‘I don’t want to be like all the other kids, but if I’m not, they won’t like me.’ My seven-year-old daughter’s lower lip trembles and her eyes well with tears. 

            ‘You don’t have to be like anyone else. Be proud of who you are.’

            ‘Then I won’t have any friends,’ she shouts. Angry. Hurt. Dismayed.

That seven-year-old girl grew up to be an amazing, self-assured woman who has achieved incredible things. She never did conform to the fashions and trends of her peers. That was a decision she made after facing up to the sad reality of society. We like things to be familiar, unthreatening – to know what is on trend so that we can follow fashions.

I don’t have any grandchildren, just my four books – my substitute grand-kiddies. Now they are saying the same thing: ‘I don’t want to be different. If I’m like the others, then I will be more popular.’

There is truth in this. We know what we like and so when we pick up a book; we look for clues that tell us, this is similar to another one I enjoyed. Book-marketing experts follow trends in book titles and cover-design. They know readers want to spot their favourite genre. The weary shopper, me included, can become irritated by the sameness of book covers. It is refreshing to discover something different, but we don’t want to take a risk investing our time in reading a book without some reassurance that it’s our kind of book.

So, what advice do I give myself? What do I say to my books? Much the same as I gave my daughter. You are unique. Be proud of that. Do you want to be like the others? What is more important to you: being popular, or giving voice to what makes you who you are – that kernel of truth within? 

Of course, I want my books to be popular. To compete with best-sellers for a top spot in the Amazon charts. But it is impossible, for me anyway, to write a book with that intention. Writing, like any creative pursuit, is an expression of the soul. Writers dig deep to find their truths, to mine emotions and give them voice. The craft of writing is to understand what makes a good story – story-structure, tropes, pace, etc. Authors have a responsibility to deliver a well-crafted story that meets the expectations of readers. But, to really connect with readers, the author’s voice must be authentic. To tell the story that only they can tell.

I guess I am going to have to experience the same growing pains as my seven-year-old daughter as I find my way in the world as an author. Each time one of my books is published, I attract more readers. My readership is wonderful. They know what to expect when they buy one of my books and say that they are never disappointed. So, I owe it to them to continue writing the stories that they love and if that means I am not read by the masses, so be it. 

To find out more about my books visit my Amazon Author page or My Books here on my website.

And remember … Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd because You Are Amazing!