Don't tell me. I know. I shouldn't read my reviews. Actor
Kevin Bacon has sworn that he never reads his, although don't you think that
his agent probably does?
I know that several Stiletto Gang authors also have forsworn
reading reviews.
But you're talking to a woman who happily reads spoilers for
her favorite TV shows – and still enjoys them. So you think I'm not going to
look to see who loves me – and, tragically, who doesn't?
So I was thrilled when readers begin posting glowing reviews
of MURDER DOUBLES BACK. Lesa Holstine, librarian and reviewer extraordinaire,
said "When authors can manage to juggle large casts, complicated stories,
a fascinating dog, and traces of humor, they shouldn't wait years between
books. Evelyn David's entertaining Murder Doubles Back will make readers regret
four lost years."
Wow! That made my week, month – year.
But then, here's what another reader wrote,
headlined, "Where's The Humor?" Actually the review was quite positive, saying, "The story line was
good. The characters were still appealing." But she didn't think we brought the funny.
But, But…she said I didn't have a sense of humor? Me who has
considered a job as a stand-up comic? Me, who is a barrel of laughs, except
when reading reviews that are like a stiletto to the heart, so to speak.
You're questioning my humor? Question my writing ability, sure. But question whether I can deliver a joke? The horror.
Sigh. Don't tell me. I shouldn't read reviews.
Maybe I'll listen to a George Carlin riff on You Tube. Nobody ever accused him of not having a sense of humor.
Please share your worst review or job performance
evaluation. Misery loves company.
Marian, the Northern Half of Evelyn David (the one without a
sense of humor, the Southern half is quite the cut-up)
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Murder Takes the Cake Kindle - Nook - Smashwords - Trade Paperback
Murder Doubles Back Kindle - Nook - Smashwords - Trade Paperback
Riley Come Home (short story)- Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
Moonlighting at the Mall (short story) - Kindle - Nook - Smashwords
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I confess, Evelyn, I am one of those writers who swears off reviews, good or bad. But I did enjoy your post, and now you've got me wondering if my agent reads my reviews?? Hmm...
ReplyDeleteMarian, I read all my reviews by professional reviewers, but I've sworn off reading Amazon and Good Reads reviews because a few of them just trash the book for little reason--sometimes without even reading it. One reviewer once spent three long paragraphs destroying Every Last Secret before her final sentence made it clear she closed the book when she read the heroine's name because she hated it. First page, first line. After that, I thought I'd just stick with the pros, who sometimes criticize but at least have read the book they're going after.
ReplyDeleteIf your reviewer didn't even read the book, no wonder she decided you're not funny.
Luckily I haven't received any scathing reviews for "Dead Like Me," though I'm sure they're coming. However when I was shopping the manuscript around to agents, the worst rejection letter I got was a simple one sentence response that pierced my heart. It read, "We are looking for exceptional writing, and I'm afraid yours is not."
ReplyDeleteOuch! I can laugh about it now because the book won a writing award and is published. That's the best kind of revenge!