Making Connections discussion

I just read a bad review for my book. I know. I know. I should know better than to let such things bother me. But the person called me mediocre and this was a book I spent a decade writing.

Anyway, so I am starting this topic for others that have had scathing reviews, or are just feeling crappy. So if you are having a bad time or want to wring someone's neck, just write on here and someone will try to cheer you up.

Sorry to hear that,Janet! Have some chocolate. :-)

Midu wrote: "Sorry to hear that,Janet! Have some chocolate. :-)"

Thanks, Midu. I love chocolate!

GOOD timing on this thread! I can relate. So, I had a one star review from a woman last week who said some truly awful things, like mine was the worst book she'd ever read and that all the positive reviews must have all been written by family members (which was NOT true). This ONE bad review made me cry for three days.

Then on my birthday, I woke up to a two star review, and that nasty-one star reviewer was on there going "THANK YOU FOR VALIDATING MY OPINION, this is the worst book," yada.

Well, I didn't mind the two star review too much, but the really mean one-star chick chiming in on it put me over the edge.

But then today I had another five star review (from a stranger) which made me feel better.

So all that to say: Bad reviews suck. They really do. And they get to you. Even if it's just one bad review in ten other good ones. I don't know why we put so much weight on the negative and tend to discount the positive, but I think that's just human nature.

So, Janet, focus on your reviewer who said "Great read. Read it a day and re read it last night." Think about that person. Believe there are other people out there like her who will like your book so much they will not only read it once, but re-read it again the very next day!

That's what we have to do, or we'll never make it through!

Diane wrote: "GOOD timing on this thread! I can relate. So, I had a one star review from a woman last week who said some truly awful things, like mine was the worst book she'd ever read and that all the positive..."

Thanks. Some people are just really mean or like top rip people's work apart. That 1 star lady sound like a b**ch to me.

I have read horrible books before but have never given anyone a scathing review. I try to be fair when reviewing people's work. The 2 star guy just got to me. And I had another give me 3 stars but wouldn't explain why.

Like other authors, I need reminders to not let people's opinions get to me. Besides, I went back a looked at the parts Mr. 2 star said were horrible, and can't figure out I could improve them anyway.

I did go back and read the 4 and 5 star reviews that I had to reassure me that my writing is good, if not for everybody.

I feel you. I don't generally deliver scathing reviews either, for the very same reason. And it is INFURIATING to get a three star review without any reason why. So sorry.

My mentor (who has traditionally published over 60 books) said that there's always someone out there who just doesn't get what you do. And there are mean jerks on power trips. It's to be expected, but you can't let it stop you.

Yeah, I think that one-star lady was a rea b**ch, too. She really got me down because her Amazon review was the ONLY review she'd ever written. I was like, "this woman hated my book SO much that it's the ONLY one she's even taken the time to review? And then she's on Goodreads trolling for other people who didn't like it so she can gang up on me?" Sigh.

This is a great thread because we writers just need to remind each other that these nasty people don't define us as writers. For every jerk out there, there's a wonderful fan.

Hang in there!

Diane wrote: "I feel you. I don't generally deliver scathing reviews either, for the very same reason. And it is INFURIATING to get a three star review without any reason why. So sorry.

My mentor (who has tradi..."

That woman needs a life! Good grief.

lol! For real!

Bad reviews suck! :) - Okay, so that doesn't sound very professional, but it is still true. Learn what you can from constructive criticism, and clear the rest from your mind. I've had bad reviews - that taught me something important, and I have had great reviews, which of course, I love. Dealing with a cruel review is different though. Trust in yourself and don’t let it get you down. (I know, easier said than done.) Best of luck.

"Dealing with a cruel review is different though. Trust in yourself and don’t let it get you down."

I think this is a good point. There's a difference between a bad review and a cruel review. I'm telling myself that the one cruel reviewer has some kind of personal agenda that is not my problem--like maybe she is pro oil and anti-clean energy (which would be contrary to the theme of my book.)

;)