Ep 76: When Going Viral Goes Very (Very) Wrong

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!These days, almost everyone dreams of having a post or reel go viral. That is, until they do. At that point, they realize it doesn't often have the "magic bullet" benefits we're led to believe. At best, it has a neutral impact, and at worst, it can go very (very) wrong before you have a chance to get your arms around it. (Thinking you can get your arms around it is often your first mistake!)But also, everything that goes "wrong" in this life brings with it an opportunity to see something differently (oftentimes, that something is oneself)  and to evolve as a human being. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I share the top 7 lessons I learned from recently going viral on Threads. I've often said if I ever went viral, it would be for tripping over a pebble or walking straight into a freshly cleaned glass wall, and in this case, I think I would have preferred either of those!  This happened thanks to a taken-out-of-context writing suggestion that was reposted (and negatively commented on) by a well-known, highly respected fiction author who's sold millions of books and has what could effectively be described as a rabid fan base.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS1. The word "hybrid" often has different meanings in the fiction and nonfiction worlds. Knowing the difference can provide incredible clarity and remove a whole lot of "shoulds"! 2. As an author (or otherwise creative person), you will probably be negatively labeled at some point. When that happens, here's what you can do to avoid becoming defensive. 3. A critical point to remember about any competitive industry that will keep you from quitting. 4. The people most important in your author journey (if you want to continue to grow as a person while writing books). 5. What you can (almost) always take away from being criticized. 6. The one thing you ARE allowed to do (and should expect to do) many times as an author or creative person. 7. My suggestion for anyone who fears criticism so much that they think they'd go into hiding if they ever received it from a big name.🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth