I noticed when my first two novels were made available as free Kindle downloads they garnered some bad reviews by people who were shocked that they had Christian content. Come on, people. They were free!
Now, that's my complaining. And I've otherwise kept my mouth shut. See, Nathan. I've taken your advice.
I've never had an actual review, but I don't think we could exist as writers without getting feedback that hurts over the years. I've found that it hurts initially but it strengthens us in the long run. Kind of like working out tears muscle down so it can build back stronger. Of course, that's just the CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. The rest is just personal opinion and we know to toss that out because no book will appeal to all readers. It's not possible. Some people, however, are sure that their opinion is gold somehow and everyone should listen to them, not realizing that when it comes to any kind of art, there is no definite good or bad, only what each individual likes…
My first ebook, Vampires Rule, is going to be getting reviewed starting in June, and I am extremely nervous. My mom and I were talking about it the other day. A few of the book bloggers say they'll let you know if they're going to give you a bad review and you can ask them not to post it, but I think a bad review is better than no review. Most people want to judge a book for themselves and won't take someone else's opinion too seriously.
Once again, the importance of a strong network of friends and fellow creative folks. Who else is going to listen to you complain, whilst ensuring you don't slosh red wine on things you really don't want to stain?
To err is human and so is eating to much, drinking to oblivion, screwing to many strangers and spouting off your, opinions, thoughts and all around vitriol to a world of dingoes.
I used to have a roommate that would complain to a framed poster of Johnny Cash that he'd hung in his room.
He would talk to Johnny and then go quiet for a minute, like he was listening to what Johnny was saying, nod his head, and continue with his vent. It was both funny and creepy.
The credit for this goes completely to Steve Abernathy, who you should know from the forums, but I love to think about Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer when it comes to negative reviews.
Funny. But while that's great advice for anyone whose work has actually been accepted for publication by a traditional publisher (large or small) and has been edited, it's perhaps not the best advice for the do-it-yourself publisher who just writes some drivel and uploads it to Smashwords. For that author, it would perhaps be helpful to take a deep breath and then to consider that the reviewer may have something to teach her. Reacting defensively, even in private, is not going to result in better writing.
It's true for any art, be it writing, fine arts, performing arts, etc. Heck, it's even true for just being you. The haters are out there, and they will hate anything. Even apple pie!
Okay, so the guy had a few quirks. But this blog illustrates more than any what all of us, I think, aspire to. I would be ecstatic knowing my words were still being quoted a century after I left this world.
Can't we try to look like goodie two-shoes in public and thank them for their time? 😛 Stephanie Faris and Dick Margulis both mention considering what they have to say to improve writing, and I don't disagree.
Hopefully you've built up a hide like a Rhino from years of abuse adn rejection before getting to the bad reviews. All those years had to have SOME purpose, right?
Also, i've found sucking my thumb makes it a little better. 🙂
Had to visit his gravesite in Pere Lachaise to see the kisses covering the lower half of the monument. (there's a photo of the monument on my writing blog: (scroll down – it's on the right sidebar)
reading a book is so subjective. Just because one reviewer hates it, doesn't mean they all will. It's one person's opinion. it should not be taken personally.
Sage advice: tell your dog. She will listen, cuddle, and tell you that it's going to be fine.
Do not tell your cat. He will say how shocked he was that it took this long to get a bad review and he thought your book was rubbish from the first moment you told him your plot.
I take criticism harshly, so whenever I received bad reviews I smile and nod and take them with as much grace as the Queen, and then rant later on to my two poor turtles.
I had one, from a supposedly reputable organization whose name you would recognize, that got the plot completely ass-backwards.
But, you know, I'm taking Oscar Wilde's advice (that Mira so helpfully posted). No biggie, Supposedly Reputable Organization. I'm sure you were trying your very best.
Have You heard what is happening to Michael Connelly?
Bad reviews for bad pricing! As a storm of protests roll in on his (some say) over-priced Kindle titles, he and his publisher are nursing a black eye this week.
Ouch! I'd love for someone to get a quote from his on this topic.
Melanie says
Amen
Sasha Barin says
Perfect pic!
