Back in October, I was closing in on the deadline for FREAK, and was frazzled and beyond stressed out – especially with the upcoming move back to Canada – and I honestly couldn't handle reading anything about CREEP, good or bad. I'm sure it's different for every author, but the reviews triggered emotions I didn't have the energy to handle. If the review was good (and thankfully, most are), I felt a crazy high, followed by an intense sense of relief which passed much too quickly. If the review was crappy, I felt horrible for days.
The emotional rollercoaster was exhausting.
So I stopped reading my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I felt I had to, in order to stay sane, and in order to finish the book I was currently writing.
It's not that I don't appreciate reviews. I do, and I'm so grateful for the ones I've received. A review means you've read my book, and that's huge to me. Even if you didn't love it, you felt passionate enough to write about it, and I think that's a good thing (apathy is what scares me). I believe that reviews – even the bad ones – are valuable. Heck, it was the controversy over Stephenie Meyer's books that made me buy and read all four Twilight novels, because I wanted to see what the fuss was about and I wanted to be able to participate in the discussions.
As a reader – and first and foremost, I am a reader – I like reading reviews. Yes, even the mean ones! Because let's be honest, those mean reviews can be the most entertaining. (Not that I encourage anyone to write mean reviews. I definitely don't. Keep in mind that if a review is nasty and mean-spirited, it often says more about the reviewer than it does about the book.)
But as a writer, the constant feedback can be overwhelming, especially when you're working on something new and already filled with self-doubt over whether it's any good. By October, I had read every single one of my trade reviews, every blog review, and every customer review up to that point, and had taken all the feedback to heart. CREEP was not a perfect book, and thanks to the reviews, I felt I understood exactly where it was weak. The time had come to take that knowledge and move forward, focusing on writing a better book with FREAK.
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| A review of CREEP, from Canada's National Post last summer. Read the whole thing here. |
With the new release coming up fast (August 7th, which feels right around the corner), I'm once again bracing myself for the rollercoaster of emotions I know I'll experience. Reviews for FREAK will be coming in soon, and at times it's almost paralyzing, worrying about what people will think. I'm worried about disappointing readers. I'm worried about being thought of as a crappy writer. I'm worried about being a big fat failure.
Because here's the thing: I always worry about failing. I will always worry about failing. I doubt that will ever go away, no matter how many books I write.
Publishing's hard, yo. It's not for the thinned-skinned or the faint of heart. It's not easy being in a profession where your work is criticized for all the world to see. Being a writer isn't for chickenshits. You can't write for the fame (because most of us will never be famous), or God forbid, the money (because most of us will never be rich). You can only write because you love it.
Do I love it? Yes. I would have no business being in this business otherwise.
What do you think about reviews? As a reader, do they sway you into (or out of) making a purchase? As a writer, do you (or will you) enjoy reading your reviews?
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OMG, you pretty much said everything I feel. I was in the exact same situation: working on my second book while reviews were rolling in for the first. I don't read my reviews any more. My sister and friends will send good reviews my way, and I do the same for them (the ones who are writers, anyway). Not everyone will love our books. But it's not our job to make EVERYONE love it. Our job is to write the best damn book we can write. And that's it. Period.
ReplyDeleteFREAK is going to be just as amazing as CREEP!
I knew you'd relate to this (since we've already talked about it many times). I think having a filter system in place is a genius idea! Must try that.
DeleteWell, from sitting down & talking to you personally, I'm afraid of reviews. I know I'll be mighty tempted to read everything that comes down the pipe, but I truly do not want to be discouraged & sidelined from writing because of a bad review. I'll liky read some then move on. But I do know how subjective reading is & as a writer, I'll never please everyone.
ReplyDeleteAs for you, have NO fear of failure. You are wonderful, and I say this as an exceptionally discerning reader. So looking forward to Freak because I LOVED Creep. I never read books in a day, yet I did Creep. It sucked me in & kept me there. So have no fear, my dear. You are a great writer!
It's true--Nancy really is an exceptionally discerning reader!
DeleteYou've got bigger balls than I do, Nancy (metaphorically speaking, of course) and you shouldn't have to fear your reviews. I think you'll handle them just fine! Cannot wait to read your book.
