SOMETIMES A WRITER'S SKIN CANNOT BE THICK ENOUGH

Often I have made this comment to my younger writer friends,"you need thick skin to be a published writer." Some look at me with skepticism while others nod as if it didn't take them long to find that out.  Just because someone spends hours alone writing what is in their heart, doesn't mean that they have lost all sensitivity to negative remarks and criticism.  If anything is true the majority of writers are more sensitive, intuitive persons.  They learn to read body language and understand, "I'll come back and buy your book," to mean no sale.They can tell when some acquaintances want you to give them your book.  It is as if they went into a bookstore and saw your publication and think because they know you they should get it at a discount.  A book is a piece of art just like a beautifully crafted quilt or a specialty piece of jewelry.  Do you know what I mean? Craftsman should receive awards for their creations.  I have a dear friend who always buys local authors' works. He does that to show he recognizes the hard work that goes into a book.  Now he is a published author and he understands what a good thing he has been doing.

      Recently I gave my all to a preschool celebration for the end of school.  I prepared by attending a two hour meeting with the Director.  I had my illustrator make drawings from the book I was reading for the children to color. I took colorful posters, lots of books (I had been told I would sell many, I sold three to adults, not parents). I thought I was well prepared.  The children brought their favorite stuffed animals, as I did. The mothers and family members were present. There was excitement about a parade to follow the program.  The parade would be led by a man and his service dog. It was a special time for the children. The excitement had been building so when it came time to hear the author, dressed like a cat, read her book, the children were talkative and younger siblings were crying.  It was probably their nap times  It would have been ideal if they had sat there quiet as little mice, but that wouldn't have been natural.  I had the attention of some and received responses.  I chalked it up as a typical experience with young children.  Evidently the Director did not see it that way. Being an overly sensitive person, I felt the chill after the event was over.  There was not a thank you card or a simple gift to remind my illustrator and me of the event.  I have always felt it only good manners to do so.

     I thought that within the next few days I would be getting a call to be asked a few questions for info to go into the fabulous article with pictures to go into the local paper.  No email, no calls.  I even sent my friend a note to see if she or the Director were sick or there were problems. I have received no response and it has been over six months. I truly cannot understand the silence nor can my illustrator.

     I will put it in my memoir bank as one of the most hurtful, shocking, unbelievable experiences of my career.  It will remain a mystery.  I hope the answer is not what keeps popping into my head.  It is such an unchristian thought that I won't mention it.  I'm still looking for that fantastic article in the local paper.

     I'm not sure my skin is thick enough for this incident that happened  in a church sponsored activity. I could probably take it with a grain of salt if it happened in a secular setting.

     In standing back and looking at the situation, here is my theory:  they wanted a cute little kitten and they got an old mama cat!!!!!!

Thank you for reading this post.  Your comments and questions are welcomed.

Darlene Eichler

Writer, Memoirist, and Blogger