Should Authors Post Negative Reviews?

As much as I like to review books efficiently and honestly, since becoming a published author, I've had to hold myself back from posting negative reviews.

Of course, there are books out there which I don't like, but as an author, I don't think it's in my best interest to publicly voice negative opinions about others' books.

If I don't like a book, I don't review it. Full stop.

But that's just me.

There are other authors out there who believe otherwise, and that is their choice, and I completely respect that. But if you are going to free yourself to voice negative opinions about books, I think you need to accept the consequences that come with such a bold choice.

Now, I know, first hand, how hard it is to receive a negative review. And I've heard horror stories about authors lashing out at reviewers, and seen these situations turn nasty and destroy careers. But FANS of authors can also lash out at a reviewer that has posted a negative review. This is scary. Because if they discover that you are an author, they could very well decide to seek your books out and review them negatively for revenge. And if the author's fan base is huge, this could mean the end of your career. I know that sounds a little over the top, but can you imagine 100+ fans on a rampage to destroy your reputation?

It can happen. And when it does, it's devastating. I've seen it with my very own eyes.

I know how it feels to want to write an honest review about a book that isn't so great. I have felt like doing so on many occasion. And I know how silly it seems to play these 'games'. But this is business. It's one big popularity contest, and the tiniest thing can set you back. So in light of this, I've decided to avoid posting negative reviews. Not only because of the possible consequences, but because I really don't believe in putting another author down no matter how bad I think their work is. It's just NOT NICE. And as an author, I think you should be able to put yourself in another author's shoes, and understand how horrible it feels.

If you hate a book, whinge about it to your close friends over the phone or email, not in a public place. As authors, I think we need to look out for each other.

My advice is, if you're an author, DON'T post that negative review. Play nice. And if you just MUST, create a pseudonym, so it doesn't come back to bite you in the face.

What do you think about authors posting negative reviews?
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A MONSTROUS SUMMER GIVEAWAY!!!

Firstly, I hope all those in the US had a great long weekend and did lots of long-weekenderly stuff, like eat a crazy amount of food that one would normally avoid in fear of putting on the pounds! Was it good? Still feel bloated?

Secondly, if you subscribe to my newsletter, you are going to receive the following in your inbox this Friday.

Not a subscriber? Want a chance to win something from this amazing list? It's not too late. You can sign up now!

Want to donate something to the giveaway? For every prize donated I will give 50 cents to BuildOn.org. Email me with the following info:

item(s) + link (Amazon if book) + format + personal website/blog

Hey Everyone!

It's SUMMER! And what do people like to get in summer? FREE STUFF!!! I'm going to make that happen for you.

As a token of appreciation to you all, I'm hosting a monstrous summer giveaway. There are lots of books up for grabs, a few services such as manuscript edits and book cover design, and even some music and really cool T-shirts!

So, this is how it's going to work:

• If you are a subscriber of this newsletter, your name will be put in the hat.
• If you become a subscriber upon hearing about this giveaway, your name will be put in the hat.
• Winners will be chosen randomly and announced in two weeks time via this newsletter.
• Prizes will be allocated randomly, but you may email me with your preferred category prior to Friday, June 14. (i.e. Services, Poetry, Young Adult, etc). 
• If you win (one prize per name drawn from the hat), and your prize is digital, you will receive it automatically via email. If you win something physical (i.e. paperback, CD, T-shirt), your donator's email address will be forwarded to you, so that you can contact the donator with your postal address. If you win a service, your donator's email address will be forwarded to you. It is your responsibility to follow up on your prize.

See below for the list of fabulous prizes up for grabs!

*All items are linked to a product page, and all names are linked to authors'/donators' websites. Just click on them to check them out!

