To other authors...

I just saw a review left for an author by another author ... and I needed to say something. I love supporting other authors. Only we know the hard work and dedication it takes to take a concept and bring it full circle to a book, releasing it into the world for a mass of armchair writers and readers. It blows me away when I see other authors leaving 1-star reviews for their fellow writers. While every book may not hit the mark, that book will still find a home with readers that appreciate it.

Authors, let's not drag other writers' books through the mud. If you can't say something supportive about it - don't leave a review at all. Choose kindness. These fresh writers and even the ones who have been at it a while will grow with each book.

I clicked through to look at this particular author, the one who left the harsh 1-star review and she had fewer books out than I would have expected. By the looks of her reviews, her work wasn't all that glowing and she had 'meh' covers. If this critical author wants to be a judge and jury, maybe she should start by looking at her own first. Just saying...

To those authors, who get that kindness is key. Kudos to you for focusing on honing your own craft each day. Kudos to you for mentoring other writers as that is what life is about - teaching those around us with better tools or skills. Kudos to you for remembering what our mothers have taught us.

'If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all. And if someone needs a bit of help, constructive criticism is okay as long as it's given with an encouraging heart.'