The other day I shared how a teacher discouraged me from writing by her reaction to a story. It took me a couple of years to recover from that ignorant comment.

Today, I want to talk about other ways people can discourage us. 

Let’s start with the fact that I’m mad. 

A woman, Linda, at the Killer Nashville writer’s conference met with an agent. She has written a thriller where the main character is a woman who’s a sniper. The agent said to her, “A woman can’t fire a sniper rifle.”

Excuse me? I have so many unprintable words to say to that asshole. In fact, I’m hoping to find him in person at the conference and share those words. 

First of all, yes, a woman can.

Not only that. Linda knows her subject, she knows someone who’s a sniper, knows that there are women snipers in the Isreali army, and more. When she talked about it this morning in a panel, she looked a little dazed and disheartened.

I remember that feeling. Years ago, at this same conference, I met agents. I was so excited to share my story. Many said they loved the premise but more than one said they didn’t want an adventure with a main female character. 

I left the conference feeling so disheartened. I went home and shelved that book. 

Long story short, I unshelved that book a couple of years later and had it published with a publisher, then eventually self-published it. Toy of the Gods  is a highly rated novel and I always hear from fans how they love Leslie Kicklighter. 

Don’t let other’s expectations stop you. Set your determination to write to full throttle!