Reviews - the good, the bad and the ugly!

Reviews – the good, the bad and the ugly!

 

 

Before setting out on the Indie publishing road I read, loads. But I did not review.

 After getting a kindle I began to review books that I could download for free- payment of a sort I thought.

I did not realise then that it was payment, even if it was not a 5 star.

I had no idea just how important reviews were to a newly published author.

 

Getting close to my self-imposed date of publication, my husband asked me I was fiddling with the cover.  I explained to him how I found a book to buy as a reader and as I did so I became aware of how many reviews I read before reading the sample pages.

Reading the reviews helped me decide if the story was in a style I'd like to read, more so than the blurb. The reviews were from people who had read the book, not an author trying to suck me in by hinting at great things.

 

Reviews, I realised, were golden.

 

 

My book was published in Dec 2013 and I offered it for free over the Christmas week, knowing that people with a kindle under the Christmas tree would be searching and downloading free books. 250 downloads – I was so pleased and expected the reviews to start flooding in.......0 new reviews

 

I was still not learning from my own experience as a reader. I have free books on my kindle from 6 months ago – still unread.

 

BUT

 

They will arrive at some time, the good and the bad.

 

And I will be prepared for the good and the bad, for as Oscar Wilde so aptly wrote -

 

 

 

'There is only one thing worse in the world than being talked about

and that is

not being talked about'

 

 

 

Ok, here goes -

 

 

5 star reviews

 

1. From family and friends -They are probably slightly biased so I will take them with a well meaning pinch of salt But there is that bubble of hope that they did really enjoy the story and not just because they are proud of me and want me to do well. It's not that they are not being honest, but they had such a desire to enjoy the story. They know me, and possibly some of the characters and places. So they have a different understanding of the book.
2. From other authors- read for review -I will smile and feel an up welling of happiness and pride. They are probably honest, but the cynic in me says they want a 5 star review in exchange...hummm. So I will celebrate, be pleased and note some of the things they liked so that I can ensure this good practise continues in the next book.
3. From unknown readers – I will smile :) eat chocolate and be proud. But I won't let it go to my head (well I might a little) they like everyone else are just expressing their opinion. I know I have bought books and then looked back at reviews afterwards and wondered if I'd read the same book as those gushing 5 stars reviewers. I will some of the comments to brighten a bad hair day.

 

 

 

4 star reviews
 

1. From family and friends  - I have asked some of them to read a book out of their normal reading genre. I am happy, this is a great rating, and hopefully the words reflect why it was the perfect story for them. I will think – are they my target audience?
2. From other authors- read for review -again it may not be their preferred genre. They are being honest. I will welcome these and read carefully what they write.
3. From unknown readers – I will read what they write carefully, if they are my target audience I will be very pleased with 4 stars, but also think about what can I learn.

 

3 star reviews
 

1. From family and friends – make sure I don't ask them again ! No seriously, they may be very helpful; maybe there are major editing problems. Be grateful, but I will ask them to let me know in an email!
2. From other authors – read for review –I will look at what they say carefully, they will probably recommend sites or books to read to improve my writing style. I will write down their main points, wait a few days and then decide whether I will act upon their views. After all it may be a case of not liking my style of writing or the style that fits the genre I have written.
3. From unknown readers – I will be sad for a little while, then I will give my ego time to recover and then look at what they have written. What can I learn for the next book?

 

2 star reviews
 

1. From friends and family-I will disown them and remove them from my Christmas list !
2. From other authors – read for review – I will probably cry, a little, feel sorry for myself and indignant. Then I will read it again and see what I can learn. I will remember that different people like different things – reviews are a matter of opinion.
3. From unknown readers – the tears will flow, but I won't remove the book from sale. They may have some very valid points, they may just have genuinely not liked the book, they may have downloaded it for free and hate the genre. I won't give up. Do you dismiss a book because it has one 2 star review?

 

1 star reviews
 

1. From family and friends – not possible, they would talk to me.
2. From other authors – read for review- they will have probably sent me a private message saying why they could not read or review. We are all professionals- aren't we?
3. From unknown readers –I will laugh, because all famous and well-known authors have had bad reviews, it keeps the balance. Even JK Rowling has been slated. But then I will look at the comments, dismiss those that do not feel useful and note others as a pause for thought when writing the next book.

 

 

I will also remember that I as a reader and I do not take on board everything that other reviews say.

A book with a range of reviews is normal.

                         What will you do with your reviews?

why did it take me so long?

Why did it take me so long?

 

I loved making up stories in my head as a child. I used to have an imaginary lion that went to school with me; he was my protector so I could cope with the world.

I was so painfully shy, but learnt to act and escape into books as much as I could.

 

 

 

 

 

I loved reading, the experiences, the worlds, the emotions and the sheer imagination of the writers blew me away. I still love reading :)

 

I applied to universities to read English and remember a wonderful interview when I chatted with the professor about why I'd written on my application that I loved reading anything from Dickens to Vonnegut. Time flew and he didn't have time to ask me any questions! I was offered a place.

