tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post6412498267470178005..comments2024-03-28T08:48:51.749-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: What to Do When You Offend or Disappoint a ReaderJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18340946210742494952012-07-15T21:16:04.051-04:002012-07-15T21:16:04.051-04:00Hi Patricia!
Thank you so much for taking the ti...Hi Patricia! <br /><br />Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts on this post! I appreciate it! I like your advice to take note of the criticism that can help us become better writers. And I'm sure in that specific situation, confronting a particular reviewer was appropriate. I'm a fairly young author and have limited experiences! But I can imagine that at some point in my career there may come a time when I'll need to confront someone--especially as you say with a slander campaign. I would hope I'd have the grace and tact to handle it as you did! Thanks again for sharing! Blessings!<br /><br />JodyJody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37147403826218699612012-07-15T12:01:58.622-04:002012-07-15T12:01:58.622-04:00Karen is a dear, cherished friend of mine so I wil...Karen is a dear, cherished friend of mine so I will keep my response germane to your question--how should authors respond or should we respond at all? Your advice is spot on, first off. I have always cautioned authors not to respond to criticism online. I take note of the criticism that helps me to be a better writer. The good praise always comes or else why did a publisher invest in us in the first place? I allow those good things said to buoy me up and keep me writing for those who took the time to exhort my story. If emailed (usually it's about a mistake that managed to slip past me and the battery of editorial experts who helped me publish it), I do respond in private, but, as you have so advised, extending the same grace extended to me by my Lord. However, I once was distressed when it seemed a reviewer was reporting incorrect facts about, not only me and my books, but other writers who have a more literary bent. When enough writers were under attack, finally, we were able to contact the online book seller. The reviewer was contacted via telephone. As it turned out, she was a bitter writer who had never gotten published. She apologized profusely--she seemed shocked that she had left such an enormous wake of wounded authors. I was called personally by the bookseller's rep and, in front of me online, she removed the offensive reviews.(They were not book reviews but attacks on my character.) Since then I've noted reviewers who have wrongly accused me of using profanity (I use zero) and explicit sex scenes (nada--never), and I just say a prayer for them and continue on. While I gingerly offer advice to an author to ignore the bad reviews, I'm apt to share of my one exception. But if it seems that we are under some sort of slander campaign, we have a duty to our readers to protect our reputations and preserve our honor in the eyes of our readers. Again, this has happened only once.Pattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970868015510224813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5993748263372064072012-06-03T06:56:24.337-04:002012-06-03T06:56:24.337-04:00Hi Anonymous! Thanks for jumping into the discussi...Hi Anonymous! Thanks for jumping into the discussion and sharing your thoughts about Karen's last book. She's definitely been hitting homeruns for quite a while with her books. And it's interesting to analyze what happened with this book and try to figure out just why it didn't resonate with readers. I think it's always important to listen to the input of editors and others so that we make sure we stay on track with our stories!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77534961361215966652012-06-02T12:51:13.608-04:002012-06-02T12:51:13.608-04:00Hi! I was googling Karen Kingsbury randomly and ca...Hi! I was googling Karen Kingsbury randomly and came across this.<br /><br />Just wanted to confirm, having read/ looked at many of her books, that the Bailey & Cody relationship was built up--very deliberately--for a long time. Even when Bailey dated others, there was always that "something" missing. So readers invested their time as well as their money to follow the story. <br /><br />Karen's explanation for jerking the rug out from under her readers after about 10 (?) books (Brandon appears only in the last two or last few) is that she spent a day at the beach asking God about it, or something like that. I don't agree with that way of thinking. God does not divinely tell fictional writers what to put in their books; I don't think that that's happened since Scripture was written! :) Rather, God gives WISDOM, and had she carefully read reviews on the next-to-last book or so, she could have righted her mistake. The last book or so is a tortured attempt to undo ALL the bonding Bailey and Cody shared over the years.<br /><br />In addition, Bailey ends up with a movie star, much as Katy (another character) did, and it would have been refreshing to allow a rich girl with a "perfect" family to see past the immense struggles Cody had been through (losing part of a leg, alcoholic mother, his own past) and love him regardless. So for those rooting for Cody, there was a lot of betrayal.