So, this happened recently...
"Im never really prone to writing reveiws but this was my second book on my new kindle. Lacked any imagination at all and was about one rich girl in the US and one poorer one. you could see the plot a mile off. Turn up to lovely house provided by stepfather... then find two young men there.. and yes, in their 20s tops off - all decide to stay there... i ended up just flicking page after page to see if the pair that they put together actually get there. So turned off the kindle and deleted it. Had no storyline at all. Really for airhead types. Had promise though, but after about one chapter i realised it wasnt going to be that interesting. I couldnt even read it on a beach it was that bad."
http://amzn.to/zjHx3L
Ouch!
Any artist can tell you that you can't please everyone, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt when something like the above happens. I felt horrible about it for a full ten minutes, and then I decided to move on and focus on the other positive reviews.
And then I felt bad about it again.
Why is it so hard to get over criticism? I know that not everyone is going to like my books, and I'm okay with that. However, it's different when someone dislikes your work SO much that they feel compelled to write a nasty review (and even say that they don't normally write reviews)!
One reason why this stings me so much is because I try hard to take what my "fans" have said and apply it to my future work. A few people have left comments on my blog, or tweeted me, with some constructive criticism. I also read the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and use the comments to help make my work better. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to take from the review above.
Honestly, I feel better now that I've talked to you about it. I am resolved to move past this. I will not dwell on it. I will not dwell on it. I will not dwell on it.
Maybe if I keep repeating it to myself, I'll actually start living it.
I loved this book! It may just be my favorite of yours yet! Don't worry about the bad review, I had a huge smile on my face when I read it and that is what counts!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anonymous! ;o) It does take a bit of the sting out.
ReplyDeleteThis person could not be more wrong! I am in the process of reading this book for the second time (something I have never done with any other book), and even though I know what is going to happen, I can't seem to put this book down! I have never read a book where I literally laughed out loud like I did when I read this book. This is the first book of yours that I have read and can't wait to read your other books. I can say without any doubt that you are my favorite author! Please don't stop writing!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU Nicole! You have made my night and probably my week! I'm so excited to know that you enjoyed my book enough to read it twice! Favorite author? Too much! You're killing me with kindness! I certainly hope that my other works do not let you down. Feel free to stop by any time.
DeleteDear Virginia, Just finished a week at the beach this evening and absolutely LOOOVED IT! (singing) I have purchased all your books and have read all of them except for second chance which I will be starting after I finish this post. ;) You are a FANTASTIC writer and DO NOT STOP writing. I have loved all your books so far (absolute favorites though are; across the pond, sheriff in town and week at the beach). You are an incredible writer, funny, creative, and the list goes on. I cannot wait for your next book. And pish-posh on the person who wrote the bad review. Obviously, they were talking about another book... ;) Take care and thank you for sharing your wonderful stories with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy! I appreciate your support! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Between people stopping here and others leaving comments on Goodreads.com, I think I have officially gotten over the nasty negative review. Never in a million years would I have dreamed that others would enjoy my stories so much! The support I've received has been amazing! I used to write for myself, but now I feel the need to keep fans like you, and the others who've spoken up about my books, entertained by these stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you again!
You are very welcome and I will be happy to leave a review for each of your books on amazon.
DeleteThank you! Only write reviews if you feel compelled to do so. :o)
DeleteI loved this book the most! I cant believe someone had the nerve to write that review. To each his own i assume. I just want to tell you, your books are different from other romance novels because I can actually picture them happening. They don't feel distant or far off like most romance stories tend to. I feel myself being one of the characters and usually have to read the whole book in a night or two because I just cant wait to see what happens! I literally just finished Across the Pond and came to this site to see what book you're working on next. Do you have another book coming out soon?Keep up the greatwork :)
ReplyDeleteDont listen to that person. Their review was obviously wrong. I loved your book so much! You should write a sequel!
ReplyDelete