1. Look, I know you’re excited and want to share what you’ve created with the world, but the fact is, you need those free copies to send to reviewers and bloggers.

2. Plus, (harsh alert) nobody cares about your book baby as much as you do. Your rational brain accepts this as something to be totally expected. Totally, yes, you totally and completely understand; no worries. Now, enter your emotional brain. The part that actually put their heart and flipping soul into creating said book is quite shocked that your (supposed, humph) BFF didn’t read and review your book within 24 hours of release. I mean, you gave them a copy. Actually, handed it to them. Okay, you can see where I’m going with this, and trust me, you don’t need uncomfortable interactions and unspoked trespasses to occur because…

3. It is not healthy for natural introverts who work mostly with imaginary people to have murky waters between themselves and those who love them the most. You need to get out and about, and conversations with real people need to be easy and not avoided.

4. most importantly, you don’t want people to feel obligated to read and review your book. A book review approached out of a sense of obligation reads differently than one written out of a sense of genuine interest. Those family members and friends who do get around to purchasing and reviewing your work (in their own time) will be your greatest advocates. Think of their efforts as pure, heartfelt surprises and express your gratitude appropriately. And forgive everyone else. Life is busy and short, and it takes time to recognize genius. Ahem.

5. Lastly, there is nothing more arresting to a creative flow than focusing on a grudge. So, look after yourself and your confidence in your work and relationships by keeping your ambitions entirely focused on things you can contentedly control. Accept that everything else will exist just as it is, and that’s absolutely fine. In fact, it’s good because it leaves you emotionally free to write another one.

As always, wishing you luck and inspiration with your writing.

Be well friends,

Gret Heffernan

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