DeleteReviews are tough and they can certainly make or ruin my day if I let them. I couldn't agree with you more in that a mean review says more about the reviewer than the book. Hang in there hon. You're a great author and I'm looking forward to your next book!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! One day I hope to be all cool about reviews, regardless of what they say, but I'm not quite there yet. :)
Delete"Being a writer isn't for chickenshits."
ReplyDelete...This is why I love you. I think we need t-shirts! LOL
I agree ... you should print that on t-shirts... team-writer: not for chickenshits. :)
DeleteHa, now you guys have me thinking that maybe I SHOULD have t-shirts made! "I am not a chickenshit. I'm a writer." LOL
DeleteA review means you've read my book, and that's huge to me. Even if you didn't love it, you felt passionate enough to write about it
ReplyDeleteMan, I should write in your genre. People read the book before reviewing it? That's too crazy to be true. Come over to sf/f where people will review your book before it's even written!
Seriously? See now, that's terrible. No reviews or discussions allowed about any book until you've actually read the damn thing yourself. (Don't even get me started...)
DeleteHey Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI read them only to get a feel for what my readers want and what I could do better. When there is a common thread, I pay attention. The one person who didn't get it and wants to rant like a child, I ignore. But it was the common thread in reviews of CassaStar that influenced the storyline of CassaFire, and I hope I will improve yet again with CassaStorm.
In the meantime, just prepare for your next book and know most of us will dig it!
You have such healthy way of dealing, Alex! Love that. This is the kind of thing we can't really be prepared for before our books are actually out, so for me I'm still learning how to filter. But I'm getting there. And thanks, as always, for your kind and supportive words!
DeleteI love to read. LOVE IT. I also love to share my opinions of the books I read. I read reviews of books often mainly to get an idea of what the majority thinks, but NEVER base a purchase on reviews alone. Sometimes they help me in making the decision, though. When I write a review of a book, I am honest,but always try to find something positive about it. Most times even when a book is not that great, there is still something good about it if I read the entire book.
ReplyDeleteIf I absolutely hated a book, I would most likely not even write a review unless it was a book I was reading solely for reviewing purposes. If that is the case, I will be honest, but never nasty. That is why I am careful about what I choose for review. I dont like to be mean.
I happen to have found CREEP through a book club and am so glad I did because I loved it and cannot wait till August for FREAK. One last thing, I doubt you will ever be known as a "bad writer".
I love your review style, Lisa. And thanks so much!
DeleteThat is the most intelligent, rational way to think about reviews. S'wonderful you can be so level headed about it, good or bad. I think I'd be like you. I can totally empathize about what you would go through with the emotional up and down. And I think I'd have to turn them all off after a while, like you. But I do have to admit, If I ever do get published, I know I'll be too curious not to read any ever... Can't wait for August! I bet it's going to be another awesome book.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! And it's not if you get published, it's when you get published! I just read your entry for Writer's Voice and it was great.
DeleteAs a writer, I'm scared shitless by the idea of reviews of any kind. I try not to think about it, because there's something slightly perverse about pursuing a goal that will deliberately put me in that kind of firing line :)
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, I pay no attention to reviews whatsoever. The only opinion that counts, as far as my reading experience goes, is my own. Everyone goes on about how this is such a subjective industry, so what makes anyone think their opinion has any bearing on mine? I decide whether or not to pick up a book almost exclusively from reading the first page or so.
Hey Ian! I've always said, you gotta be a little bit nuts to be a writer... :)
DeleteThere was a time when I never read book reviews, mainly because I bought all my books in an actual bookstore and never visited seller websites. For the most part, I still pick all my books based on author recognition and the blurb, though I will read reviews after I'm finished the book just to see how my opinion compares to others.
I don't read reviews. I like the synopsys of a book. I check the author,(always checking my favorite authors first),the synopsys, the cover. About the only thing I don't check are book reviews. As far as failure, I think if you write a book and it's published, that's a success. For some, just writing the book is success for that person. As everything in life, you will never please everyone with anything. So, just listen to those of us who love your book, so far, and look forward to your future books. :) Pat...a real fan of your writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in, Pat! Author recognition is big factor in book purchases for me, too, as well as personal recommendations from folks who know my tastes and think I might like the book.
