tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8743196493437056096..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: How to Handle Harsh Criticism Without CryingJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54431232833789203212010-12-13T18:06:43.061-05:002010-12-13T18:06:43.061-05:00Personally, as a writer and a blogger, I think &qu...Personally, as a writer and a blogger, I think "keeping quiet" about a bad book is the most selfish thing you can do as a reviewer. You rob the author of genuine feedback about their flaws, which - if the writer is any good - should lead to awareness and improvement; you're not making your readers aware of flaws that the may not enjoy, which could have warned them away from spending money and time on a book that they're not going to enjoy; and it's rather unfaithful to your own opinions and professional ethics. <br /><br />And yeah, it stings as an author the first time you get a bad review. But like the pain of getting a shot, it's good for you. <br /><br />It is not "mean" to give a bad review, and it doesn't make the review grouchy, spiteful or cruel. As long as they make their points civilly and make it clear that they've actually read the book, reviews can only be positive - whether they're negative or not.Addley C. Fanninhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00187955352666529964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4579275435787967912010-12-13T17:45:02.562-05:002010-12-13T17:45:02.562-05:00Seriously? I don't get some people and I alway...Seriously? I don't get some people and I always say, "They have the right to be wrong" :P. My review is the only one that matters and you passed with flying colors LOL *hugs*<br /><br />When I read reviews I look to the percentages. If there are 20 reviews that say it is great and one sour-puss, then that person is probably an anomaly with a too-tight-fitting bra, which makes her grouchy and spiteful. Either way, your writing moved her enough to take time to write a review...some powerful writing ;).<br /><br />So you want I gather up some angry horror writers and locate this person? :D<br /><br />Hugs!<br /><br />KristenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-69120531821342920732010-12-09T23:29:35.098-05:002010-12-09T23:29:35.098-05:00Of course it hurts us, however, I think of famous ...Of course it hurts us, however, I think of famous people, like Presidents, Oprah, movie stars, who get tons of negative comments. So my opinion is to think of yourself as famous, and people are jealous.Gutsy Livinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02226653890127738115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-25398471882255896132010-12-09T22:39:36.229-05:002010-12-09T22:39:36.229-05:00Fabulous advice. Personally, I never write anythin...Fabulous advice. Personally, I never write anything bad about a book. If I didn't like it for whatever reason, I keep that to myself. There's no point in upsetting an author, and possibly accidentally insulting her editor, agent, publisher, etc. I've gotten both great and bad reviews for my erotic romances, but negative remarks stick out and replay over in my mind way more than the good ones do. I try to remind myself that other people like it, and move on ;) Great post!Shoshanna Evershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10172269305910566840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82661363429431599262010-12-09T20:36:48.557-05:002010-12-09T20:36:48.557-05:00As an occasional reviewer on my own blog, I find t...As an occasional reviewer on my own blog, I find there's always something positive to say about a book. There's also issues around subjectivity. Of course, reviewers are as subjective as the rest of us and occasionally that shows up where it shouldn't.<br /><br />At the end of day, like you said, you can't please everyone. Whenever I write something that someone else hates I ask myself whether I was happy with it before the destructive comments. In those cases I value my opinion much more than someone else's.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47774921830473120532010-12-09T14:59:12.589-05:002010-12-09T14:59:12.589-05:00Great advice, Jamie. We probably shouldn't let...Great advice, Jamie. We probably shouldn't let our stories head out there unless we're prepared for the responses we're going to get, both the positive and the negative!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14654228076159952332010-12-09T10:07:35.644-05:002010-12-09T10:07:35.644-05:00It's interesting isn't it how we pay more ...It's interesting isn't it how we pay more attention to the negative review. Maybe that's because we learn more from something that doesn't simply pat us on the back and say well done. I was outraged by my first negative review, ranting to my other half - "this guy can't possibly have read the story I wrote!" This view was backed up by the positive reviews the short story received, but that one negative review really niggled. Eventually though, I was drawn back to look more closely at what the reviewer had commented upon. It was clear that he had skimmed the story rather than read it, but there was one point that made me think, hey maybe I could have fleshed that out a bit more. His negative comments made me think more about my writing that all of the positive ones. <br /><br />The most important thing I learned was that once it's published you have to let it go. My grandfather used to say "never ask the question if you're not prepared for all the answers". He was right. So now, before I let my story go I ask myself if I'm ready to face all of the responses, if I'm not then my story isn't ready. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing.Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14878157173763586057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27699723532307046852010-12-09T07:17:48.369-05:002010-12-09T07:17:48.369-05:00A little late commenting...but I do refrain from p...A little late commenting...but I do refrain from posting negative reviews because if I didn't like a book and others did like it, then I know that the book just didn't suit my tastes. I was asked to review a book recently, and the book bored me to tears. So my daughter asked to read it, and she loved it. So my posted review will be that the book was not my kind of book, but my daughter loved it. I also purchased a book from Amazon recently, and I totally hated the way the book was written. Yet, I will not post a negative review because, again, that is only my opinion of the book, so there is no point in killing an author's spirit over it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55372949407535397502010-12-08T23:40:47.838-05:002010-12-08T23:40:47.838-05:00Jody, Thanks for your response! The comment I wrot...Jody, Thanks for your response! The comment I wrote to you and lost was LONG, so I don't know if it was the universe sending me a message or what? :-) Anyway, I did like Kiersten's response on her blog, and I know that that would be extremely difficult for me to have the attitude. (Good for me to hear it expressed...much more difficult for me to put it into action, but good for her!) I hope I'm in a position some day to get reviewed, and then I know I won't be able to resist reading them, and I know even the slightest negative thing--though to be expected--will sting (or worse). I love your blog, plan to read your novel and just wanted to say that I thought you handled this really well!kellyehttp://www.twitter.com/kelcrockernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7818815902923808882010-12-07T21:49:59.304-05:002010-12-07T21:49:59.304-05:00I'm sorry to hear this, and I think you're...I'm sorry to hear this, and I think you're handling it like a champ. No one wants to hear something negative about their work. It's so personal to us. It's like someone telling us they don't like our child. <br /><br />I'm also of the "if you can't say something nice..." camp. That's what my mom taught me, it's what we teach our children, and I'm sticking with it. <br /><br />We do seem to pay more attention to the negative, but I hope you'll rest easy knowing how many people (including me) LOVED your book.Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6579590921966482072010-12-07T18:41:04.224-05:002010-12-07T18:41:04.224-05:00I have a problem with people (who are not book cri...I have a problem with people (who are not book critcs) posting negative reviews. I have a book blog and I only post book reviews for books I'd recommend. People never ask me which books I've read that I hate. Why would I publicly critcize an author? What does that gain? <br /><br />It's always hard to remember all the glowing reviews in the face of the bad. It's human nature. But at the end if the day, pull out all of the positive reviews and letters and know that if you've touched one person you did your job.<br /><br />You certainly did that.Erika Robuckhttp://www.erikarobuck.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75406095934606745192010-12-07T18:31:16.155-05:002010-12-07T18:31:16.155-05:00Hey kellye,
What a bummer you lost your first com...Hey kellye,<br /><br />What a bummer you lost your first comment! I hate when that happens!And thanks for the link to Kirsten's article. Was a good perspective. I'm not sure that I'm at the point where I won't read reviews. I still try to make a point of getting around and thanking reviewers for taking the time and effort to write something up about my book. I actually really like to interact with readers. But. . . I'm sure that at some point, I'll probably need to back off. Maybe I'll make it my goal with my next book not to read any reviews! We'll see! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54708312498263186982010-12-07T18:17:53.349-05:002010-12-07T18:17:53.349-05:00You handled this subject so well. I know I'll ...You handled this subject so well. I know I'll be huddled on the floor in the fetal position when I get my first bad review! I'm bookmarking this post!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49833935792224395982010-12-07T15:17:53.553-05:002010-12-07T15:17:53.553-05:00Jody, I wrote a long, heartfelt response to your p...Jody, I wrote a long, heartfelt response to your post the day you published it, and there was some kind of stupid glitch and I lost it all, and had to get to work...<br /><br />But I loved it, and I think you were right to not engage with that reviewer.<br /><br />Kiersten White's latest blog entry is on the same topic. I thought of you when I read it: http://kierstenwrites.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Take care!kellyehttp://www.twitter.com/kelcrockernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44767603207328280352010-12-07T14:32:21.737-05:002010-12-07T14:32:21.737-05:00I think you are handling it all with grace. I kno...I think you are handling it all with grace. I know I would have a difficult time with this,and hope I could handle it so well.<br />And I guess I am not a modest lady afterall, according to the reviewer. I must remember that one can not be both modest and passionate;) <br /><br />Oh, and my mom just finished your book and LOVED it!Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18797340398580927972010-12-07T13:03:25.059-05:002010-12-07T13:03:25.059-05:00Thanks for posting this, Jody. You are a brave wri...Thanks for posting this, Jody. You are a brave writer. A tight hug from me. I am glad that you didn't react, your intrinsic grace and charm will be a fitting reply. Its just one person's opinion, and she is entitled to it.<br /><br />Think of all the people your book connected with. It will cheer you up.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49772266773957601412010-12-07T12:26:58.106-05:002010-12-07T12:26:58.106-05:00I'm so impressed - you've used such grace ...I'm so impressed - you've used such grace and positivity to handle a difficult situation like this. I'd probably be having a tantrum. LOL<br /><br />Thank you so much for posting this, it's reassuring to know that everyone deals with this at one time or another. :)Jamie Greyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07504892632149036762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81858762337727355922010-12-07T11:15:31.261-05:002010-12-07T11:15:31.261-05:00One reader told me she hated the protagonist of my...One reader told me she hated the protagonist of my book. Another told me she loved him and couldn't wait to read more about him. The cliche is "it's all one person's opinion." But it's also the truth.Tart and Soulhttp://www.TartandSoul.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72356811794788528942010-12-07T01:09:27.333-05:002010-12-07T01:09:27.333-05:00Thank you for sharing such a tough moment in your ...Thank you for sharing such a tough moment in your life. Your grace in how you handle this situation helps us all. <br /><br />I personally would not say anything and tell myself that we all have different tastes and that my story obviously wasn't for them. I would try to concentrate on those who had good things to say and continue to work on my craft.Suzanne Santillanhttp://writingonthesidewalk.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79373770825580211092010-12-06T22:48:56.048-05:002010-12-06T22:48:56.048-05:00This "reviewer" sounds like a prude, a c...This "reviewer" sounds like a prude, a conclusion based on the few quotes you mention here. If almost everyone likes the book, then one person's opinion is just that (what you said)--opinion. Just keep writing the way you've been writing. For me, your book was a page turner, and obviously it was for many, many others. We really can't ever please everyone!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82706701444070962192010-12-06T22:34:22.425-05:002010-12-06T22:34:22.425-05:00I say, thank heaven there's a great variety of...I say, thank heaven there's a great variety of literary talent out there - something for everyone. I guess your book isn't for him/her, but look how many people it IS for! I'm glad you didn't respond. It's better that way. <br /><br />I personaly try not to publicly say anything negative about books. If I don't like one, I simply remove it from my list, but I do appreciate a tasteful, honest opinion - even if it's not a favorable one.MTeacresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00381461599028233499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35217061524538791882010-12-06T22:12:00.315-05:002010-12-06T22:12:00.315-05:00Probably best that you didn't say anything. Wh...Probably best that you didn't say anything. Who was it you were truly being baited by??? Hugs... :O)Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07604687906788800639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54392517497394794192010-12-06T21:25:02.663-05:002010-12-06T21:25:02.663-05:00You're handling this with a lot of honesty and...You're handling this with a lot of honesty and grace.<br /><br />I wanted to tell you I'm halfway through your book. Before now, I've read TWO whole Christian novels (and started a third I never finished). In reading your book, I've realized that not only am I unfamiliar with Christian fiction, I don't know much about romances, either. I've read books with romance, but I don't know if I've read many "pure" romance before.<br /><br />Your story is very tender and sweet. I keep thinking of you as a mother with your children and all the balls you keep spinning...like Elizabeth. :)<br /><br />It's been so fun to experience the process alongside you and now hold your book in my hands.Caroline Starr Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04597510685273079757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62838802358446808142010-12-06T20:45:15.624-05:002010-12-06T20:45:15.624-05:00Yes, I agree, despite the initial sting, you seeme...Yes, I agree, despite the initial sting, you seemed to handle this well and think it through! And wow, one calls your book "steamy" while another says just the opposite. Reading and reviewing are so subjective! And nope, you can't please everyone (like you, I want to, though).Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23404446934278392722010-12-06T20:17:36.648-05:002010-12-06T20:17:36.648-05:00Steamy? Your book?
Great read? Yes.
Chocked with...Steamy? Your book?<br /><br />Great read? Yes.<br /><br />Chocked with interesting little tidbits that made me research your history? Yes.<br /><br />Steamy? <br /><br />I must have gone to the bathroom during that part of the book.<br /><br />Whatever the negatives, you seemd to have handled it well. Nice job!Walt Mussellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07252729944233200374noreply@blogger.com