Services

$40 Morgan Media Voucher (author services), by Rachel Morgan

10 chapter (up to 25,000 words) developmental edit, or a 20 chapter (up to 50,000 words) copy edit. A $1,000 value, by Amie McCracken

Free book cover design for paperback and/or eBook. by Virginia Haenni

Apostrophe Apathy and Comma Chaos (a writing workshop), by MM Pollard (PDF)

Poetry

Fabric (Goodreads Choice Awards 2012 Semi-finalist), by Jessica Bell (eBook, PDF)

Twisted Velvet Chains, by Jessica Bell (eBook, PDF)

Muddy-Fingered Midnights, by Laurel Garver (eBook)

i cannot bring myself to look at walls in case you have graffitied them with love poetry, by Dan Holloway (PDF)

Romance/Historical Romance

Ripper, My Love, by Glynis Smy (eBook)

The Role of a Lifetime, by Jennifer Shirk (eBook, PDF)

A Love Rekindled , by Myne Whitman (eBook) 

Young Adult

Rouge, by Leigh Talbert Moore (eBook)

Bestest. Ramadan. Ever., by Medeia Sharif (eBook)

Shifting Pride, by Laura Diamond (eBook)

Neverlove, by Angela Brown (eBook, PDF) 

The Breakaway, by Michelle D. Argyle  (eBook, PDF)

Transcend, by Christine Fonseca (eBook)

Lacrimosa, by Christine Fonseca (eBook)

EleMental: A First-person Shooter, by Steven O’Connor (eBook)

Escapement, by Ciara Knight

Battle for souls series: Rise from Darkness, Fall from Grace, Ascension of Evil, by Ciara Knight (eBooks)

Thriller

The Mistaken, by Nancy S. Thompson (eBook)

Oracle, by J.C. Martin (eBook, 2 copies avail)

Inceptio, by Alison Morton (eBook or paperback)

Literary/Contemporary Fiction

The Book, by Jessica Bell (eBook, PDF)

String Bridge, by Jessica Bell (eBook, digital soundtrack included, Melody Hill: On the Other Side)

Black Cow, by Magdalena Ball (eBook, PDF, 5 copies avail)

Never Gone, by Laurel Garver (eBook)

Up So Down, by Briane Pagel (eBook)

Just Exactly How Life Looks, by Briane Pagel (eBook)

Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves, by Dianne Ascroft (eBook or paperback)

Science Fiction/Dystopian

muted: a short story in verse, by Jessica Bell (eBook, PDF, or paper chapbook)

Debt Collector (Vol 1-3), by Susan Kaye Quinn (eBook)

Eclipse, by Briane Pagel (eBook)

Santa, Godzilla, and Jesus Walk Into A Bar, by Briane Pagel (eBook)

Lyon's Legacy, by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan (eBook)

CassaStar, by Alex J. Cavanaugh (eBook)

Becoming Human, by Eliza Green (eBook)

Fantasy

The Faerie Guardian, by Rachel Morgan (eBook)

Letters to Psyche, by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan (eBook)

Fireseed One, by Catherine Stine (eBook)

To Carry The Horn, by Karen Myers (eBook)

Ghost

The Glass Guardian, by Linda Gillard (eBook or paperback)

Despite the Angels, by Madeline A. Stringer (eBook)

Nonfiction (Writing/Publishing)

Sell Your Books!, by Debbie Young (eBook)

Nail Your Novel, by Roz Morris (paperback)

The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide To Character Expression , by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi (PDF)

Nonfiction (Self-help)

Keeping Your Spirits Up, by Sarah Dale (paperback)

This We Know, by Tom Evans (eBook)

The Zone, by Tom Evans (eBook)

Horror/Speculative

River of Bones, by Jodi Cleghorn (eBook) 

The Scariest Things, You CAN'T Imagine, by Briane Pagel (eBook)

the After, by Briane Pagel (eBook)

Children’s

Zeb and the Great Ruckus, by Josh Donellan (eBook)

The Secret Lake, by Karen Inglis (eBook or paperback)

Eeek!: The Runaway Alien, by Karen Inglis (eBook or paperback)

Anthologies

The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal 2012, donated by co-editor Jessica Bell (paperback)

Spirited, donated by contributing author Dawn Ius (paperback or eBook)

The set of Literary Mix Tapes anthologies, donated by eMergent Publishing (4 x eBooks) 

Music Albums

Melody Hill: On the Other Side, by Jessica Bell (CD, 2 copies)

Bitter Delicious, by Lola Demo (MP3s)

T-Shirts

Ithacagreece.com T-shirts, donated by Erika Bach at Ithacagreece.com

NOTE: This is just a heads-up for my Friday newsletter announcement, if you want a chance to win one of these items, please sign up to the newsletter. It's also possible that additional items will be added to this list before I officially send it out.

