Handling Your Feelings

Expressing Your Feelings


It's inevitable.  You put yourself on paper.  You pour your heart into words.  You watch your tears flow with the character you create.  You ache for their broken heart.  You leap with joy when they find their way.  And you release it.  Like a mother bird shoving the baby out of the nest.  You want it to fly.  You want it to be happy and safe.  Then someone comes along and hurts it.  Slings ugly words at it.  You can't protect it.  But ...that is a mother's job.


It may be true.  It may not be true.  It doesn't matter.  When someone gives your work a bad review or a negative comment all the public will see is how you react.  If you respond negatively, then so will people who don't know you.  Your fans may hug you.  They may blow smoke up your butt all day long.  But the truth is...to someone who may read your work or is interested, your reaction to the bad says as much as your reaction to the good.  


Express your feelings carefully.  If you are upset, it's always okay to say that.  But do it with class.  Don't resort to a harsh tone or name calling.  Don't encourage your loyal readers to continue on with the attack or follow up.  


Remember....more than the few who are praising the actions are seeing them.  


What you say will always carry more weight than what you don't say on the Internet. 


It is that simple.