(this post really isn't that big of a deal, I just like being overly dramatic...)
So, it's hecka early in the morning. Like not even sun-up. Like, 4:30 in the morning, yo. Went to bed last night at around 10-ish and then mumbled some nonsense about wasting time when my husband couldn't fall asleep. I told him there was no point trying to find sleep if it didn't want you and the best thing to do was just go and do something constructive. I think one of things I said was "Play Pokemon." LUUULZ.
Why can't I take my own advice?
Yesterday, I read a particularly cringe-inducing review yesterday for my Christmas novella, in which the reader wrote...
"I got this one for free, but that wasn't even worth it! Don't waste your money on this poorly written story!"
Ick. Considering the extensive editing/rewriting this particular incarnation received, I'm wondering exactly what she would've thought if she read the original version posted in 2011. Probably burst into flames or something. Worst thing is, she never elaborated on why she detested the story, so it was kind of like a double whammy.
I posted the review on Twitter, and my tone, admittedly, was kind of mocking. Which got me thinking.
Writers are responsible for the books they write, but are readers responsible for the comments they make regarding said book? It's considered a huge writer faux pas to call out reviewers. As a writer and a reader, I am totally on the side of the reviewer. If someone doesn't like a book, then it's their decision and no one should rake them over the coals for it, unless their comments were centered on the author. I think some reviewers need to differentiate between the writer and the product they put out, but that's a different story for another day...
A lot of people are of the accord that reviews are strictly for readers and the writers should stay the fuck away. While I do agree with this particular thought TO A DEGREE, I think reviews are especially important for self-published authors such as myself, because there is no other way we can get positive/negative/mediocre input. I don't have any critique partners (couldn't find any I connected with on a personal level...maybe I'm just too picky?!) and my writing process is a solitary one. I start a book from an idea and go to outline, first draft, edits, final drafts, cover idea, cover design, formatting all on my own, so there's not really a chance for me to get any other individual's input, aside from the occasional ideas I bounce off my incredibly logical husband.
Just my thought regarding accountability when it comes to reviews. Should readers be held accountable for how/what they review? I'm still not sure. Mostly, I just wanted to write this post to say "Hey, reviewer. It's all good. I bear you no ill will."
Anyways, must work on edits for HER WICKED KISS and KISS OF SHADOWS today as well as attempting to get 2k on a short fantasy-centric ala Howl's Moving Castle setting erotica involving a sex obsessed viscount and a notorious madam...hehe.
Oh and working on outlines for Razing Hell and doing a chapter breakdown for Snow Prince.
I'm really trying to make a career out of this writing thing. It's one of the main reasons why we moved to China; so my husband can learn Mandarin, work on his Masters, and I need only to concentrate on writing.
I can only hope my time here will not be in vain.
Tomorrow, I'll talk about the craft books I'm reading regarding my writing process (which has changed DRAMATICALLY in the last few weeks) so I'll see you folks then.
Until then, stay frosty.
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