Geraldine DeRuiter, a James Beard award-winning writer and author, discusses her experience with a negative review of her book and how her community turned it around to make it a bestseller. She shares the personal attacks she faced in the review and the emotional toll it took on her. Despite the hurtful beginning, her community's support and the negative review actually helped boost the book's sales. Geraldine also reflects on her ambition as a child and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in her writing journey. Geraldine shares her experience of how her blog gained traction and how she navigated rejection in her writing career. She emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection. She also discusses the fear of stating what you want and offers advice for aspiring writers and creators. Geraldine encourages setting audacious rejection goals and aiming high. She shares personal anecdotes and insights on overcoming the fear of rejection and pursuing your dreams. For anyone listening, you can order a copy of If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury on Amazon. I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected]. To find out more about Geraldine and read her award-winning blog, visit: https://www.everywhereist.com/about/  Follow Geraldine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEverywhereist/  If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with: Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women's spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com. Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:33 The Negative Review and Emotional Impact 16:00 Childhood Ambition and Writing Journey 29:58 Traffic Increase and the Power of Authenticity 33:50 Gaining Traction and Overcoming Rejection 36:06 Transitioning from Anonymity to Recognition 37:29 The Impact of Viral Success 38:24 The Condensing Timeframe of Success 40:19 Dealing with Rejection in Personal Life 43:19 Protecting Oneself from Rejection 46:21 The Fear of Stating What You Want 48:06 External Motivation and Accountability 50:18 The Love of Having Written 52:58 The Fear of Rejection vs. Actual Rejection 54:24 Setting Audacious Rejection Goals 59:06 Reaching Out to Influential People