The blood drained from my face and I was in instant panic mode: mouth like sandpaper, stomach churning.
The backs of my eyes prickled and I gulped.
Joe, alarmed: "What's up?"
"This. Look. I don't know why I'm doing this."
I thrust my phone under his nose.
"What?"
He was baffled. I was outraged: how could he not SEE?
Me, wailing: "I got a 3-star rating on Amazon!"
Joe: *backs away slowly*
Our brains are TROUBLE.
They want us to suffer. I truly believe this. Or why would I be wailing over a single 3-star rating on Amazon when every other review is a 5-star rating?
It's not even like a 3-star rating is a bad rating!
Plus it didn't come with an actual review. So the person might have accidentally hit 3 stars instead of 5 stars, as my Moxie Author Sarah helpfully pointed out.
But no, my brain goes immediately to the absolute worst-case scenario: that the reader hated my book and I must immediately set fire to my business and get a job in a supermarket.
Even writing this I'm aware of how ridiculous it sounds... but I also know you know what I mean. You've done the same thing, haven't you?
Because our brains are wired that way, to always see the bad - the problem - rather than the good. It used to keep us alive back when we lived in caves.
These days, it's just trouble.
Remember that.
Take 5 minutes to let your world end, then pick yourself up and really look at the situation: is it bad? Or is your brain just a bit of a dick?
p.s. I think writers are even worse about this than normal people. If you want to join my merry band of writer-freaks, you'll be most welcome in Team Moxie. Come, write every day, have a chat, learn stuff, and get better and more confident.
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If you want to learn more about how to write, self-publish, and market a book for your business, snaffle yourself a copy of How The Hell Do You Write A Book? Then check out the blog and podcast for more articles and guides. If you want a little (or a lot) more help, find out how you can work with me.
About Vicky...
Vicky Fraser is the founder of Moxie Books and author of How The Hell Do You Write A Book and Business For Superheroes. She helps business owners write life-changing books, connect with readers and new customers, and grow their businesses. When she's not doing that, she's hanging from a trapeze by her feet.
