I’m married to a dermatologist, so I can attest to this fact: there’s no magic cream that will give you thick skin.
I’ve been writing about science and faith for ten years. In 2021, my first book was published. My second is releasing in October. The first was well-received, and there’s lots of excitement around the second.
But that doesn’t mean everyone loves them.
The harshest critiques are usually SOOO over the top that honestly, it’s entertaining.
Here’s the latest and greatest:
Twitter guy posts a screenshot of the publisher’s catalogue, featuring my two books. With lots of gnashing of teeth, Twitter guy bemoans the current state of Christian publishing.
Twitter guy calls my books “junk.”
Hmmm – the new book doesn’t release until October. It’s also apparent he hasn’t read the first one, either.
My response: I hope you read them, I’m disappointed that you dismissed the books as “junk” without reading.
WELLLLLLLLLL.
Twitter guy plays the pig-in-need-of-a-makeover trump card.
Twitter guy invites me to put lipstick on a pig, and not only lipstick, but also perfume, jewelry, and practically an entire Sephora if I like, but my piggies (my books apparently) will still be pigs.
And then, Twitter guy mic drop: I don’t need to read the books to know they’re junk.
Twitter guy is a writer at one of the big young earth creationist organizations, so I can only image how much he’d dislike the books if he’d actually read them.
Thick skin!
*Mike Cosper, Christianity Today
Janet K. Ray 
Yup. There are four one star review on Amazon for The Works of His Hands, three from YECs, and one from an atheist. None have read the book. One of the YECs wrote “Sy Garte believes in evolution.” Enough said, I guess. I won’t even tell you about Twitter, except to mention that I only block people who directly insult me. At last count that was over 500 people. Thick skin, and the armor of God, indeed.
Wise words, Sy. Thank you. You are one of my heroes.
Softness with resilience. That’s the way?
I’m trying!
(Yes, and you’re very encouraging 🥰)