People are talking…
29 June 2009
So last night at small group, my friend Kelli said, “Hey, I see you have a five-star rating on Goodreads!”
This is good news, right? A normal person would be thrilled by this. I, on the other hand, thought, “Oh, it’s going to be so embarrassing when someone inevitably rates it a one, and all my friends see!”
I used to think of myself as a fairly optimistic person. But then I think/say stuff like the above and I have to face the facts—I can be a little doom-and-gloom. Ben said to me a few weeks ago, “You’re a pessimist.” I said, “I’m a realist.” And as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I realized that’s what all pessimists say.
Having my book out there (which officially happens this Wednesday, but has already happened at the Barnes and Noble by Oak Park Mall here in Overland Park) gives me a strange itchy feeling inside. Like people are talking about me behind my back, and maybe some are saying nice things, but others are picking me apart, then posting it on the internet for everybody to see. And I have no control over it. (On top of my pessimistic tendencies, I also learned pretty recently that I’m somewhat of a control freak. Sigh. Still so much to work on…)
In a way, it feels similar to middle and high school, though I was never the type who got talked about often. So since I can’t change what people might say, I guess I’ll just soak up this experience and pour it back into another story.
And hope that Kelli and other friends will still love me just as much on days when I’m not a five-star author.
Comments
Hey, I had this conversation with David lately! He swore he wasn’t a pessimist—and said he was a “realist” too, lol. (I’m telling you, my friends and my husband are so much alike . . .)
That said, rest assured that I’m going around plastering five-stars everywhere I can think to plaster them;-) Because you ROCK. The good’s far going to outweigh the bad!
Posted by Roseanna on 29 June 2009
Aww, thanks Kelli :) You’re totally right, of course. And that’s what I keep reminding myself, that it doesn’t REALLY matter. Most of the time that keeps my perspective in check. MOST of the time. :)
Posted by Stephanie on 30 June 2009
Roseanna, EVERYONE looks like a pessimist next to you!
Posted by Stephanie on 1 July 2009
First of all, thanks for the props. I’m honored to be mentioned in your blog. :-) Second, just remember there is only one who truly deserves a 5-star rating, and He’s the reason you’re doing this. Everyone will have their opinions, good or bad…and many are not afraid to share their thoughts. But starting out at 5-stars seems like a pretty big deal to me. No matter the reviews, your heart’s desire to please the Lord above will always earn you 5-stars in my book.
Posted by Kelli on 29 June 2009