So, remember this...'A Punch in the Gut' ? If you don't, or you don't have the time or inclination to follow the link, I'll recap it for you. Someone in the UK gave my book 'A Week at the Beach' a very scathing 1 star review. It was after a free book giveaway and in the middle of a great month of sales. I took it personal. How could I not? But eventually I got over it and have just learned to accept that not everyone is going to love everything that I do or write. After that initial blog post about it, I received many notes of encouragement on here and on goodreads.com, all of which truly helped me to feel better about the situation. Like I said before, I got over it.
Or did I?
See, that feeling of dread, that awkward feeling of knowing that someone doesn't like you, and the weird butterflies in your stomach when you think about the mean and nasty things someone said about you, all that has been replaced with something new.
Anger!
I'm quite pissed, actually. I can accept that everyone is entitled to their own opinion about my books. I'm okay with that. I'm even okay with the idea of someone disliking my book so much that they feel compelled to leave a bad review. What is really pissing me off about the whole situation is the way it's destroying my book sales in the UK. You see, here in the US, 'A Week at the Beach' is by far my most popular book. It has 13 reviews, only 2 of which are not 5 stars and both of those reviews give it 4 stars. When that book pops up on someone's Amazon.com screen, it's likely that the reader will give it a chance, right? Well, not on the other side of the Atlantic! When 'A Week at the Beach' pops up on the Amazon.co.uk site, they see 2 reviews. That's it, just two reviews! Of those two reviews, you have a 1 star and a 5 star. Who would take a chance on that novel? No one, as evidenced by the complete lack of sales on that title in the UK. Seriously, none! All the other books have sales. Not a single one for 'A Week at the Beach' so far this month and single digit sales for last month! The killer is the fact that if they would just scroll down to the reviews they would see that all 13 of the Amazon.com reviews are there for them to read! Those reviews are not taken into account on first glance.
So, yes, I've gotten over the humiliation of a particularly nasty 1 star review. I can honestly say that it has forced me to be a stronger person when it comes to reviews and criticism. However, I am not quite ready to let go of the anger and bitterness I feel over the loss of sales. I'm also angry about all the people who are going to miss out on a great story because one person didn't like it! It's not about the money, it really isn't. It's more about the loss of opportunities. People who have read all of my books have said that 'A Week at the Beach' is the best. Unfortunately, there's a whole country of people out there who are missing out on the chance to read me at my best.
I just read 'Weekend at the beach' and I loved it! So much so that I am dragging today because I stayed up until 3:30am to read it! I just couldn't put it down! It was fun, light, and I really like that the sex scenes are suggested and not descriptive. I will be buying more of your books so keep writing!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am sorry the UK people will be missing out on this great book! Their loss!
I agree with maridith.I read it in 1 day. I loved it and couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maridith! I'm so sorry to hear that you were sleepy today, but I am so thrilled that you enjoyed my book. I have to admit, I have been the victim of many a great book! I tell my students every year that if I ever seem cranky, worn out, or have dark circles under my eyes they should ask me, "So, the book was that good, huh?"
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. I appreciate the effort and I am so incredibly humbled by the support. If you do chosse to read more of my books I would love to hear from you again!
Happy reading!
I couldn't put it down. Read it in one day! Loved it! Keep writing. :)) oh, and I told my friends about it, too.
ReplyDeleteI never read a one -star review of books, epecially on Amazon. There are too many "trolls" out there, who trash and run, under the safety of anonymity. If his/her real name was emblazoned up top, he/she'd be too much of a coward to actually do such a slimy deed.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've just finished A Week At The Beach. I enjoyed it very much, and it prompted me to find your website and look at other books you've written!
All sorts of people are on the internet. Look at your good reviews, and don't let the inevitable Trolls get you down!!!
I downloaded your book A WEEK AT THE BEACH
ReplyDeletebefore my 8 yr olds ball practice last night. I have a 3 yr old as well to keep up with out there as well... but she takes her toys and there r always other kids to play with. So I start the book at the ball park to pass a portion of the 2 hr practice.... I could not put it down... I laughed- cried- giggled-sobbed- felt truelove...the book ended just as I wanted it too. I absolutely loved the book..and will be downloading more on my kindle. I related so much to Camilla.. the simple good girl. Thank you ;)
I just finished A Week At The Beach, I loved it! I finished it in 2 days ( work got in the way)
ReplyDeleteHoping there are more of your books out there :)
Hi, I just finished A week at the beach and like the others I couldn't stop reading it. Absolutely loved it and will be looking for more of your books! Thank you for making it such a joy to read.
ReplyDeleteI just finished 'A Week at the Beach'. This was my first download on my kindle fire. What a great book! It was light, funny, and sexy. Whomever chose to trash it just doesn't get such a book. I look forward to reading more of your work.
ReplyDeleteI loved A Week at the Beach! I actually came to your blog to see if I could find another book written by you.....seems I'm in luck! Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteI just read week at the beach. 2 days. I was hooked. Love your work
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