I love this comic strip. It's so true, isn't it?
While the majority of the reviews for my debut novel, BOUND, have been very positive, there have been a handful of readers who, for whatever reason, didn't like my book. And you know what? That's okay.
I've read a lot lately about authors who have commented on bad reviews, complaining that the review wasn't fair or that the reader's opinion was harsh and mean. In return, the entire reviewing community has lashed out at the author, starting a frenzy of author/reviewer bashing throughout the blogesphere.
It makes me cringe.
Nothing good can possibly come from such a confrontation and it only gives both the author and the reviewer a bad reputation. Don't get me wrong, I've been in their shoes, wanting to express my disappointment in how the reviewer chose to, not just express their opinion about my book, but the negative way in which they chose to do it. Taking personal jabs at another individual for ANY reason is wrong. But what good would it do for me to comment on it? It's not going to change their mind. It would only make ME look bad and that's not what I want either.
So I put on my big girl panties, thicken my skin and move on to my next book. There's no way I'm going to please every reader, but the ones who do like my work will always be there to cheer me on. I write for them.
How do you deal with bad reviews? Have you ever had someone attack you personally? How did you handle it?
I have had bad reviews and personal attacks of my music (piano) some that I received when I was just a teen. It was devastating, but after the hurt, I realized that there were possibilities to improve and while the guy had been a jerk, I could either let it destroy me or motivate me - I went for the latter. This policy has served me well.
ReplyDeleteOh, you are so, so right. This is one reason why I write for teens. They go through so much criticism and negativity growing up, they need something to inspire them and make them feel good about themselves. Thanks for sharing your ordeal. HUGS
DeleteWell, I am still on the way to getting my work out there, but I can understand the issue you face. And you are totally doing the 'big girl' thing. :) You're right. You're not going to change their mind. And, if they give the criticism in a horrible way, most people will dismiss the review any way.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is NEVER okay to attack a person. Ever. So sorry you, and most people who put there work out there for the masses, have to go through that.
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I personally don't read reviews of other books. I want to find out for myself if it's good and not be swayed by other's opinions.
DeleteGood luck with your writing, Kelley. Hope to see your book out there soon.
I've seen a couple of very meanly written reviews and it shocks me. Even if I, like them, didn't like the book I still wouldn't personally attack the author. It's just bad manners!
ReplyDeleteCandace @ Lovey Dovey Books
Bad manners is right. There are better ways to express yourself. Being rude just reflects badly on the reviewer, not necessarily on the author's work.
DeleteThanks for hanging out on my blog, Candace.
You have the right attitude.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen.
DeleteI haven't had to deal with reviews yet. But I think I need to remember that not everyone is going to like it. I mean, I don't like everything that i read. BUt I do try to find good in everything, no matter what it is.
ReplyDeleteIt is a hard thing to face: not everyone thinks I am the best writer in the world, or that I am... Haven't had to deal with reviews, but have had critiques of my writing. I have to suck it up, too.
ReplyDeleteI dread the day I face reviews. I've decided that maybe NOT looking at reviews is the answer, good or bad, that way you keep on writing your next book and improving and don't have to worry about being taken the wrong way. You're right, it does damage BOTH the reviewer and the author to respond. It's unfortunate that sometimes the review is unfair, and unfortunate a writer can't defend herself but I guess that's what critique partners are for. And family, of course. So many times I've wanted to defend an author, but I knew I would only add more fuel to the fire so I stayed out of it. Sometimes it's tough but like you said we have to endure it. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, when I'm looking at reviews before purchasing, the one star reviews don't count at all. Usually, I can tell it's because the reader didn't get it or they admit it's not what they usually read. But honestly, the five stars ones don't do much for me either. It's the power of the 3 and 4 star review that help me the most!
ReplyDelete