Inspired by my friend Jean, who writes the most wonderfully witty posts about Southern manners from time to time, I've decided to write about some things that have been bugging me lately. I've noticed a disturbing lack of social nicety lately, and I think remembering a few manners might help.
Yes, writing is often a solitary pursuit. It's creative and, according to one article, requires the kind of high level concentration that a master chess match might demand. Writing also attracts a lot of introverts, as we are people who would rather play with our imaginary friends than have to talk to our real friends sometimes.
That said, if you are writing in hopes of being published (or if you are published), this is also a business. A BUSINESS. And there are certain ways one behaves in public and when conducting business. It's called manners. You need manners. They don't have to be my Southern manners, but you should have some knowledge at least of business etiquette and how to behave. That said, I give you my top tips for how to behave:
1. Be nice to EVERYONE. No, not just to those people who you think can do something for you. Everyone. I've seen this one a lot, folks, and it isn't pretty. It's not nice to exclude people just because you think they can do you no favors. How do you know that person won't be the bestseller someday? Not only that, but it's just rude to treat people differently because maybe they aren't published and you are. Never make the mistake of thinking someone isn't worth knowing because you can't perceive they have anything to offer you. They do. Everyone does. Take the time to be nice to everyone, and you may learn something.
2. Don't boast. This one fries my bacon. Maybe it's because I'm Southern and I've been raised to think boasting about oneself is impolite. Of course I think you should crow to the rooftops about your contest finals and bestseller list placements! Of course you should celebrate and be happy! I do it too, even though I am often uncomfortable saying, “Lookie here, my book is a bestseller!” But that's a fine achievement and worthy of some snoopy dancing. Heaven knows we get beat up enough in our writing lives not to rejoice a bit when we have the chance. But if you find yourself saying on a daily basis about how fabulous your CPs or editor think you are, or claiming that you are the most innovative thing to come down the pike since Nora Roberts, or constantly needing to one-up your fellow writers with pronouncements about your fabulosity, then you need to step back and remember that nobody likes a braggart. We love to celebrate when someone gets good news, but crow all the time about everything you do and people will start to cringe whenever they see your posts/tweets/blogs, etc. You don't want that. It's hard to be happy for someone who so desperately needs attention that he or she can't shut up about themselves for one damn minute. You might think you're at the center of a stage, clearly the most important person around, but you are deluded. I'm telling you this to do you a favor. You are not super special. Thinking you are will get you in trouble eventually. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday. Count on it. Remember that a little humility goes a long way.
3. Don't trash talk about your fellow authors. This one continually amazes me. There's a difference between a critical review (which I am not comfortable doing as an author, but others are and that's fine) and trashing someone because you don't like their book. Never get caught up in this. The internet has a long memory.
4. You should already know this one, but don't argue with reviewers. Ever. If someone hated your book, even if they said mean things, the only appropriate response is either no response or a thank you if you feel inclined to give one. I usually go with no response.
5. You will get asked to do things. Give an answer one way or the other, but don't leave anyone hanging. We often want to do everything we are asked to do, but the truth is we can't. Not if we expect to meet our deadlines and have time with our families. Pick and choose the things you do, and don't be afraid to say no when you don't have time. But always, always do it politely.
6. This applies to the published people — now that you are published, don't make the mistake of thinking you know everything. You probably don't. The newer you are, the more you have to learn. I'm still learning. I can tell you what I know based on my experience – and I do have strong opinions about some things – but I'm not by any means the oracle on the subject. And I don't think I am either. There is no single way to do things.
7. Don't make absolute statements. This kind of goes with making the mistake of thinking you know everything. But telling people things like, “You don't need an agent for category,” or “You absolutely need an agent for single title,” or “Self-publishing is the only way to go,” or “One should never, ever change POV character mid-scene” is really a bit silly. And arrogant. Who died and made you boss? Everyone's experience is different. Now, if you want to say, “I decided I needed an agent for single title because I don't feel capable of negotiating (or want to negotiate) those contracts” or “I personally don't like to change POV characters mid-scene because I think, for me as a reader and/or writer, it's jarring,” then that makes perfect sense. That's your experience.
