Well, I went back and read a post I’d written far back in 2007. I needed to read the encouragement, so I’m passing it on to any of you writers out there who need to read it, too. When I made an edit to it, I believe the platform sent it already. I don’t know. This is electronics and internet. I wanted to add a photo, but apparently it won’t allow me to do that. Anyway, I hope it blesses you. ~ CurtissAnn
Some people like me. Some people don’t. You can never get everyone to like you, so why knock yourself out trying? — Claudette Colbert, great American actress.
You wrote something. You conceived your baby and brought it forth with all of your talent, skill, and passion, and some undefinable magic that compels you to write. There is your heart walking around on the page.
You show your dear baby to a few people. And some people do like it. “Aw, isn’t it lovely? Let me hold it…let me touch it.” In fact several, maybe even a lot of people say this. You beam, the proud parent.
Now, maybe a few offer some hints to spiff up the baby, and this is okay. It’s like having recommendations of cute clothes for the little one. But then along comes someone who says: “Well, look– The head is too big, and the eyes…
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Curtiss Ann Matlock 
6 responses to “There Are No Ugly Babies”
This is such a beautiful and heartfelt post! I agree with you that there are no ugly babies, only precious and unique souls. You have a gift for writing and expressing your emotions.
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Thank you for your kind encouragement.
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I barely remember 2007, but I’m pretty sure I needed your encouraging words back then. They are a good reminder today as I anticipate the release of my book (Animal) on 8/1. Ventured into a new genre (paranormal romance) and the early reader reviews have pointed out the many ways it does not follow the traditional “rules” for the genre. It took me a long time to be able to say, “Oh, well, not everyone’s going to love everything I write,” and move on. If I didn’t learn to cover my tender writer’s heart with a tough shell, I’d be paralyzed by the critics of my babies. 🙂 Now? When I hear, “I loved your book” I’m pleasantly surprised to find people who think my baby is adorable. 🙂 As so often happens, your post was just what I needed. Thank you!
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Barbara— the first book I wrote, published by Silhouette for their Special Edition line, also did not follow the ‘rules’ for the genre. I remember the editor saying at the time that was one of the reasons it stood out and they bought it. In the intervening years, publishers have quit doing that. They want every story to follow ’the rules’. Thus entered indie publishing. I’m still not following the rules, and neither are you. Hoorah! XxOO
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To me your writing is like coming home. I love reading any and all of your stories! You say things in such a way that I feel that I’m right there with the characters in the book, living life with them and it is exciting and beautiful! I loved reading this story about the”ugly baby.” You just have such a flair for putting your words down that makes a person want to keep on reading! All your books are “beautiful babies!”
I will definitely share the story about the “ugly baby” with my friend, who, finally after many years, just published her first book. Thank you for being you Curtiss Ann!
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Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Julie! My congratulations to your friend. We must keep on with our creating. The world needs all the beauty we can put forth.
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