Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Found this on a blog I follow and thought it very useful. http://awrighton.com/2013/05/06/15-ti...

You do need CONSTRUCTIVE criticism to grow.

Yes. Depends on how it is done and what is said "This book is a pile of crap" doesn't help anyone.

Alexandra wrote: "Yes. Depends on how it is done and what is said "This book is a pile of crap" doesn't help anyone."

I had one that said I was on her shit list. I had never met this woman. Some folks are just plain vindictive. Some are very supportive. One of the most constructive reviews I have recieved was only a three star rating but it was so helpful.

Three star ratings can be really helpful. Means (to me at least) the book was good but could be better, enjoyable but not gushing.

Even a 1 star review can be helpful if it is informative. Putting someone on a shit list is a bit harsh. Personally I rarely find a book that bad and if I do I have no idea how to say it so it doesn't just sound nasty. Sometimes a person simply doesn't like a book, but there is no need to be snarky.

This is true for both fiction and non-fiction writing. It astounded me how many people, both fiction writers and essayists, in undergrad would become downright petulant when their writing needed to be edited or critiqued.

I think it's more true of creative writers, though. I'm primarily a reader (Lit major here), but I took a couple of creative writing classes. Round table discussions got crazy quick. I remember one kid who simply dropped the class in a huff because his piece just didn't work.

I think some people write nasty reviews because they have followers who like to read nasty reviews. Kind of like day time TV. Think of all the popular 'reality' shows and you'll see a close resemblance-negative drama for the sake of negative drama.

I should add that I don't actually watch day time TV.

Alexandra wrote: "Three star ratings can be really helpful. Means (to me at least) the book was good but could be better, enjoyable but not gushing.

Even a 1 star review can be helpful if it is informative. Puttin..."

I read and review all the time. If I don't like a book I just done't review it. I read only indies and reviewed over 100 last year, all indie authors.

I read a lot as well, not just indies but I try and reviews the indies at least.

Alexandra wrote: "I read a lot as well, not just indies but I try and reviews the indies at least."

That's wonderful. I think it's good to help out other indies. As my southern belle mama used to say, "Honey, whatever you do will come back to you ten fold, whether it's good or bad." I'm beginning to see the harvest from all the reviews I've done.

YAY.

Peggy wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "I read a lot as well, not just indies but I try and reviews the indies at least."

That's wonderful. I think it's good to help out other indies. As my southern belle mama used t..."
Good advice from a smart lady. I believe that as well. :)