The J.K Rowling Of My Time

I watched a TV movie about Enid Blyton this weekend. And I'm crushed.

The Wishing Chair, and The Faraway Tree were the first 'novels' I ever read. And whenever I think of them I get all nostalgic and mushy in my belly. I borrowed every single Enid Blyton book I could find from my local library after reading them. I became obsessed. Because they whisked me away into worlds I'll never ever forget.

But you know why I'm crushed? Because this GENIUS author, who I idolized, and respected, this author who had written over 400 books for children, who was the J.K Rowling of my time, and sold over 500 million copies (and still sells around 4 million every year) ... had children of her own ... and she treated them like dish rags! I'm devastated! 

For example, she'd spend her free time replying to fan mail, and send her kids out to play with their governess. She never spent time with them. Ever. She would invite her fans (little kids) over for indoor picnics and tea parties, and not include her own children. She'd send them upstairs to sit in the nursery until the parties were over. She wouldn't let them see their father when they divorced, despite knowing exactly how horrible it was to be without her own. Basically, she was a selfish cow who spent 24 hours a day glued to her desk and didn't give an inch of her time (nor love) to her kids. And I'm SO SAD!

So today I'm mourning the loss of my childhood idol ... I don't think I can ever think of her in the same royal light again.

Have you ever been crushed by biographies of those you admire?

Blurbedy blurbedy blurb ...

Source

Short post today as I'm hot and bothered, have too much work to do before I go on holiday, and am itching to get responses from ten awesome authors to write little blurbs for my cover of String Bridge. (oh look! I used an Oxford comma. Sorry folks, I'm afraid I'm not going to kick the habit.)

Anyway, I'm not going to reveal who I've asked, but I will say that if even ONE of them says yes, I will be so excited I might deafen myself from my own scream.

So let me ask you this: who would you DREAM to have write a blurb for the cover of your debut?

Please stop apologizing ...

Source

So, you're a debut author and you've got your first book coming out this year and you want to tell me about it by sending me a direct email. Or you run an online support group that you think I might be interested in joining. Or you've got a short story coming out in the latest issue of Glimmer Train and want to show it off. Sure, go ahead and email me about it. I completely understand. I understand how difficult it is to spread news of your own accomplishments without sounding like you love yourself. It can be embarrassing. BUT ...

... for goodness sake, if you're going to email somebody a plug, DO NOT apologize for it! It just makes you sound wimpish and inexperienced and kinda stalker-ish. Yes, stalker-ish, because then it doesn't sound like a business letter anymore. If you want to plug something in a direct email to somebody, be confident about it. Sell it to them. Think along the lines of a query letter. Connect with the person you are emailing and tell them why you think they, specifically, would be interested in your work.

Forget about your insecurities. If there is any place you can disguise low self-esteem, it's via email. If you really really want to plug something to an individual via an email, you really really need to take advantage of that.

Anyhoo, that's my thought of the day. I like to respond to all the plugs I receive, despite how they're written, but someone else might not.

What do you think when you receive a plug for something from someone you don't know from a bar of soap? Do you read them? Do you cringe? Do you not even bother and delete them? Do you respond to some and not others? Why? What is it about the ones you read that sparks your interest?

Do you like to doof doof?

So, er, I'm reading a Jodi Picoult novel. I've read quite a few, actually, because despite not really being into 'pop' fiction, she somehow manages to get me so involved in her books that I can't stop reading. But I'm not here today to talk about her hooks. I'm here to talk about something that a friend of mine mentioned about her stuff recently and got me thinking. She said that although she loves her books, she can't read one after the other because they seem to all have the same formula.

Yes, they do. And this formula she uses has given her great success. Aspiring authors want to write like her, to create a story so intense that it's impossible to put down. But 'formula' isn't necessarily a good thing, I think. Being a fan of literary fiction, if I were to read multiple books of hers in a row, I would get bored, because there's no DYNAMIC PROSE.

