Did You Hate My Book? If So, I Would Like to Buy You A Drink.

Now that my book has been out for over a week, I need to do one more obligatory mushy post. It has been such a blessing to meet new readers and hear feedback. It’s still amazing to me that people love my book so much that they’re asking for a sequel. It’s so cool to be able to “share” Clare and Jake with the world.

Now, unicorns and sparkly rainbows aside, of course there will always be people who don’t connect with the material—and that’s OK. Not every person is going to like every book. I certainly don’t expect that; nor does it bother me as much as I thought it would. If people didn’t like the book, what can you do? I think books that are supposed to be “funny” especially fall victim to this. My book has a sarcastic, snarky tone to it. My main character doesn’t think pregnancy is all puppies and rainbows--which will definitely turn some people off. And that’s OK. People will either “get it” or they won’t. Simple as that.

But you know what I’ve found in the past week? Negative reviews can actually be some of the best advertisement for the book. Seriously. I’ve had a couple negative reviews where people have actually contacted me afterward and said they bought the book BASED on that feedback. (So thanks, people who hated my book! Drinks on me!)

Anyway, some of the best advice I’ve gotten as a writer is to not let reviews affect me—good or bad. Just keep writing.—and you can bet your ass I will be. Not until I achieve Stephenie Meyer levels of fame and I am mentioned at the MTV Movie Awards. Hopefully when I am still young enough to pretend to blend in with all of the teenagers and not knocking people over with my motorized Hover-round electric wheelchair.

Comments

[Cincygirl]

Ha ha! You'll be just like Clare--internet stalkers and all. You really should find out who that person is an buy him/her a glass of wine and say, "Thanks for the sales!"

[Mairie]

I say--eh. Your book is obviously awesome and those negative reviews are having the opposite effect!

[Manic Mommy]

You've got the right attitude! There's always going to be someone out there who doesn't like the same movies, books, plays, sports stars, etc. You are a glass half-full gal, and I like that!

Plus, those naysayers are just idiots.