A “God of Darkness?” You? No, that’s not possible; you’re a successful author. I’ve read all your books, and you’re amazing! Wowzers! Tell me all the things so I can be like you! Oh… Wait… Stay away.
Is this author a “God of Darkness?” Or an educator I should emulate?
How much of their products are evidence one way or another?
When I say “God of Darkness,” I mean a writer who is something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They don’t empathize well with others and tend to be self-centered. Some will literally try to seduce you into bed or away from your money. To a “God of Darkness,” the masses exist to buy their products, and they make it happen with the charm of a snake-oil salesman. Instead of wisdom and advice, they offer pessimism, pitfalls, and vague guidance. They are not an educator. They’re not in the game to educate; they’re in the game to sell.
Fledgling writers often approach these beings (Authors, Public Speakers, Magazine Editorialists, Retired Publicists) hungering for a mentor figure. But when they get a marketing commercial… it’s a mind game. You’ve read their books, you think highly of them, and they’re pushing products? In my experience, I’ve only met a handful of authors who confirmed success as a writer was possible, repeatable, and then provided solid options. All the others tried to sell me products and discouragement by saying things like:
- Writing a best-seller is like winning the lottery.
- People don’t WRITE to make money unless they’re delusional.
- No other methods work. Only mine will get you success.
- I’ll share my seven secrets for creating a best-seller in six months! But first, you must subscribe to my newsletter for $60 a month.
- Buy my package of software! It’s only $887! I normally charge $1600 for it. Buy now!
- No one really makes money on writing; they make money marketing other products.
- Subscribe, using my affiliate links, to all these shiny tools. I use them too!
Writers are enthralling beings. Their written works are captivating
Yet, when you meet them in person, sometimes perceptions change
Authors overflow with talent and walk about sexily, saying brilliant things. Like many before me, I fell for them. I randomly went from one “God of Darkness” to another when I needed a mentor. Someone who cared enough to offer guidance through the mysterious paths. I wanted false recognition that the same spark they had also shined in me. You have to pay for their flattery, and I found their proteges are not much different (decently successful, painfully opinionated, siloed, and not nice). They’ll give you some tips but won’t give you their time, even when you pay for it.
Do you know an author who educates others?
It would help if you listened to them. A “God of Darkness,” not so much
I know many legitimate authors who offer workshops and courses, but there’s a big difference between a talented Educator vs. a Product Peddler. Peddlers peddle products. Educators educate writers. You’ll know the difference by the intent and tone of their voice. For instance, one writer told me,
“I’m not the person who can help you get better, and I’m not going to refer you to anyone because it’s you. You’re the badass here.”
-David Farland
This echoed around my rib cage for years before I finally realized he was right, and then a couple of years later, he said this,
“As a writer, you have to invest in yourself, and it starts simpler than you’d think. Every month set aside money to buy 1-3 books. Now study them, and write. WRITE A LOT, and get feedback from a writing circle. When you’re polished enough to produce vibrant works that inspire others to giggle, cry, and forget that their shift ended 30 minutes ago and they need to go home, but they want to keep reading? You might have a best-seller.”
-David Farland
This is what legitimate authors tell people. They don’t play mind games with you. Check out David’s site and decide for yourself. He’s a teacher of high caliber (UPDATE – David Farland passed away eight months after I wrote this, 01/14/2022, and I will miss him dreadfully).
Do you want an Educator or a Peddler to teach you?
An Educator inspires you to work on your dreams. Does the “God of Darkness?”
An educator may recommend you take their courses, but there’s a point; they’re educators who espouse study, writing, and feedback. Solid, common sense things your Dad might say (typically things no one wants to hear).
Whereas a “God of Darkness” will sell you on a shiny concept:
- With no effort, unlock your inner Angels of Inspiration!
- Listen to this pretty lady speak words on YouTube, she’s almost constantly angry, but she will inspire you (don’t forget to buy her T-Shirts).
- Burn this candle made of black cayenne and violin rosin, and when you awake, it will actualize your DREAMS!
- Eat this chocolate lizard, it tastes terrible, but once you get over the seizures, you’ll write for hours, effortlessly!
This sounds funny, but these products would sell well in the hands of a skilled marketer. A “God of Darkness” knows this, and so do con-men, unscrupulous marketers, used car salesmen, scammers, and grifters (every one a “God of Darkness”). They know their products are preferable to studying, writing, and feedback. Stop investing in products that don’t advocate work. Invest in yourself, buy those books, find quality courses, and absorb them.
I’m going to write a best-seller, and if I fail? I will study, write, and get more feedback until I DO write a best seller. Write with me; Write Something GREAT!