25: Overcoming Criticism with Ruan Willow

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Shonda Ramsey interviews Ruan Willow, a podcaster, author, and audiobook narrator, about her journey in self-publishing. Ruan has published approximately 60 books and 6 audiobooks, with several pen names. She discusses her transition from YA romance to erotica, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges of self-promotion. Ruan emphasizes the significance of publishing now, the benefits of using multiple pen names, and the evolving landscape of self-publishing. She also highlights the importance of independent bookstores and encourages writers to embrace their role as storytellers, urging them to publish their work without fear of negative reviews.

Connect with Ruan Willow here:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ruanwillow

Instagram: http://instagram.com/ruanwillow

Instagram: http://instagram.com/ruanwillowauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076281424763

Website: https://ruanwillowauthor.com/

Ruan’s Letter to You:

Dear Indie Author, You are a storyteller at heart. No matter what anyone tells you, no matter who likes your story, no matter who doesn't, you are a storyteller at heart. Create your stories, your ebooks, your hard copies, anyway and every way you can. Make your stamp on this world. We each have a unique voice with special insights, take advantage of our current ability to create and share our stories with the world. Never before in history has this happened. We've had gatekeepers in the big publishing houses deciding what everyone gets to read. Publish your work as soon as you can, urgently, gloriously, happily, and know that you are telling stories that the big houses won't touch. Your voice matters, your story matters, and the more you realize that what you are doing is just telling stories like storytellers have done for thousands of years, it's less paralyzing. But the great thing is, you get to document your stories through self-publishing. If you write books, consider printing them so physical copies exist in the world. This fights book banners. This fights those who want exclusivity in publishing. Fight for your words and self-publish today. It's a learning process, and it's okay to learn it slowly. It's okay to get bad reviews, let them roll off you. No one in the world is liked by everyone, even the big names have haters, so don't let negative reviews stop you. Ever. You write? You're already a writer. Now get that writing into the world and let someone feel your words. Bless you and enjoy! All my best Ruan Willow