Sadly I didn't get the grades.

 

 I decided to teach, as I had always loved being with children. I could identify with their imagination and creativity.

I had great fun teaching 4 and 5 year olds. We would read, make up and act out stories. I encouraged them to create their own stories and we had out own story book, where their stories were scribed by any adult that happened to be around when their story struck them.

 

 

I wrote and drew books for them and older children in the school.

 

With my own two boys on weekends and school holidays we often went walking. Into an adventure. Some walks lasted all day, we would go through portals to other worlds, cross angry rivers ( village lanes) and hide from the enemy (other walkers). We would hunt and cook our lunch – amazing how a sandwich can turn into a spit roasted rabbit or deer steak !

 

 

 

I sent ideas to publishers and received only rejections. I stopped trying, I told myself I was too busy to do more.

 

My job changed to being an advisory teacher and I was asked to write books and articles for early years publications. I was so proud when my first book was published- it wasn't quite my dream, but it felt good.

We left England for a different life, more time with our children rather than all hours jobs. I started to think more about book ideas.

I sent ideas to agents and received only rejections. I was too busy to persevere, my self esteem said it was a waste of time.

 

 

Then I received a kindle for Christmas and became aware that it was possible to publish my own book without costing anything but time and knowledge.

 

 

 

 

The story began evolving , especially on long walks and talks with my eldest son.

I began writing, but the story was missing something- actually it turned out to be someone - Ortie. So I began again.

 

I then gave myself a deadline and decided that I would publish a book before I was 50 and did it with a year to spare !!

Ok it still needs some editing, but it is out there.

 

So why did it take me so long?

I could say I didn't have time, but that's not true. There is always some time in every day.

The truth was - I was scared that I'd fail. I didn't believe I could do it. Didn't think it would be good enough. Wasn't sure I could deal with the criticism. This sound familiar to anyone?

But it is ok to be scared, and it is ok to make mistakes, after all we are human and we learn by making mistakes. And other people's opinions are important, how will I deal with reviews?

That's another blog!

And now I have unleashed the words upon the pages, there is so much more I wish to write. I will find the time to write, edit, create covers and illustrations because it is now part of my life..

Review of Spirit Rider

 

Review of spirit rider

 

 http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Rider-

5 star

I was not sure when I began reading that this was the story for me. I am not a horse person as I have a severe horse allergy and because I read so fast time frames got muddled in my head. So I slowed down and relaxed into the tale.

Not only  did I enjoy this, but I learnt something too.

There are two elements to this book

Firstly it is a sweet, gentle, well written story, a spiritual journey for a horse and rider. The main characters are wonderfully created. No one is in severe crisis, except maybe La Reine. The descriptions are vivid and yet it is easy to read.

Secondly it is a spiritual guide, a reminder of what is important in this life, of appreciating the raw materials that make up our world. I have read and listened to the messages within the story. Just what I needed as I have emotional turmoil at the moment while my body undergoes great change.

I recommend this to people who love horses, are interested in natural healing and for women with some emotional issues they would like resolving.

Review of Brains Bay

4 Star

 

What a fun imaginative story for young readers.

 

An exciting adventure ensues when four friends discover the sinister truth behind a school activities week. A missing student, picking locks and breaking and entering teacher's homes is only the beginning.

 

It is fast paced, easy to read and a bit tongue in cheek. The names of adults and places in the story are chosen with young humour in mind and a groan from adults!

 

There are clear descriptions so it is easy to visualise characters, places and situations.

 

The main characters are well created and the reader is rooting for them from the start. They make wrong decisions as children of their age would, but you will have to read the story to find out if they succeed. The baddies are rotten to the core and ugly. The mastermind behind it all is clever but greedy.

 I could not give 5 stars because I found it a little clichéd in places and often the background to a child's skill is mentioned after they have demonstrated it, almost like an explanation for their actions. There are a couple of loose ends too, but this does not detract from the story or pace, it's just a personal dislike.

 I would recommend this to young readers and parents who like to read to their children.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brains-Bay-

                        Quality writing tip - Show not Tell

Quality writing tip

Readers like to be shown aspects of a character's personality, a situation, a place. When you show your readers they can use their own imagination to see or understand. Their brain synapses become very busy and they get sucked into the book.
If the writing contains too much telling it is like a lecture and the reader will become bored.

There are probably more than 2 good books on this subject, but these are the two that helped me to understand the principles involved without costing a fortune.


Show and Tell in a Nutshell
Jessica Bell
http://www.amazon.com/Show-Tell-Nutshell-


Jessica begins by describing her own problems with telling when she was a fledgling author. There are 16 scenes. You are given the objectives for the piece of writing. This scene is then written in a 'tell' mode, followed by a 'show' mode. The difference are easy to understand. She encourages you to look at the scenes in four different ways, includes an assignment and there is space for writing notes in the printed version.