DeleteI know everyone's definition of success and failure is different. I'm working on redefining mine. :)
I think I would feel the same roller coaster about reviews. I am a wreck when I finally let my work see the light of day... I still get all twitchy when Nate peeks over my shoulder! (I hate that.) I think I would definately unplug from reviews while writing a different book.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, you know how I feel about your work... you have inspired me to stick with my dream and turn from the stuffy career path I was on (something I wanted to do, but lacked the courage to do for a long time),that is something.
I think it's because you wrote what you loved and wanted to read... that is the greatest thing you can do as a writer... write for yourself. :)
p.s. Don't let stress take from the great accomplishments you have achieved. this is your moment to shine. screw the negatives. You EARNED this. ;)
Thanks Casey. You're awesome. I'd be happy if I could learn to manage my stress and insecurity better! Then again, wouldn't we all... :)
DeleteI don't think I could read reviews of my published work, even if they were positive. I have such thick skin when it comes to critiques, but when the book is out there and I can't change it, I don't know if I could take reading reviews. Also, I can't wait for FREAK!
ReplyDeleteThanks Meredith! It's funny, I assumed I'd be unaffected by reviews because I do have a thick skin with critiques, but reviews turned out to be a totally different thing. Who knew.
DeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteTwo things:
1. You are putting yourself out there with your books - and that takes great courage, well done.
2. Dirty Harry had a great comment about opinions..."opinions are like a@@holes, everybody has one."
Tyson.
Thanks, Ty. :) Exactly what I needed to hear.
DeleteI read reviews, not tons of them. And they rarely if ever sway me. Like movie reviews. What one person says is crap turns out to be one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way with movies! Rarely do I pay attention to the reviews. It's usually the trailer that persuades me.
DeleteDon't sweat it. You already are a great writer and you're only going to get better. This is a great post though, especially for those of us headed down that road sooner rather than later. Reviews are funny. I do always read the Amazon reviews before I buy a book. If they are all bad and not all in a mean way (cause you're right, the mean ones say more about the reviewer than the book) then I probably won't buy it. But if they are split or if there are mostly good and a few bad, I'll buy the book. Sometimes, I'll buy it if they are all bad just because I want to draw my own conclusions. Honestly, price and premise have more to do with my buying choices! Wishing you lots and lots of success with Freak! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your book too, Lisa! Woo hoo!
Delete"Being a writer isn't for chickenshits."
ReplyDeleteI'm having this put on my gravestone.
I'm seriously considering having it tattooed on a body part.
DeleteMe, too. Plenty of room on top of my head.
DeleteI don't blame you for staying away from reviews, especially while writing Freak. You can't let all those other people into your headspace when you're trying to create. As a reader, I don't bother too much with other people's reviews. Sometimes I'll go look at them, but for the most part, I'm just meh about it. And when I go to write a review for a book I love, the nasty reviews already up just piss me off. Someday when I get published, I'll probably not read my reviews. The sales figures will tell me whether people like the book or hate it or are just apathetic. (Of course, I'm nowhere near there yet, so this could change once it actually happens.)
ReplyDelete"You can't let all those other people into your headspace when you're trying to create." Yes, this is exactly it! It's like having people talking to you about your book while you're trying to write. I hope someday I can compartmentalize better, but I'm not there yet. :)
DeleteI know a lot of published writers who don't read reviews of their books. Or if they do, they do so sparingly. And definitely not while writing the sequel to said book being reviewed. So I think you're pretty normal in that regard, Jen.
ReplyDeleteI read reviews for books I'm interested in all the time. I won't let one or two negative reviews sway me, though. I'll read around 10 and try to gauge the average sentiment being conveyed. If the negatives are along the lines of what I would find negative, then I know I probably won't like the book. Likewise regarding positive reviews. I like to weigh everything very carefully, first, before purchasing a book.
For me, the professional reviews in my genre's trade magazines are what influence me the most. I very rarely pay much attention to average customer reviews. And for authors I really like, I don't even bother with the reviews. I just buy whatever they write, no matter what.
