Would You Want to Be a Published Author?

  • NathanWatt

    NathanWatt (100)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    How do you react to positive feedback?
    How do you react to negative feedback?
    Do you critique other's work?
    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    Is honesty the best policy?
    December 4th, 2012 at 10:52pm
  • Stormborn

    Stormborn (100)

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    @ NathanWatt
    1.Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    -It would be amazing

    2. Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    -I know I'm nowhere near ready! :]

    3. Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    -yes just fanfiction though, I don't trust putting original fiction on the internet

    4. How do you react to positive feedback?
    -I LOVE it.

    5.How do you react to negative feedback?
    -I'm not going to lie, it hurts but you have to realize for the most part it's not aimed at you just your work. Maybe it still needs work or maybe they just didn't "get it."

    6.Do you critique other's work?
    -when I was doing comment swap I was.

    7.Do you enjoy critiquing?
    -Not really, I always feel bad when I'm just being completely honest. Most of the work is well written on here.

    8. If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    -I'd be honest but pepper in some good points too, I'd never just rip someone to shreds. Always give one good point for every bad one.

    9. Is honesty the best policy?
    -Always. But you have to realize not all the people on here are as old a we are, a lot of them are kids and they need a little bit of leeway.
    December 13th, 2012 at 08:53pm
  • Daughter Monster

    Daughter Monster (150)

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    @ NathanWatt

    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    ~ It's actually one of my many dreams and goals to be a published author; not just to make income but to release my ideas into the world. I've been writing since I was a little girl.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    ~ Yup; and I've published a few of them on Mibba.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    ~ I write frequentley, but I don't get a whole lot of feedback.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    ~ I like it, it's encouraging.

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    ~ I actually like negative feedback more than positive, so long as it's done in a constructive manner. I feel like I'm not going to get better if people don't point out what's bad about my story, so I can fix it.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    ~ I like critiquing work because I think we're all on Mibba to be better writers, and I like helping people out with their goals, Not like my opinion really matters, haha xD

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    Is honesty the best policy?

    ~ I'd tell them what could use improvement, but do it in a nicer way. To tell someone their work "Totally sucks" is pretty harsh, and I'd be devastated to be told that, so I'd break it to them the best I could that it really needs improvement. And yes, Honesty is key.

    Mr. Green
    December 14th, 2012 at 03:40am
  • fairyfeller

    fairyfeller (1655)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    I would love to be published one day. It's pretty much my goal in life.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    I think so, since there's a market for all kinds of books.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    I've got a couple of ideas that are good enough to be published books.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    I write fairly frequently, but I don't get that much feedback.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    I like it, but sometimes it isn't really that helpful, especially if it's just 'I like this'. But it's encouraging.

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    So long as it's constructive, it's not so bad, and can b really helpful.

    Do you critique other's work?
    In comment swaps mostly.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    I'm never sure how to phrase things, and I'm always worried of offending people.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    Is honesty the best policy?
    Honesty is good, but saying that a piece completely sucks isn't going to be help anyone. So you should say what bits need working on, but mention something that works as well.
    December 14th, 2012 at 02:54pm
  • Rebell

    Rebell (100)

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    Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on being a published author?
    It's been my dream since I was really little, but it's one of those things that is extremely difficult to achieve, no matter how good you are. I really think it depends on what you want to publish and when since the market changes so frequently.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    I doubt that I am. But I also think there are a lot of books that have been published that aren't up to the standards. It really just depends on what you're trying to publish. 50 Shades of Gray is terribly written and is the best selling book of all time, so I'm not sure that publishing is really about good writing anymore, and besides having a good editor can make all the difference.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    I have a lot of ideas. Are they original and publishable? I'd like to think so, but I'm not sure. Besides, none of them are written to completion.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    I used to write a lot more than I do now. I don't get much feedback, but Mibba is hard for me because I can rarely push myself to actually finish a story.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    Doesn't everyone love positive feedback? I thank people and move on. Positive feedback is great, but unless there's something critical about it all it does is boost my ego (which is awesome, but doesn't help me make the story better).

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    I take it into consideration. The hardest thing about being a writer is being able to take criticism and use it to your advantage. You need to be able to cut and rewrite where things aren't working, and if no one tells you it's not working, you'll never know.

    Do you critique other's work?
    I try to, because that's what helps people become better writers.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    Yes. I'm a semester away from graduating with a bachelors in Professional Writing, critiquing is in my blood at this point. If I can't be an author I kind of want to be an editor.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    I'm always nice with critiques. I've learned to tell them what needs to change without telling them that it sucks. Discouragement isn't the way to go. So, I usually compliment first, and then get to the issues by saying things like "you should work on this because it's not as realistic as it could be."