Ted Fox says
You might also try screaming at pigeons. I've never had a review, good or bad, but this seems like it might help.
Lisa Desrochers says
Yup. No one book is going to appeal to every reader. You're never going to change their minds and you just come off looking bad for trying.
Richard Mabry says
I noticed when my first two novels were made available as free Kindle downloads they garnered some bad reviews by people who were shocked that they had Christian content. Come on, people. They were free!
Now, that's my complaining. And I've otherwise kept my mouth shut. See, Nathan. I've taken your advice.
Mira says
Very wise. I believe this is how one should approach their entire life. Especially the 'complain like hell' part. Very satisfying.
Here's an Oscar Wilde quote for you:
"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much".
Oscar Wilde
Thanks for lightening things up a bit, Nathan. 🙂
Timothy Coote says
You mean creating a big public shit fight is bad?
Lucinda Bilya says
Awesome!
Voice your complaints to a two-year old. They seem to listen, agree with everything you say, and don't mind if you cry a bit.
They also don't repeat it. (if they do, no one understands them).
kellye says
Well said, as usual. Love the photo/haters mashup. Haters gonna hate, and writers gonna write. Back to it…
kellye says
Here's an Oscar Wilde quote for you:
"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much".
Love that, Mira! Thanks!
Tahereh says
hahahahaaaa
WIN
Stephanie Faris says
I've never had an actual review, but I don't think we could exist as writers without getting feedback that hurts over the years. I've found that it hurts initially but it strengthens us in the long run. Kind of like working out tears muscle down so it can build back stronger. Of course, that's just the CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. The rest is just personal opinion and we know to toss that out because no book will appeal to all readers. It's not possible. Some people, however, are sure that their opinion is gold somehow and everyone should listen to them, not realizing that when it comes to any kind of art, there is no definite good or bad, only what each individual likes…
K. C. Blake says
Great advice.
My first ebook, Vampires Rule, is going to be getting reviewed starting in June, and I am extremely nervous. My mom and I were talking about it the other day. A few of the book bloggers say they'll let you know if they're going to give you a bad review and you can ask them not to post it, but I think a bad review is better than no review. Most people want to judge a book for themselves and won't take someone else's opinion too seriously.
Caitlin says
Haha love that picture! And how very true.
djpaterson says
It's a pity Jacqueline Howett didn't subscribe to your views, Nathan: https://booksandpals.blogspot.com/2011/03/greek-seaman-jacqueline-howett.html
See Elle Oh says
Haha…love it!
Once again, the importance of a strong network of friends and fellow creative folks. Who else is going to listen to you complain, whilst ensuring you don't slosh red wine on things you really don't want to stain?
L.G.Smith says
Quick and to the point. I like it.
Susan Kaye Quinn says
Awesome!
Jenny Maloney says
Important safety consideration: Do Not Burn Bad Reviews.
Remember that only you can prevent forest fires. =)
Mira says
Kellye 🙂
Oscar Wilde is one of my favs, so clever (despite his issues with women).
If Nathan will indulge me, here's another one:
The play was a great success, but
the audience was a total failure"
— Oscar Wilde
Okay, I'll stop now. 🙂
Bri Clark says
Hate on me haters hate on me….hmmm hmmm
Darlene Underdahl says
Lived with it all my life…
wry wryter says
Ms. Trite says:
To err is human and so is eating to much, drinking to oblivion, screwing to many strangers and spouting off your, opinions, thoughts and all around vitriol to a world of dingoes.
To forgive is not only divine it’s necessary.
E.J. Wesley says
Is his chair made out of Wookie or Ewok?
Cynthia Lee says
I used to have a roommate that would complain to a framed poster of Johnny Cash that he'd hung in his room.
He would talk to Johnny and then go quiet for a minute, like he was listening to what Johnny was saying, nod his head, and continue with his vent. It was both funny and creepy.
Hillsy says
I stop eating cheese before bedtime
Melanie says
"Is his chair made out of Wookie or Ewok?"
bwahahahahaha…
Matthew MacNish says
The credit for this goes completely to Steve Abernathy, who you should know from the forums, but I love to think about Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer when it comes to negative reviews.