<br /><br />This was deliberate and had lots of warning. No judgment on her as a person (I think she must be a wonderful person), but you shouldn't have to worry about making the same mistake, not if you accept wise input and if you have anyone in your life to tell you if you're too "married to the truth" and not developing a story line well because "This happened in real life."<br /><br />Now I want to check out some of your writing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33709787550902363442012-04-25T07:18:57.435-04:002012-04-25T07:18:57.435-04:00Good point, Paul. You summed it up extremely well!...Good point, Paul. You summed it up extremely well!! Thanks for chiming in! Yes, I'm not sorry for what I wrote. But I wanted to acknowledge her specific hurt and concern. And to express that I didn't mean my words to offend anyone, but I was "sorry" if they somehow offended her. Acknowledging reader concerns does take some humility, but in today's internet culture, I'd much rather be known as an author who cares about readers and responds to them, than one who doesn't.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6184366359334164132012-04-25T03:10:54.013-04:002012-04-25T03:10:54.013-04:00I think it's more to express an understanding ...I think it's more to express an understanding of the person's viewpoint. You don't have to agree with their feelings, but it's always good to show that your intent was not to offend, to show a little humility and maintain a positive relationship with a reader.<br /><br />It's like when you say "I'm sorry" if someone loses a loved one. You're not saying it because you were responsible, you're saying it to show empathy and understanding of their feelings.Paul Anthony Shortthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393249001158230985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34240529328429745522012-04-24T21:51:07.440-04:002012-04-24T21:51:07.440-04:00Is it really your responsibility to apologise if y...Is it really your responsibility to apologise if you've offended someone with your work? "I'm offended" is such a non-complaint. What exactly do they want you to do, rewrite the book? I admire you for standing by your work and your choices, but I really don't think you should have to say the word 'sorry' just because somebody says the word 'offended'. Because if you believe in your work, surely you're not remotely sorry that they disagree with what you've written? It seems disingenuous to me.digressicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05248859929114162549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35030879973855661202012-04-13T11:31:41.434-04:002012-04-13T11:31:41.434-04:00This is great advice. I had the odd experience of ...This is great advice. I had the odd experience of offending a beta reader with one of my books recently. I spent a lot of time trying to understand what I'd done wrong since none of my other betas had expressed an issue. I had to finally accept that my book wouldn't be for everyone, even among my friends.Paul Anthony Shortthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393249001158230985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1865773426863387172012-04-13T10:28:58.295-04:002012-04-13T10:28:58.295-04:00Really interesting post, Jody. I agree that respo...Really interesting post, Jody. I agree that responding publicly to a bad review is a bad idea. No good can come of it. <br /><br />As for responding to positive blog reviews, I do tend to respond in the comments. It comes from a genuine place -- I'm always happy when someone reads what I've written, elated when they enjoy it, and over the moon when they love it so much they write a rave review about it. It feels natural and respectful to let the reviewer know how much I appreciate their time, and how happy I am that they loved the book.<br /><br />I'll also respond to positive reviews that aren't necessarily raves, where they liked-but-didn't-love the book, or recommended it despite a couple things that didn't work for them. Again, I genuinely appreciate their time and honesty, and want to acknowledge that.<br /><br />What's lovely about responding to these blogs is they've often turned to Twitter conversations, and started online relationships with people I very much enjoy -- a definite boon.Elisehttp://www.eliseallen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-64239552663363457482012-04-11T19:04:09.262-04:002012-04-11T19:04:09.262-04:00Well said. This is so valuable for those of us who...Well said. This is so valuable for those of us who have yet to face such wonderful/difficult conundrums. I am sorry that you've faced reader disappointment. I know that I haven't always enjoyed every book that I read, but I also don't make a habit (read never) balk about it openly. Because I know that my opinion is just that. I value other people's opinions and I don't want to sway their reading experience before they even get a chance. That's me as a reader. As a writer I appreciate the advice for how to respond to readers with the same