I've learned of an intriguing paradigm about publishing a book. Something I didn't know was commonplace until my publicist told me about it two days ago after sharing some recent experiences with her.
Surprisingly, at least to me, as is frequently the case when someone gets sober and grows beyond who they once were—sometimes, the writer's once beloved friends/confidants withdraw from or abandon the relationship when the writer becomes a published author.
What is this phenomenon that an author's dearest loved ones ghost them when their book is released into the world? How do those who supported the author when they were merely a writer many times fade away?
Moreover, why must writers ever need to choose between relationship and publishing?
To those who have ghosted an author, do you have insight into the timing of your retreat? Further, do you desire that insight, and will you listen? Or is there also foreseeable justification for your timely repudiation?
“None so deaf as those that will not hear.
None so blind as those that will not see.”
If you're an author familiar with this grievous dynamic, please share your experience in the comments below.
Holly Margl is the author of Witnessing Grief; Inviting Trauma and Loss to Our Coaching Conversations, An Enneagram Perspective, coach, coach mentor, and trainer specializing in grief, trauma, and the Enneagram.