Dick Margulis says
Funny. But while that's great advice for anyone whose work has actually been accepted for publication by a traditional publisher (large or small) and has been edited, it's perhaps not the best advice for the do-it-yourself publisher who just writes some drivel and uploads it to Smashwords. For that author, it would perhaps be helpful to take a deep breath and then to consider that the reviewer may have something to teach her. Reacting defensively, even in private, is not going to result in better writing.
Michael Offutt says
Thanks for the great advice.
Mr. D says
It's true for any art, be it writing, fine arts, performing arts, etc. Heck, it's even true for just being you. The haters are out there, and they will hate anything. Even apple pie!
Loree Huebner says
Love it!
RobynBradley says
And then, of course, there's always chocolate. 🙂
Bryce Daniels says
Okay, so the guy had a few quirks. But this blog illustrates more than any what all of us, I think, aspire to. I would be ecstatic knowing my words were still being quoted a century after I left this world.
AderuMoro says
Can't we try to look like goodie two-shoes in public and thank them for their time? 😛 Stephanie Faris and Dick Margulis both mention considering what they have to say to improve writing, and I don't disagree.
Mary Connealy says
Hopefully you've built up a hide like a Rhino from years of abuse adn rejection before getting to the bad reviews.
All those years had to have SOME purpose, right?
Also, i've found sucking my thumb makes it a little better.
🙂
D.G. Hudson says
Smart guy – Oscar Wilde.
Had to visit his gravesite in Pere Lachaise to see the kisses covering the lower half of the monument. (there's a photo of the monument on my writing blog: (scroll down – it's on the right sidebar)
https://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.com/
Yeah, haters will hate–and sheep will follow like lemmings as they fall into the black hole that is swarming (of any kind).
Ignoring a bad review is best. It's there, so what. Consider the source, but use the 3 day rule if you must reply.
Most likely you'll cool off.
Anonymous says
You can also get them back in future novels. You have to be discreet. But there are ways 🙂
It's great therapy to eat a reviewer for dinner in fiction. You're safe there. And no one can point any fingers.
Nick Lewandowski says
HA!
Brightened my day significantly.
Bryan Russell (Ink) says
And Wilde also said:
A man can't be too careful in the choice of his enemies.
Laura says
reading a book is so subjective. Just because one reviewer hates it, doesn't mean they all will. It's one person's opinion. it should not be taken personally.
J. T. Shea says
How to deal with bad reviews? That's what hitmen are for.
Timothy, of course creating a big public shit fight isn't bad.
Lucinda, don't just complain TO a two-year-old, complain LIKE a two-year-old. Terrible tantrums are just the ticket.
Jenny, burn the REVIEWERS instead of the reviews.
Krista D. Ball says
Sage advice: tell your dog. She will listen, cuddle, and tell you that it's going to be fine.
Do not tell your cat. He will say how shocked he was that it took this long to get a bad review and he thought your book was rubbish from the first moment you told him your plot.
Oh, and you have a typo on page 237.
Now, feed me.
The Red Angel says
I take criticism harshly, so whenever I received bad reviews I smile and nod and take them with as much grace as the Queen, and then rant later on to my two poor turtles.
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
JohnO says
I had one, from a supposedly reputable organization whose name you would recognize, that got the plot completely ass-backwards.
But, you know, I'm taking Oscar Wilde's advice (that Mira so helpfully posted). No biggie, Supposedly Reputable Organization. I'm sure you were trying your very best.
Pamala Knight says
*Chuckles* Really? I missed that exact quote from Wilde. But, I get the message and it's totally on point. Thanks for reminding us, Nathan.
Emily Hill says
Have You heard what is happening to Michael Connelly?
Bad reviews for bad pricing! As a storm of protests roll in on his (some say) over-priced Kindle titles, he and his publisher are nursing a black eye this week.
Ouch! I'd love for someone to get a quote from his on this topic.
Steph Sinkhorn says
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha. Well-played, Nathan. And solid, simple advice, too.
Lyra says
This is fantastic.
Now Nathan, does this go for positive reviews as well, or is "Thanks, Mom!" too much?
Anonymous says
Wry wryter, ha, great quote.