Reviews: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
A positive review is enough to get me dancing around my bedroom like a fool! But as everyone knows, not all reviews are positive. I was once asked in a radio interview regarding my novel, “What do you do when you get a negative review?” My immediate response was: “I brush it off and keep writing.” I knew going into this that not everyone was going to like my book. TORN is not for everyone—it’s extremely controversial to begin with. That said, I do take the time to read every review that is written. I also take into consideration the reviewer’s points, concerns, or complaints. But it’s never something that discourages me from writing. It’s the price you pay for being an author. I love what I do. And those who can enjoy it with me, I am happy to share. Those who don’t like it, I hope they find a book that they do enjoy. If you are a writer or aspiring author, I hope you are encouraged to take that leap—no matter how scary— to get published and continue to do what you love to do—write—regardless of reviews. Remember . . . you can’t please everyone all the time.
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Rena
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Jan 04, 2011 07:38PM
I'm glad you wrote this, Amber. Some authors are turned off by reviews because they don't want the criticism, but it's good to see an author use critique constructively, and not take it negatively.
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Thank you, Rena! I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and that all opinions hold value. :)
Also, not everyone's writing style, story, etc appeals to everyone. It all depends on taste.
It's very true - although a bad review can make you feel as depressed as a rejected submission. Still, we should just put it down to experience as you say.
I definitely see where you're coming from Susan. But I have to admit that I have also gotten a good chuckle out of some of the negative reviews that are SO over the top or exaggerated. ;) I imagine a rejected submission would elicit an entirely different reaction though. I can see where that could definitely bring my spirits down for a bit.
The others day at my writers group we were talking about this and the leader of the group talked about how a local Author kept getting a bad review from one reviewer everytime she wrote a book. Them he wrote one 'she writes a tight story but...' then gives a bad review. On her new published book they are actually using his quote on the back of the book that she writes a tight story. I find it hilarious. (I hope you could understand what I mean. I kind of rambled)
Actually, I know exactly what you mean. That's pretty clever of her! ;)
Fabulous, honest, and helpful. It is always nice know their are others out there experiencing and overcoming the same obstacles.Thanks for sharing!
Sammy Sutton
