Michael A. Ventrella

There are classic movies that critics love that don’t interest me in the slightest. Oh sure, I can acknowledge they’re well directed, well acted, well written — but the subject matter bores me.

And there’s some music I love that other people can’t stand. I can see their reviews and I wonder if they’re listening to the same thing I am.

My wife is an award-winning artist. Despite her master’s degree, the work she’s sold, and the accolades she’s received, some galleries won’t even consider having her there.

And it’s because we don’t all have the same tastes. Imagine how boring the world would be if that was the case.

So keep that in mind when some people just aren’t interested in your book. Of course you think it’s great — you write the kind of book you like to read, after all. But not everyone has your taste.

You must never take it personally when friends or family don’t read your stuff or don’t compliment you on it. Other people are buying it, right? You’re getting good reviews, aren’t you?  (If not, and all the reviews are terrible, well maybe you should pay attention.)

Many of my best friends in the writing community write wonderful stuff that, to be honest, just doesn’t interest me. And many of them aren’t interested in the kind of thing I write either. And that’s okay.

The worst thing you can do is pressure family and friends to read your work. No one wants to be forced to read something. That’s like homework. Let them know it’s there but never ask them what they thought of it or bug them with questions about it. If they like it, they’ll let you know.

I know, that’s difficult. We all want everyone to look at our baby and tell us how beautiful she is. But, well, some people just don’t like babies.

Filed under: writing | Tagged: Don't force friends and family to read your book, Never take it personally, Not everyone has the same tastes |