Okay, this post is getting long enough now, but you can tell I've been thinking a lot about this stuff lately. An unpublished writer told me once that an author who had been snotty to her in her RWA chapter didn't realize that she'd not only lost the writer's respect, but she'd lost her as a reader. This writer will never, ever pick up that author's books. Is it worth losing a potential reader (not to mention a potential friend!) just because you think there's nothing this person can do for you or that they are somehow beneath you? Be nice. It's all you have in the end.
Any bad behavior you'd like to add? Anything that fries your bacon? Any experience you'd like to relate? Any tips you'd give that I left off?
I have one thing to add and one tip.
Add: Don’t assume you are busier and more important than every other person on the planet. You’re not\
Tip: If anyone wants a fine example of how a successful talented author should behave, watch Lynn Raye Harris and do what she does. She know what to do and gets it done.
@Jean Hovey: Aw, Jean, thanks! And love that tip too! I thought of more after I was finished. Maybe I’ll have to do a Part 2….
Well said, Lynn, and so true! I feel you should treat each other the way you want to be treated no matter what your career is. You can always learn something new from someone else. The the old expression goes Be careful who you step on up the ladder, you will most likely see them on the way down!
@Diane Spigonardo: Hi, Diane! You are so, so right! I’ve heard that old expression too, and it’s so true. None of us is that darn important we can’t be nice to those around us and treat people with decency.
Great reminders, Lynn! I’m always amazed at the lack of simple kindness and decency in so many people regardless of profession or social standing…and seeing that lack in children (mom of pre-schooler, here) just makes me want to cry. My mom always told me it takes the same amount of time to be nice as it does to ignore or tear down..so be nice and move on!
@Kristina Knight: That’s so true, Kristina! Both take the same amount of time, so why waste time on one that makes everyone feel bad? Don’t understand that at all!
@Kristina I always told my girls in preschool, that they were required to be polite unless they were bleeding profusely.
It never hurts to have a reminder to practice that myself. The warmth and generosity of the romance community are, after all, things that continues to amaze me.
@Julia Broadbooks: It’s true the romance community is very warm and generous for the most part. But I have encountered people who wouldn’t give me the time of day when I was unpublished. Funny how they suddenly know I exist and want things from me now. Irony at its best, I suppose. 😉
Now I can access this post. LOL! Sorry I’ve had Internet issues.
Great post, Lynn! It goes without saying that these are the standards for daily living too. No one should assume that another person isn’t significant, hasn’t achieved success on any level, or doesn’t have feelings. We are all people. We all sleep, wake-up, do our daily routine and live our lives. No one has the one-upmanship on someone else. And learning to understand that will give provide the right outlook.
There is no greater way to see this, and learn about this, than on the military level. You and I both know how that works. Growing up as an enlisted soldier’s daughter, I was privy to many of the prejudices shown the ‘wrong side of the tracks’. Marrying an officer, I had a great respect for anyone I met based on those experiences. Just because your social standing does not allow you certain comforts does not make you less of a person or less important to the world. As a commander’s wife, I made sure that everyone knew I didn’t wear my husband’s rank. We are all alike. Our goals, our miseries, our loves all come from the same foundation, the human heart.
Sorry about that soap box. But this is so important to remember. My mother always told me, “Never judge someone until you’ve walked in their shoes.”
Here’s another one: Don’t assume based on your level of success that someone else hasn’t experienced more life than you have. Remember that we are the sum of our experiences. The world is a small place and the writing world is even smaller. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met someone I’ve known in the Army at the oddest moment somewhere else in the world. What you do on a daily basis reflects on you as a person, as a writer, and as a commodity.
There is no finer example of utilizing all of these life skills in the professional environment, then Lynn Raye Harris!
@Katherine Bone: Kathy, I bet you were a fabulous commander’s wife! I met far more women who wore their husband’s rank than didn’t during my years as a military spouse. :/ I like how your experience as an enlisted daughter informed your experience as an officer’s wife. The military divide exists for a reason, and yet it’s somewhat silly too. You would have never made anyone feel inferior because you know what’s important in this life. 🙂
@Lynn Raye Harris: Aw, thanks! 😉
A fabulous post! I must say, my girl, you have made your Momma, Daddy and that long line of Southern Ancestors P R O U D for the trillionth time!!!!!!!!!
Lynn,
I really enjoyed this post.
I wanted to add that if someone gives you a good book review that you should be grateful. I write a lot of book reviews and I am more likely to write more book reviews for the author that acknowledges my efforts.
Cyn