Make My Day
By Evelyn David
I talk a very good game. I’m the mother of four. I’ve given
that speech about you shouldn’t need outside validation to feel worthy more
times than Kim Kardashian goes to the tanning salon.
read reviews. Kevin Bacon was absolutely
right when he said, ” I don’t read criticism of my stuff only because when
it’s bad, it’s rough-and when it’s good, it’s not good enough.”
And yet…
question that one small note of reproof is enough to put me in a depression so
deep that there isn’t enough chocolate on this earth to make me happy (and
believe me, I’ve tried). But conversely, there are times when the self-doubt as
a writer is also so strong that a complete stranger taking the time to post a
positive, yea, a glowing review, is enough to sustain me for at least 24 hours
before the doubt creeps in again.
not set in any of the universes we’ve previously created. It’s a little more
serious with a higher risk quotient. It’s scary to create something different. Reader
expectations of who you are as a writer can force you into a mold that you
might be eager to break or maybe just expand. Sometimes it works. Ask Stephen
King, who can pen both Carrie and On Writing, with equal brilliance. And sometimes it doesn’t. Check with
Arthur Conan Doyle. He had to bring back to life a character he loathed because his readers demanded it and didn’t care to read anything else he wanted to write.
So the decision to try something new? Fulfilling as an
author; terrifying as a writer who needs…wait for it: outside validation that
she really is an artist, not just a pretender.
saying that I wanted someone else to blast it, but this review of ZONED FOR MURDER, from someone I
don’t know, gave me, if only briefly, the courage to write again. Because fear
can paralyze the creative juices.
with the characters in this book, especially Maggie. I found this book
entertaining and spell binding.” Then she adds, “I will recommend this books to my friends.”
campaign that marks the success or failure of most projects – this wonderful
lady was happy to participate.
absolutely delight the Southern half, is a wise writer. I respect him enormously. He
explained why he writes, “The answer to that is fairly simple—there was
nothing else I was made to do. I was made to write stories and I love to write
stories. That’s why I do it. I really can’t imagine doing anything else and I
can’t imagine not doing what I do.”
Ain’t it the truth?
I don’t know if Stephen King reads reviews. I suspect not.
He also said, “If you wrote something for which someone sent you a check,
if you cashed the check and it didn’t bounce, and if you then paid the light
bill with the money, I consider you talented.” And perhaps for him, the
check is validation enough.
But for me, I need more. Maybe I should work on that, but in
the meantime, whether it’s to an author with a new book, or to the plumber who just
fixed your leaky toilet, taking a moment to compliment someone on a job well
done may be just the thing that makes a stranger’s day.
Marian, the Northern half
———–
Brianna Sullivan Mysteries – e-book series
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah- Kindle (Exclusive at Amazon this month)
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Undying Love in Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
A Haunting in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Lottawatah Twister – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Missing in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Good Grief in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Sullivan Investigations Mystery – e-book series
Murder Off the Books Kindle (Exclusive at Amazon this month)
Murder Takes the Cake Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Riley Come Home (short story)- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Moonlighting at the Mall (short story) – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Romances
Love Lessons – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
You are braver than I! I stopped reading reviews a long time ago; I found I wasn't mature to handle the negative comments. They ruined my day despite the fact that I know they are subjective, blah de blah blah. It's easier if I don't read positive or negative reviews and better for my mental health.
However, that said, ZONED FOR MURDER is an excellent read! I read an early draft and fell in love with Maggie and the other denizens of her little village. If you haven't read it, do. It's a fun ride. Maggie
I made the mistake of reading a few reviews on Goodreads over the weekend. And no matter how many people LOVE something you've written, the ones who come out of the woodwork to be far nastier than necessary, always seem to jump off the screen at you.
It's just not worth it. There will always be people who like things/don't like things, just as there will always be people who are kind/not so kind.
If you feel good about what you wrote, that should be all the barometer we need.
Thanks Maggie and Laura. I KNOW you are right about reviews. Validation needs to come from within…but sometimes it's hard.
Marian