There are times when you simply need to stop and reflect. Suddenly, you realise that you’ve let yourself get carried away, caught up in a maelstrom in which you don’t feel comfortable. Because it is unquestionable that, if we do not dedicate some time on a recurring basis to think about what we are doing, the moment may come when we do not recognise ourselves in the actions we take part in.

I know what I am saying sounds like gibberish, but nothing beyond that. We live surrounded by multiple influences. Social networks are a clear example. Through them, messages are spread that are not always reliable and, moreover, are rarely verified. But, in addition, on these networks, sometimes there are like trains of action, trends or fashions that you start to follow without even thinking about the repercussions. And, if you think about it, it makes perfect sense to call them networks because they entangle and entangle you without you even realising it.

I’m sure that like most people, I try to stay true to my values and ideas, but that doesn’t mean I’m inflexible. I listen and observe carefully to know what suits me and what’s right and what’s wrong. However, on Instagram I have been swayed by trends that don’t go with who I am or how I am in a particular fact. I’ve given in to the temptation to do what are known as collaborations, which is really nothing more than giving your books to bookstagrammers to review and put the appropriate post on their profile. On many websites and blogs about writing and how to promote your book, I’ve seen them recommend it. After some time and thinking about it, I think it’s a huge mistake.

We have to value our work, the enthusiasm we put into what we do and the effort it involves. I write because I like it and I don’t make any sacrifice, quite the contrary. But from there to giving my work away there is a considerable difference. Since I’ve stood up and decided that I’m not going to do it any more, I feel liberated. I don’t care if my book is read a lot or a little, if it gets a lot or a few reviews. I will believe in myself and in what I do, I will give it the value it deserves and, if it ends up submerged in the depths of anonymity, at least I will have a clear conscience for having done what I was truly convinced of. I refuse to continue to contribute to other people’s posts and to feed instagram accounts.

From now on, when I give away my books, it will be only and exclusively because I do it from my heart (as I have done on countless occasions), not so that someone feels obliged to review them. Can you imagine writers like Delibes, Ken Follet or Stephen King (to give some examples) giving away their books in exchange for reviews? I certainly don’t.

What do you think?

THANKS FOR READING

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