    Is honesty the best policy?
    Always, 100%. I'm honest because I want the same from people. I don't like things to be sugar coated.
    December 19th, 2012 at 09:53pm
  • paralumana

    paralumana (115)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    I'd love that! I'm going to try to get published as early as I can, and I know that sounds ridiculous, but hey, there's no harm in shooting for the moon xD

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    Well, I'm not quiet there yet, but I'll do my best.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    I like my ideas, but they aren't that "professional" yet. Hopefully, I'll get there.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?I have an inconsistent schedule when updating, and yes, I do get feedback.

    How do you react to positive feedback? How do you react to negative feedback?
    I take both well and try to combine both so that they would neutralize and motivate me to write more.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Seldom, though.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    I do, as much as I enjoy complimenting.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    Say it, and of course, offer some advice when possible.

    Is honesty the best policy?
    Depends on the situation, of course. I mean, nobody can be completely honest without fear of hurting someone (with the exception of sociopaths, I guess).
    January 13th, 2013 at 08:10pm
  • An Awkward Turtle

    An Awkward Turtle (100)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    Being a published author? I had thought that would be the best thing since the invention of toilet paper when I was a kid. Ever since I had picked up a book - a serious book, a chapter book of all things! - then produced a series of four-page stories (the first one ever being about some kind of horror / thriller; the others branching off from fanfictions and whatnot) I became hell-bent on reading and writing. I held on to the idea of being a published author like how a starving person would to food.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    I don't really know. Honestly, I don't think there is "The Standard of Becoming an Author" . . . though that does sound like it could be a good story title. Maybe a short story...

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    Nope. Because you never really know for certain if your idea is good enough, or fame-material. I don't think JK Rowling had been so stuffed in her ego in thinking that the HP series would be a romping success, and I also don't think high-class authors of today like Suzanne Collins could think that the Hunger Games could take off too fast. You never know. Being a published author is like playing a game of pin the tail on the donkey while blindfolded. You strike the donkey and get some candy, or you don't and miss or somehow peg yourself in the face with the bat.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    I used to - but then I discovered roleplay writing on another site, and, to say the least, that has distracted me for a couple of years. Now, though, I'm trying to pull myself out of the cycle of that and get back to more private, serious writing.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    A smile comes on my face. I feel flush and my chest kind of swells with pride, with the thought that someone out there had enjoyed my work as much as I had - and here was the proof for it. Then the good feedback kind of circles around in my head, and I try to keep / capture the memory and feeling of having a good review; focus on how to keep generating that kind of review in people, while keeping that enjoyment in check.

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    My breath catches. I would read part way through, stop, then would have to look away for a moment before returning to the negative feedback, start from the beginning, and read through it slowly. Bad feedback isn't necessarily bad feedback, it can be good feedback if you can consider the things that they are talking about. If it's something like a single negative review in a sea of dozens of positive, it'll be a little memo at the back of your mind. But if it's the opposite affect. . . oh, buddy, my writer self-esteem is going to be crushed. Though, you have to be prepared and thick-skinned for this sort of thing.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Nope. I don't think I'm cut out for that.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    Never really tried / thought about it.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    I would, if I were a critic, take into consideration about giving small tips to the person on how to improve. While I don't want to sound too condescending or mean, I don't also want to sound soft, hold-your-hand-as-you-cross-the-street friendly. There has to be a balance. Taking into consideration characters, plot line, twist, development, setting description, situation, personality - there are a lot of elements to writing than there ever has been before. Either that, or I'm overthinking things again (which I more than likely am).

    Is honesty the best policy?
    . . . ( cricket chirps) Yes. xD pfffft.
    January 26th, 2013 at 04:12am
  • The Real Mitt Romney

    The Real Mitt Romney (250)

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    1. Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author? I've never dreamed of it. I don't write enough or enjoy writing enough to hope to become published, but hey, it could happen with my original ideas.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards? I don't feel I'm up to the standards.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? Not to success.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback? I rarely write but I tend to get an alright amount of feedback. More than I ask more.

    How do you react to positive feedback? It's rewarding.

    How do you react to negative feedback? It's even more rewarding.

    Do you critique other's work? No, not really.

    Do you enjoy critiquing? No.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique? Yeah, I could do it.

    Is honesty the best policy? Always.
    February 15th, 2013 at 05:05pm
  • peter quill.

    peter quill. (4975)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    Technically I am one depending on your definition of published Shifty it's great. It’s all I’ve wanted and all I’ve aspired for since I was eight. This sounds really sad but I wanted it to the point that I made choices within my education etc that would enhance my writing or would just give me more opportunities to write. When I get my sights set on something I go for it Shifty

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    I’m up to the standards for certain markets, unfortunately those markets aren’t the markets I want to be at the standard for.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success?
    Ideas aren’t original, it all comes down to how you tell the story.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    Not anymore. I get most of my feedback from classes/meetings with staff at university.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    I don’t. I much prefer negative feedback.