polite manner. Thanks for a wonderful post, as always. :)Karen Adairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17146562470962017172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-28858729707528922112012-04-11T15:31:17.067-04:002012-04-11T15:31:17.067-04:00I have to agree with this from the position of hav...I have to agree with this from the position of having this happen to me. I posted I will admit a very bad one star review of a book that ha, to that point, only received 5 stars. This was not just a personsl taste for me but backed up by 9 members of my book club. I said it was a hundred pages too long several said it was two hundred pages too long, there were mistakes in usage and overly purple prose. I posted my review and moved on. The author however felt the need to in my opinion poke me about my review, it flipped a switch in few that really ticked me off. My posting of that review was honest and okay maybe a little more abrasive than need be but it was due to the outrage of all the 5 stars that were't a true representantion. So I responded back to his comment now rudely and defensively and then he responded more rudely and let's just say it didn't end pretty. <br />Eat the chocolate, sip the wine just walk away you can't please everybody. Don't buy into the hype the good or the bad, listen take notes for the future and move forward.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-41607109218153207802012-04-11T14:39:19.842-04:002012-04-11T14:39:19.842-04:00Excellent post, and a great reminder NOT to respon...Excellent post, and a great reminder NOT to respond (unless it's a letter to you directly). I would cringe if I had 100 out of 245 reviews as 1-star, too. My sympathies to KK. Ouch!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29418776343346121862012-04-11T11:56:33.373-04:002012-04-11T11:56:33.373-04:00I like the idea of doing this privately, and not f...I like the idea of doing this privately, and not for the world to see. I've seen some amazing threads between authors and readers, and it never ended well. It's tough to realize we can't please everyone, but that's reality. Thanks for your thoughtful opinions. I wholeheartedly agree.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20384909321995822642012-04-11T11:05:30.845-04:002012-04-11T11:05:30.845-04:00Jody - I would certainly agree with your post. I ...Jody - I would certainly agree with your post. I would also suggest that a variety of reviews/responses would indicate a wide variety of audience which is exactly what you want as an author. Every reader doesn't love the same type of book or method of author. What I think is beautiful another may not be attracted to at all. That doesn't reflect on the author as much as on personal taste. I love Lisa Wingate's books but there was a series of hers I just couldn't get into. It didn't make me stop reading her. It just made me put down that particular series. No author should be put in a box by the readers. We write what we are inspired to write and do it the very best we can. In that - we can count ourselves successful.Cmdalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07027368243179276364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17102250546169441842012-04-11T10:37:49.326-04:002012-04-11T10:37:49.326-04:00I think you have a very wise policy. And I'm s...I think you have a very wise policy. And I'm sure the reader of your misprinted book will remember the class with which you handled her complaint. <br /><br />As far as bad Amazon and GR reviews--sometimes these sites are just safe zones for unhappy people. Maybe they can't tell their sister-in-law off, but they CAN trash the book they just read. <br /><br />Also, I recently read Deanne Gist's Maid to Match and LOVED it! I left my review on GR's and read through a few of the other reviews. The ones who gave it lower stars routinely knocked it down for being "Christian" fiction! Hello? It IS Christian fiction! <br /><br />Sorry, just my thoughts... :)Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60391702777042754462012-04-10T22:55:18.676-04:002012-04-10T22:55:18.676-04:00I think your suggested responses are very wise. Ju...I think your suggested responses are very wise. Just what I would expect from one with such a good heart. :)Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27988896630294190812012-04-10T22:35:22.880-04:002012-04-10T22:35:22.880-04:00I don't think that authors should respond to o...I don't think that authors should respond to online reviews. I think it's okay to respond to personal complaints, but only to a certain extent. The thing is that there are always going to be some overly sensitive or bossy know-it-all types who will be the first ones to tell you if you do something that they don't like or agree with. If you respond to them once, that's usually enough to settle things with them. But there are some people, though, who won't let it go; I've seen plenty of online "trolls" who will keep responding with more and more complaints because they're trying to provoke an emotional response. I don't think that the people you described were necessarily trolls; I also think that the way that you responded was the right thing to do. But it can be tricky to figure out how to deal with people like that sometimes.Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49949065527822161752012-04-10T20:04:12.242-04:002012-04-10T20:04:12.242-04:00Great post, Jody. I especially like the part about...Great post, Jody. I especially like the part about eating chocolate! You've made some key points here. I've had moments where I've felt about an inch tall. No fun. But Bad reviews are rough and part of the business of art. I used to review all books, but in the last year or so, I've decided that as an author, I only want to post a review if its really positive. There's nothing fun about hurting another persons feelings.Joanne Bischofhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12850714020955061159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-40381925019230133112012-04-10T15:43:59.835-04:002012-04-10T15:43:59.835-04:00Thank you, Paula and Patti, for the kind words abo...Thank you, Paula and Patti, for the kind words about my books! I've been very blessed so far to have most of my readers responding so kindly! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68905907650205259642012-04-10T15:38:04.366-04:002012-04-10T15:38:04.366-04:00I personally would never leave a feedback that wou...I personally would never leave a feedback that would hurt the writer. I was taught by mom and G-Mom if you can't say something nice don't say anything. Your books are great. God bless you and all your writer friends. Patti in VAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-36588771913028995142012-04-10T15:05:40.299-04:002012-04-10T15:05:40.299-04:00I dont think you should respond to bad reviews, it...I dont think you should respond to bad reviews, its their opinion and we all have a right to our opinions. I am sure you get more good then bad ones because your books are great. You just cannot please everyone, there are many differences in people and what one likes another may not...<br />Paula Opolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16382710562280127463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8131081346751282332012-04-10T14:54:42.327-04:002012-04-10T14:54:42.327-04:00Gellie, I love teen writers! I get so excited when...Gellie, I love teen writers! I get so excited when I see young writers already pursuing their passion!<br /><br />And Gwendolyn. Eeek. I think it really does do more damage to respond to a negative review. As you said, now you have a WORSE opinion of that author because of her response. If you feel that way, I imagine many other readers read the review and now think less of that author too.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56452709227787707282012-04-10T14:22:38.403-04:002012-04-10T14:22:38.403-04:00Not too long ago, I read a honest, but unflatterin...Not too long ago, I read a honest, but unflattering review about a Christian fiction book I had recently purchased. I was shocked to find that in the comment section, the author had responded to the reviewer by asking her to never read any of her books again, thank you, she didn't want anymore bad reviews. Though I wasn't the one the author was speaking to, the comment disturbed me and tainted my impression of her character. I may not buy another book from this author again, even if I enjoy the book. Responding to a bad review is the worst thing an author can do.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11657583544798915346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47534314603847616782012-04-10T13:51:42.309-04:002012-04-10T13:51:42.309-04:00Once again, Jody, you've broached an important...Once again, Jody, you've broached an important topic and handled it well. You've shared honestly and said "This is how I've handled it" and then invited us to join the conversation. <br />I've enjoyed reading others' insights too.<br />I've already committed to not responding to negative reviews. I have learned though, that if someone posts a negative review--particularly if it is a personal attack (and I've read reviews like those) you can ask someone else to comment for you, instead of doing the responding yourself. That's always an option and that is the advantage of having a "safety net" of writing comrades.Beth K. Vogthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032849469366266791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23212219445191922862012-04-10T13:45:11.022-04:002012-04-10T13:45:11.022-04:00Some very solid advice here, Jody. We should never...Some very solid advice here, Jody. We should never react to public reviews. Sure, we're human, so we should feel free to share our opinions with our husband or call up a girlfriend (I like Goodreads advice about the wine too!), but we should never respond publically. But I do think a response is deserved for personal notes. Now, depending on the tone of the letter, a cooling off period might be advised. And it's good to remember that anything on the internet could essentially become public, so even those personal emails need to be treated as if they might go public.<br /><br />Great topic!Jen J. Dannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00817943866838270699noreply@blogger.com