means a lot to me.
November 1, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Dear Jemina,
Anything I can do to help or support you, please let me know! Lots of love, Emily
November 1, 2014 at 11:14 pm
You are the only Blogger that has liked my the poem “The Chill Turned Warm”. It is the
title of my new collection of poems that will be available in a week or two.
Thank you for your support.
November 4, 2014 at 4:30 am
I loved it, and please come on my blog and promote your collection!!! You have open arms here! Lots of love, Emily
November 4, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Be Kind – you are an exemplification of that and I want to thank you here for all the kindness you have shown me in promoting my writing. I will admit that I am very poor at promoting, which is your 8th rule. Anyway, thank you again so much and Aloha – pjs.
November 25, 2014 at 4:15 am