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    Depends on the work. If it’s a piece I’m still attached to I take it on board. If it’s a piece I’ve let go (which more often than not is usually the case these days) or don’t like or don’t plan to do anything else to then I let it be.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Only in classes.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    Ususally.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    I use the method my sister taught me when I started uni. I make the sandwich. A layer of bread (what they did well), the filling (as much as I need to say on what they didn’t do well), and another layer of bread (so it ends on a positive note.

    Is honesty the best policy?
    Yes.
    February 15th, 2013 at 11:25pm
  • solo sunrise

    solo sunrise (260)

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    Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on being a published author?
    It scares me too much, to be honest, especially seeing how much some authors are made fun of. *chills*

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    Nope. Not me.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    Eh, maybe someday.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    Sometimes. At one point one story got 9 subscribers. Mr. Green That was pretty cool.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    "Thanks!"

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    The exact same way I react to positive feedback.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Sometimes.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    If it's a good story, then of course. Otherwise, not really.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    I'd tell them, but be nice about it. I'm extremely avoidant when it comes to conflict.

    Is honesty the best policy?
    Sure. Especially if it's constructive criticism.
    February 17th, 2013 at 04:45am
  • dally winston.

    dally winston. (100)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?

    I'd love it. I love writing.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?

    Not even close. I mean, I've been writing since age 11, but I'm not ready yet. Let me get through my last few months of high school and college first!

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )

    I have to think of it, first. :P

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?

    I do and I don't. I used to get feedback all the time, then I kind of went on hiatus. I wish I updated more. But whenever I have a great idea, I just can't quite put it into words.

    How do you react to positive feedback?

    It makes me happy. I actually feel accomplished.

    How do you react to negative feedback?

    I use it to improve my writing skills.

    Do you critique other's work?

    Yes, I try to, at least.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?

    Eh, so so. Whenever I critique something, I always feel like the other person might think I'm too harsh.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?

    I would point out the good things in the story, and give suggestions on the stuff he/she needs to work on.

    Is honesty the best policy?

    Always.
    February 21st, 2013 at 05:25am
  • aubs

    aubs (420)

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    Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on being a published author?
    I think being a published author, even if I self-publish my stuff, would be fantastic. Just the thought of having something that I wrote on the shelves of bookstores everywhere is just exciting.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    Whatever standards they are, I don't think I am. I actually think that I am still in the beginning stages of my writing, even though I have been writing for a few years, and still need a lot of improvement.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    Maybe, maybe not. An idea that I think will be successful among readers might not been as successful as I thought. It all depends on the readers, I suppose.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    I've actually started writing again after a year of not writing and posting things, so I am getting there. I have gotten feedback in the past, and have recently gotten some on my new work, which I am thankful for.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    I smile from ear-to-ear and just get all giddy. I've always loved to hear the positive things that readers have to say because it tells me that I have written something that others enjoy.

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    I used to hate getting negative feedback because I always thought I was an amazing writers who did not need to improve, but that has all changed. Now that I am not that little girl who spent her time writing horrible stories, I imbrace all kinds of feedback. Now I take the negative feedback, which is mostly constructive critcism, I absorb it, and look at the story to see what needs to be improved.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Occasionally

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    Sometimes. I'm the kind of person who doesn't really like to point out the negative things even thought I know that it might help the author (depending on if they accept it or not).

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    I would not tell them how much I disliked their work is because that is rude, in my opinion. I would probably tell them the things that I think they need to improve on, while still pointing out the things that I really liked so the critique isn't all negative.

    Is honesty the best policy?
    When critiquing someone's work, I think it is, just don't be too rude about it, ya know.?
    February 21st, 2013 at 09:54pm
  • Jack Alameda

    Jack Alameda (100)

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    Just wondering what everyones thoughts are on being a published author?
    Self-published, small press published, big press published, Big Five published... They're all beautiful.

    Is there anyone who thinks they're up to the standards?
    Yup. I have confidence I have what it takes to be published among small and large presses. Currently, I prefer to work with small (reputable) presses.

    Anyone who thinks they have a brilliant, original idea, that could soar them through to success? (Not asking for your idea :P )
    I sold a novel to publisher, so I suppose it was original.

    Do you write frequently on Mibba and get feedback?
    I did several years ago. I've moved onto professional writing and the occasional fan-fic.

    How do you react to positive feedback?
    Love it.

    How do you react to negative feedback?
    Need it. As long as it is constructive. Negative comments with no suggestions for improvement are a waste of my time.

    Do you critique other's work?
    Not often. In between writing and schoolwork, I have little free time.

    Do you enjoy critiquing?
    Not really.

    If you thought someone's work wasn't that good, how would you handle giving it a critique?
    Balance good and bad.

    Is honesty the best policy?
    Yes. Just don't be a jerk.
    June 12th, 2015 at 11:22pm