Show or Tell - a powerful lesson on a Powerful Writing Skill
James Thayer

http://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Lesson-

A short book of only 41 pages, but it demonstrates the differences between show and tell fantastically.
 'What's the difference between these two sentences? His arm itched. He scratched his arm.'  Scenes from well known novels are compared to a tell version of the same scene to explain  why showing is more interesting for the reader.
This little book is well balanced as he discusses when telling is a useful tool for the writer.

 

5 Star Review of Mystic

Review of Mystic (The Seer Series) S.G.Tilley

 5 Star review

I loved this and read it in 2 days. It is a heart warming story and easy to read

There are great characters that had me willing them on from the first page.

 

Anabel is so unassuming that my heart went out to her, her character develops and grows quite naturally through the story.

Fabian, who is reluctant to be in the role he is in at such a young age, relishes the chance to meet someone who treats him as an equal. He is a thoughtful and courageous young man, whose character is believable.

There is a lovely touch of gentle romance amongst the backdrop of lords and ladies of the court.

The story line was clever with hints and clues as to what might happen and descriptions that brought the story alive.

There is mystery and intrigue, betrayal and hope.

I will be getting the next in the series.

 

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys young adult and fantasy fiction.

Beware, if you read the sample pages you will want to buy it.

http://www.amazon.com/Mystic-Seer-S-G-Tillery-ebook/dp/B00HLX5AOA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391359714&sr=8-1&keywords=mystic+tillery

Review Of The Cinderella Syndrome by Joanna Studdert- Kennedy

Scullery boy Edward Bumstead dreams of escaping his life of drudgery as a slave to his ugly step-brothers.

So when he has a chance to attend the royal ball, he thinks this could be his way to marrying Cinderella's daughter, Lucinda. But he hasn't reckoned on ruthless newspaper editor Thomas Chipstick, who is determined to use the princess to sell more papers - and he won't let anyone get in the way of his dastardly plans.

With his best friend Esmeralda and a band of ragamuffin outlaws, Edward finds himself consorting with witches, frogs and highwaymen in an adventure of cunning plans and fiendish escapades.

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****4 Stars
This is like reading a pantomime, with all the elements for entertainment, a clever idea.
There are numerous over the top, larger than life characters, aspects of cross dressing, a rather crazy witch and the appearance of perhaps a fairy godmother ! The story starts at the end ...of Cinderella and ends.....well I'll let you find out.

It is written in a unique style, where the author is quite chatty at times and poses questions at the end of each chapter.
These questions are ready made for teachers, a great inspiration for 'what happened next' and looking at the style of fairy tales.

The story line is convoluted and the characters get into dreadful messes and situations, (as you would expect) and the author is clever with her plot and means of extracting the characters from their problems!

It is entertaining and has a young sense of ridiculous humour about it.
I think young readers will love the chaotic lives the characters lead and will enjoy the flamboyant writing style.

I recommend you have a look at the sample pages, light hearted easy reading is good for the soul !

I didn't give this 5 star because I have never been that keen on panto, it is a personal thing.
4 Stars for quality, style, entertainment and fun.
I am sure that young readers will rate this with 5 stars.

Hi - the first of my ramblings!

Hi and welcome to my ramblings.

I am a fledgling Indie author and would like to share my exciting journey with you. I'd like to hear about your personal tales along this road and share info and useful sites as we go.






For me it has been a bit of a personal awakening, finding out what a perfectionist I still am. I had honestly thought I'd worked my way through that one but it was hard to send raw copies to family for their opinion. I did tell them there were lots of typos etc, and asked them to look at the character's developments, whether they could picture the scenes and if it flowed, whether there were repeated words or paragraphs and if it was enjoyable. I felt a little nervous and sick until the feedback began to trickle in. Very useful comments that helped me to improve the story and give me more work to do.



A friend suggested some small sketches would be good....


I bought some thin drawing pens and began to play.
I discovered it was fun and drew one for each chapter.
It was hard to decide what to draw, it had to be simple and not give any secrets away.




 
 

Meanwhile I was still working on the cover design- couldn't pay anyone and couldn't find a stock one for the story, so I decided to have a go myself.
It is not perfect and I can now see how to improve it, but it's ok and out there and eye catching!









Then it was time for my husband to get out his red pen. He is not a reader, but he found lots more mistakes at the beginning and less towards the end. I thought this was due to my writing skills improving :) But as I edited the book I found just as many mistakes in the last chapters as the first. He had got caught up in the story! Wow, that felt good.

With confidence boosted I took some deep breaths and managed to stop the re edit process and click the button for publish before I sterilised the story. I know that there will still be mistakes and part of me shudders and itches to correct them, but there has to come a point when you let your book take flight.

The only way to become a better writer is to write.
The only way to be a published author is to publish.

Will it be successful? I suppose that depends on your point of view of success -

Give the book away - 4 stars
Sell the book - 1 star
Personal growth and satisfaction - 5 stars
Sense of achievement - 5 stars
Achieved a life long dream - 5 stars

Looks successful to me :)


I am now enjoying writing the next in the series and ideas are flowing in for the third.