So, I like to see Jodi as a 'story-teller.' She is a master at story-telling, as is Marian Keyes, Lisa Jewel and Nick Hornby. To me these folks are pop writers. They make money by sticking to a formula that will lure the masses, just like pop music does. There is nothing wrong with this. Nothing at all. And I, on occasion can't wait to get stuck into a bit of pop. Even with music, sometimes I can really do with a bit Madonna, as opposed to PJ Harvey. Sometimes I just need to dance, to get into the groove.

It's the same with books. But! Who do I admire more? PJ Harvey, for sure. Because she gives me soul and makes me think and makes me smile and makes me cry. She makes me want to listen over and over to the layers of melody and instrumentalization. She doesn't give me doof doof doof, quick gimme another song to dance to, quick gimme another shot of vodka so I can keep feeling this thrill. She makes me appreciate very single note, every single lyric. So, my point, I guess, is that's what I prefer in books too. Even though I do like to break it up on occasion with a bit of formulaic pop.

How about you? Are you pro pop or do you like to dig deeper? Do you think there's a difference between writing and storytelling? What authors have you read that you think stick to a formula? Are you able to read many of their books in a row without starting to feel it's all becoming predictable?

How do you feel about offensive content in ADULT novels?

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This isn't any old review. My opinion on this book has sparked an idea for a discussion I'd like to have with you about offensive content in novels. I'd like to know how you react to it. But first, let's get to my review of this book.

This book was written by a very highly acclaimed Australian/Greek author. I have to say, that I admire him and his blatant honesty. And this is the first book I've read of his. I find it hilarious how so many people who have read this book have given it bad reviews and low ratings because they believe that the characters were horrible and the language was horrible and 'why would anyone want to write about such uninteresting people?' It really makes me laugh, because clearly, the people who have these opinions have totally missed the point. Opinions like these, are what I like to call, 'surface opinions.' Surface opinions, as the term suggests, do not attempt to dig any deeper than what can be seen (or read, in this case).

The point of this book, in my opinion, is to highlight the pettiness, cruelness, complete self-centeredness of humankind; the attributes we fail to recognize in ourselves, or deny even exist. We are monsters, people. Deep down there is as much bad as there is good in us and this book depicts this realistically. It's void of censorship, void of phoniness, void of pretence. This book is what it is because this is what the world is. Run by a pack of selfish animals. This is who we are, and I think anyone who denies it, is kidding themselves. Even if you do not actually behave appallingly like some of these characters do, take a moment to think: Have you ever smiled at someone, pretended to be polite, and at the same time cursed at their existence? We all have at some time or another. It's human nature. This is what this book represents: human nature. It's honest. It's blunt. It's real.

Great book. I recommend it to those who are not afraid of a bit of honesty. If you don't like reading about the world you live in. Don't read this book. Now to my question:

How do you feel about offensive content in books? If you are disgusted by it, do you ever stop to think, "Gee, there must be a REASON it's like this?" and try to take an objective stance? And another thing, please, please, please, do not assume that the characters in someone's book represent WHO THE AUTHOR IS. This is a big mistake, I believe, that readers make. The author is most likely trying to depict a certain person, or stereotype. Perhaps the author, too, is disgusted by their characters' behaviour, but they wouldn't do their book any justice by censoring these things, would they? Take a moment to think about that too. Look deeper. And don't make assumptions.

Thoughts?



View all my reviews

IT'S TIME TO GROW GILLS (i.e. I've made a decision and want to ask you some stuff)

So, the New Year is coming up and all, so I figure I need a New Year's resolution. (Well, no I don't, the decision didn't come about because I thought I needed a resolution, the resolution element is just a convenient addition to my decision.)

Anyway, I made a decision, and the idea of telling all who are willing to hear seems to be a psychological trick to set the decision in stone - so here I am - setting it into cyberstone.

The decision:
In 2011, I am going to prioritize reading works (which I have not yet read) by authors that inspire me to become a better writer - i.e. Margaret Atwood, Marilynne Robinson, Raymond Carver, Milan Kundera, Rebecca Miller, and my new-found love Anne Lamott. (But do not fear, if you have a debut coming out that you'd like me to read, gimme a shout and I'll TRY MY BEST TO MAKE time for it.)

