DONNA H DUHIG
I have been writing stories since I can remember and when I finally held a published novel in my hands, no words can describe how that felt, it was something I wanted since I was a little girl. My biggest shock is that nothing can prepare you for the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with it. One of the hardest things to deal with was letting go of my book and leaving it in the wide-open world, vulnerable to criticism while I waited on tenterhooks for those first reviews to come in. It was a real confidence boost when the great reviews come in but sometimes there may be reviews/ratings that cut through like a knife, and you start to doubt yourself and your ability as a writer. You take it personally, after all, you've spent many hours over weeks, months and years creating a world with many characters that all belong to you. Then I learnt to develop a thick skin, accept all criticism good or bad, but not dwell on the negative and instead, look towards those positive reviews. Author Mary Wood once said a good review is like giving an author a big hug, and I couldn't agree more. Not everyone is going to like your work or your writing style, but remember there are plenty out there who will and they are who you are writing for, as well as yourself of course. Never give up.
Donna's first book In The End was published in July 2020 and is available on Amazon. If you would like to know more about Donna and her book please visit her website
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