My first novel, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, is doing well right now. It’s received 96 ratings and/or reviews on Amazon, and all but four of those are of the four and five star variety. The one star rating threatened to undo me, and the two star didn’t exactly cause me to jump up and down in celebration, but when I put them in perspective they didn’t bother me quite as much.
I love reading the reviews. When I’m feeling low I read through them and bask in the really good ones and when I’m feeling terrific I read through the less positive ones to see what I can learn. It’s my weak attempt at balance.
I love the juxtaposition between these reviews:
The funniest review I received wasn’t on Amazon, though. I discovered it on my Facebook author’s page and it’s made me giggle more than once. I hope this reader will hold on for the sequel.
I’ve experienced the exact same feeling, and I get it. The heart wants what the heart wants. All I can say is, Dear Reader Whose Name I’ve Scribbled Through, Wedding at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort is being edited and revised right now, so don’t despair. And please don’t throw tomatoes my way.
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 
It is absolutely awesome that you have that many reviews! I’m so happy for you!
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Thank you! It’s very cool and something I never expected.
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You just have to take those one- and two-star reviews with a grain of salt (sounds like you’re doing just that). It’s impossible to please everybody! Overall, your reviews are great. So is your book! 🙂
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You know how it is though. It’s always the negative that sticks in ones mind. I just read a frightening article about reviewers who hold authors hostage by demanding money for good reviews on GoodReads. If the author doesn’t comply, the reviewers inundate the site with bad reviews. I have zero dollars, so I’d be a terrible target.
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WTF? That’s terrible!
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I know!
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Hell doll, some folks just ain’t got no taste x
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I knew when I published it that some folks wouldn’t like some of the content. I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised that I haven’t gotten more 1 and 2 stars.
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The thing is you can’t please everyone all of the time. Also …. let’s be clear there’s nasties go on in this biz too. I am not just saying that.
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Have you heard about the nasty folks who threaten authors with multiple bad reviews and f they don’t pay a ransom? I think it occurs mainly on goodreads.
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I’ve never come across that. I’ve come across a lot of authors behaving badly, trolling other authors, on one occasion from the same publishing house with one star reviews, and I can name the author in question who was the victim, publishing houses that get their team of readers to 5 star regardless, so frankly none of the 30 glowing reviews that appear day one are worth a dime, and authors whining on twitter about how nasty reviewers are only 3 starring a book…with actually quite constructive criticism. Saw one recently where that was a huge mistake cos reviewers….genuine ones… hunt in packs. And genuine authors know that nothing is perfect.
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Absolutely!
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Well, Leslie, I can see that according to the Amazon review chart, stars, 8% of the reviewers have no taste. That’s not a reflection on your wonderful 1st novel. Just think, 92% really liked it!!!
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I remind myself of that all the time!
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That is so cool! And so flattering that the person wanted to find the sequel 😀
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Thanks! I thought it was pretty awesome!
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Seems an excellent result to me
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Thanks! It still amazes me a bit, that folks enjoy my book.
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🙂
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