Obviously I had to provide Steve with a list of my accomplishments… And, you know, I’ve published a few books and won a couple of awards and been nominated for another couple, and had some lovely readers and reviewers say some lovely things about my books. And don’t get me wrong—I’m proud of those things, I really truly am. But…
Why it is so hard to blow our own trumpets?
I found myself constantly having to fight the impulse to downplay and downgrade all of the things. How crazy is that? Why is it so hard to own my accomplishments loudly and proudly?
Why are compliments so hard to accept!
All of this, of course, started me thinking. And I’ve decided we all need become a wee bit more adept at recognizing and acknowledging our own talents and being proud of them -- to resist the urge to minimize and make light of them. I mean humility is all well and good in its place, but so is pride in oneself.
So you know what I did? Last week I entered my two Mills & Boon novels of 2016 in my university’s Research Higher Degree Publication of Excellence Prize. I detailed every bit of amazingness that those novels and Michelle Douglas represent. Because they're good--good enough to win. Keep your fingers crossed for me. :-)
And here it is! My wonderful author promo video (thanks so much, Steve, I love it):
Now it’s your turn—throw embarrassment and modesty to the wind and tell me something about yourself that you’re proud of.
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteGo, you! You should be proud of all you've achieved with your writing. So many books bringing so many smiles to so many people. I agree, though. It's tough to blow your own trumpet. I find it much easier to talk about other's achievements. I wonder if it's the way we've been brought up.
Okay, I'll add to the positivity and say (because I just got a reader letter this morning along these lines) that I can write a good sheikh story. Also, my home made baklava is definitely something special!
Oh, it is a truth that is universally acknowledged in romance circles that you can indeed write not just a good but a GREAT sheikh story, Annie. :-)
DeleteBaklava? Yum! I think I might just pop around the very next time you're making it. :-)
Oooh yes - baklava! I'd never had it before going to Greece last year and oh my gawd! I'm impressed that you can make it Annie. I'd definitely like to try me some of that :-)
DeleteLoved the vid, Michelle! And good luck with your prize of excellence bid!
ReplyDeleteIn my writing life I am most proud that I am earning a liveable wage as an author.
In my personal life I am proud (if a little bereft and nauseatingly nervous about half the time)that both my kids have flown the coop and are both living overseas, seeing the world and making life time memories.
Amy, you're absolutely amazing! Both as a writer and as a mother who's raised two gorgeous kids to be independent and brave enough to follow their dreams. I'm so glad you're my cyber-twin. ;-)
DeleteOh, and, thank you. That vid has me ridiculously chuffed. :-)
I love the video Michelle!!!! Amazing! You're so right, it is hard to blow our own trumpets! Personally, I'm proud of raising two boys who are well rounded and lovely. I'm also super proud that I went from being the very shy zumba girl at the back of the room trying hard not to be seen by anyone, to teaching tracks and motivating others to enjoy exercise.
ReplyDeleteI think raising well rounded adults is an amazing achievement, Louisa! That's definitely something you should be proud about. :-) Oh! And I love your zumba story. I remember when you started it. How wonderful that you're now inspiring others -- go you! :-)
DeleteMichelle, I am so proud of you for entering the university's Excellence Prize. Too often we don't put ourselves out there, don't want to be seen as arrogant or big-headed or whatever, but then we go the other way. We don't recognise or celebrate our achievements, or talent, or uniqueness loudly enough. Go you for taking this step, for entering the Uni Prize, and for prodding us to acknowledge ourselves as well.
ReplyDeleteRight now, today, I am proud as a mother. We're just back from a flying trip to Sydney to celebrate our youngest son's birthday and he's grown into such a fine and accomplished young man.
Oh, Bron, thank you for your kind words. Entering the prize is a bit nerve-wracking, but I'm trying so hard to promote the value (literary and cultural) of romance novels in academia. Some wheels turn a little more slowly than others, however. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
DeleteHow lovely that you can be so proud of your son -- and so proud of yourself for raising him so well. I think you should also mention your amazing books. You've written some of the best books I've ever read! :-)
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteLove the author video! Of course you should be proud of your incredible achievements. x
Aw, thank you, Clare. :-) But you shouldn't be shy about sharing your own amazing achievements either! Just sayin'. ;-)
DeleteMichelle, you are awesome. And it's good to be proud of your achievements and tell us so. We don't do it enough.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of my step daughter and her partner and how they're raising their two children. And for finally breaking through my writer's block and getting three chapters sent in to my editor today.
Yay on breaking through on your block, Sue! That's huge. Perseverance can be so hard...you should be proud of yourself!
ReplyDeleteAnd how lovely to be proud of the next generation for how they're raising their children. No doubt they're benefiting from your example. :-)
Michelle
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing I love it and good on you, you have done so well and written such awesome stories that never fail to make me smile and for me I am proud to be a Mum and a Nanna and I love reading and reviewing books :)
have Fun
Helen
Aw, thanks, Helen. And I think you are one of the best Nannas EVER. Your grandchildren are lucky to have you.:-) And, yes, you should definitely be proud of the reviews you write.
DeleteIt's so nice to stop and recognise all the hard work that goes into what we do - good on you Michelle!! We really don't do that often enough, do we?
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed your books do well in the university's excellence prize - sending good vibes your way xx
It is nice to stop and consider all of the things we've achieved, Stef...though something of a challenge to shout it from the rooftops. ;-) But that's a challenge I think all of us here should rise to meet. :-)
Delete