Martyn Stanley's Blog - Posts Tagged "scathing-review"
So you didn't like my book 1?
I recently got a pretty scathing review from a same genre author on one of my works, criticizing the writing in book 1. I admit, I could have written book 1 better. But I've written four and a half novels since 2012, plus several short stories and every time I write, I improve. I'm nearly 40 now, I've been writing for 20 years; seriously for about 4 years. I am only just getting started though. I have at least 3 partially complete manuscripts which I will be submitting to agents and publishers once complete.
I'm generally cautious about reviewing same-genre authors myself. My preconceptions about what makes good and bad fantasy would make it difficult to be objective. I don't like to leave harsh, overly critical reviews. If I don't finish a book, I personally don't feel inclined to review it. I know this isn't really what Goodreads is about and a lot of people choose a different approach. I'm as guilty as the next man of tittering away while reading one of Khanh 'The Grinch' [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...] hilarious, ultra-critical reviews, or my BFF Inge's GIF filled treats:- [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...] her reviews of the Fifty Shades Trilogy are truly awesome.
However, moaning about my writing and stating you couldn't finish my book is NOT going to entice me to quit. It won't make me an enemy of yours, but you will have lost a potential friend. I don't know if I'm out-selling you, or if I've got more fans than you. You won't discourage me though. All the negativity ONLY encourages me to work harder, write more, writer better and kick some literary ass.
Have you ever heard the first Beatles album? It's called 'Please Please Me' and I'll be honest it pretty much sucks. There are only a couple of songs on it you'll know unless you're a hardcore Beatles fan. Have you ever read The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett? I'm a huge Terry Pratchett fan. He's my idol. I've read more Pratchett than any other author, but 'The Colour of Magic' wasn't a great book. It was a laugh, it was enjoyable, but it's a pale shadow of his later books.
The only way to get good at anything is to do it badly, do it again better, then rinse and repeat. I love telling stories, inventing worlds characters and conflicts. I love surprising my readers and encouraging people to question.
I actually love giving my first book away free! I currently estimate over 18,000 people have read my free, series opener The Last Dragon Slayer.
I don't write to get rich, or become famous. I write to be read and to improve. Read my first book! Tell your friends to as well! It's free, you have nothing to lose. But don't think that's the best I've got. book 1 is just me warming up, stretching my fingers and having a dabble. The best, is definitely to come.
I will find an agent and get published traditionally, and my books will end up in major book stores. I'll either get published or die trying.
That's my attitude. If anyone ever tries to put YOU down or discourage you from pursuing your dream - don't let them. You'll always have negative people in your life, putting barriers in your way. The only way to live though, is to kick those barriers down and storm forwards. Never take your eyes of your goal and you'll definitely get there in the end.
Martyn Stanley
I'm generally cautious about reviewing same-genre authors myself. My preconceptions about what makes good and bad fantasy would make it difficult to be objective. I don't like to leave harsh, overly critical reviews. If I don't finish a book, I personally don't feel inclined to review it. I know this isn't really what Goodreads is about and a lot of people choose a different approach. I'm as guilty as the next man of tittering away while reading one of Khanh 'The Grinch' [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...] hilarious, ultra-critical reviews, or my BFF Inge's GIF filled treats:- [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...] her reviews of the Fifty Shades Trilogy are truly awesome.
However, moaning about my writing and stating you couldn't finish my book is NOT going to entice me to quit. It won't make me an enemy of yours, but you will have lost a potential friend. I don't know if I'm out-selling you, or if I've got more fans than you. You won't discourage me though. All the negativity ONLY encourages me to work harder, write more, writer better and kick some literary ass.
Have you ever heard the first Beatles album? It's called 'Please Please Me' and I'll be honest it pretty much sucks. There are only a couple of songs on it you'll know unless you're a hardcore Beatles fan. Have you ever read The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett? I'm a huge Terry Pratchett fan. He's my idol. I've read more Pratchett than any other author, but 'The Colour of Magic' wasn't a great book. It was a laugh, it was enjoyable, but it's a pale shadow of his later books.
The only way to get good at anything is to do it badly, do it again better, then rinse and repeat. I love telling stories, inventing worlds characters and conflicts. I love surprising my readers and encouraging people to question.
I actually love giving my first book away free! I currently estimate over 18,000 people have read my free, series opener The Last Dragon Slayer.
I don't write to get rich, or become famous. I write to be read and to improve. Read my first book! Tell your friends to as well! It's free, you have nothing to lose. But don't think that's the best I've got. book 1 is just me warming up, stretching my fingers and having a dabble. The best, is definitely to come.
I will find an agent and get published traditionally, and my books will end up in major book stores. I'll either get published or die trying.
That's my attitude. If anyone ever tries to put YOU down or discourage you from pursuing your dream - don't let them. You'll always have negative people in your life, putting barriers in your way. The only way to live though, is to kick those barriers down and storm forwards. Never take your eyes of your goal and you'll definitely get there in the end.
Martyn Stanley