You see, in 2010, I read A LOT of debuts, and took chances on A LOT of authors I'd never read before. And it was great. Really, some mega surprises can be found in the unknown, so I'm SUPER glad that I did that. (I also read a lot of stuff that really wasn't my cup of tea and kinda think I wasted time - but yer know, live and learn). But I will do it again - when the time is right.

But you see, I've missed my lovelies. And I have a novel coming out next year, which has made me realise, "OMG, my 'career' is being kick-started. I need to keep growing as a writer.' And to do that I need to be inspired. So, I've decided to be a little more selfish with my reading.

I need to swim in literature that makes me grow gills so that I can breathe under water. I need to read the works of authors that, somehow, take me to a place deep deep under the sea, where all exterior noise is drowned out; where the world around me turns into an unfocused swirl of unidentifiable color; a place where my own creativity is sparked; where my mind is free to roam in worlds only I know how to breathe in.

So there you have it. My decision. But if you have read the authors I mention above, and you know of any authors you think I might be inspired by, please holler. This decision doesn't mean I don't want to explore new authors, it just means that I want inspiration and am going to go where I'm guaranteed to find it.

On another, more smaller note, I'm also hoping to find a good work/writing/love-life balance. Something I am yet to perfect. I should get my butt in gear, I dunno, I should write up a daily schedule or something instead of living in my usual fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants mode. I need some structure. Because 2011, is already filling up with 'have tos'. Yep ... I need to find a balance. I need a routine. I also need something that forces me to get out of the house and away from the computer more. Perhaps a part-time job, doing something non-editing/writing related. Hmmm ... that's a thought ...

So this leaves me with a few questions for you:

1. What authors inspire you to become a better writer, and why?
2. Have you found your work/writing/love-life and/or family balance? If yes, how? If no, are you going to try to in the New Year?
3. When you make a decision, do you feel the need to 'set it in stone'? If so, how do you go about that?
4. Do you spend too long at your desk? Do you feel you need a 'reason' to get away from it, or are you good at self-discipline?

Have a wonderful New Year!

Prose Savoring VS. Page Turning (joint-post with Karen Gowen)

Karen Gowen, (author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds, and soon to be released, House of Diamonds), and I were recently discussing the difference between 'page-turners', and books we read slowly to savor their prose. We both thought it would make in interesting post and decided to do a joint one on this subject. So when you finish reading here, make sure you pop over to Karen's blog to check out what she has to say on the matter too.

Now, I think both types of books are pretty much masterpieces in their own right. The page-turners are so entertaining that you can't put them down. You have just got to know what happens! The story is so good that you forget about everything. The dishes and laundry pile up, you stay up late and lose sleep over them. But when they're over, do you remember much of them other than, 'OMG, I couldn't put it down'?

Books that I savor, however, do not (well, very rarely) have that page-turning quality to me. I have never got that sense of 'OMG, I want to know what happens next!', but what did make me excited about reading them day after day was the extraordinary way in which the author strung their words together, with such rhythm, grace and soul; beauty and cadence. I could very well pick these books up again and again - marvelling at the phrases I underlined the first time round because I never wanted to forget them.

But sometimes, just sometimes, I come across an author who can do both. So far in my life I can only think of two. See below.

So here's my list of authors that I particularly like in each category:

Page-turning authors:

Marian Keyes

Jodi Picoult

Nick Hornby

Alice Sebold

Audrey Niffenegger

Prose-savoring authors:

Marilynne Robinson

Milan Kundera

Nikki Gemmell

Virginia Woolf

Mary Shelley

Both:

Margaret Atwood

Rebecca Miller

So what are your top five in each category? Do you have another category to add? And after you tell me, make sure you go and tell Karen too!!!

John Hemry Interview on Mary McDonald's Blog Tomorrow

Hey everyone,

At Mary McDonald has the The Write Stuff, Mary is hosting an interview with John Hemry tomorrow. John Hemry is an author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired US Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series.

Don't miss it!