As far as I'm concerned, Freak is already purchased! :)
Aw, thanks, David! It's interesting to hear how trade magazines are the greatest influence on you. I feel the same. A starred review from PW or Booklist always catches my attention. And ditto with my favorite authors - if they have something new out, I'll likely buy it without even checking out the blurb.
DeleteI dont let ANYTHING sway me from reading what I want to read, seeing the movie that I want to see, or buying the item that I want to buy. It's universally known that "one man's trash is another man's treasure". Simply put, not everyone likes the same thing. I would feel cheated if I took someone else's word for something and didnt experience whatever it is for myself :) And creep was a PHENOMENALLY ENTERTAINING BOOK!! Regardless of what anyone else says...I LOVED IT!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sabrina! :)
DeleteI am wondering how I will be, Jen, because I'll start getting reviews pretty soon. I think I'd like to have someone filter them, let me see only the good ones. At least at first, I know that bad ones can be helpful. But this is my first novel, so I need some loving first! Hey, and if FREAK is half as good as CREEP, you got nuthin to fear!
ReplyDeleteI predict you'll handle them well, Mark. You're much tougher than me! And I'm so excited to read your book!
DeleteThat's why I stay away from critique groups and things like that. I find they just confuse the hell out of me and get me to scrap my stuff. I have a few beta readers, but that's it. Works good so far. Gets my work published.
ReplyDeleteA few trusted betas are worth their weight in gold. And I would say you're doing very, very well! :)
DeleteBoy, is this pertinent!
ReplyDeleteI was reading my reviews, and was shockingly unfazed by any bad reviews. But I've had to stop reading them all. Why? Because, good or bad, it was affecting what I'm writing now. I found myself second-guessing everything I was putting on the page. Bad reviews can shake your confidence. Great reviews can make you think: "How do I live up to this?"
And neither is healthy for productive writing.
Alex, it doesn't surprise me at all that you'd be unfazed by reviews, because you're cool like that. :) But yeah, the second-guessing isn't fun. I had more than a couple of false starts with this second book because I kept questioning everything I was doing. Once I shut everything else out, the story flowed better.
DeleteI don't thing an author should be expected to read all of their reviews. some authors, present company excluded, probably should so they can fix some glaring errors.
ReplyDeleteYikes! Hopefully those errors didn't ruin the books for you, Budd?
DeleteI can't fault you for not reading your reviews. I can see myself being the same way when I'm published. You're right in that it's hard, and you seem to be handling it very well! I can't wait to read FREAK. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ghenet! I'm hoping things get easier with experience. :)
DeleteI haven't been there yet, but I can see what you mean. I'm sure it's the kind of thing that makes you crazy. Reviews don't really sway me that much, since I know they're so subjective. Same thing with movie reviews. If I want to read a book, I read it. Whenever I get published, I'm sure I'll be addicted to reading them all initially, and then reach that point where it's overwhelming and stop.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I was totally addicted at first. I really just had to stop because it was all too much! The stopping was hard, though, haha.
DeleteI know what you mean about reviews. I've learned when I'm working on a particular project, then I need to stay away from reviews. When I'm in the editing phases, I can read them again (for some reason I can't not read them...I have to know for good or bad).
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, I glance at the reviews. If I'm uncertain of the book, then I often sample. It's rare I've not read a book I wanted to read because of the reviews, though.
One of the best parts of the Kindle is the ability to sample. Funny how I won't stand in a bookstore and read the first chapter of a book, but I'll totally do it at home before buying!
DeleteI made the mistake of reading my reviews. As you said, the good ones got me all hyped, the bad ones had me bawling for days. I can't do it anymore. But I still check to see if there are new ones, (which I almost think luckily, there's not) because I'm twisted that way.
ReplyDeleteReading a review good or bad doesn't sway me. I've read great reviews before on a book and thought it sucked. I've also read lousy reviews and thought the book was great. It's all subjective opinion.
Hey Anne! I recently read a book it seemed everybody else on the planet loved, and just couldn't get into it. I didn't hate it, but I couldn't relate to why everyone else loved it. You're right, it's all so subjective.
DeleteMan, you put it into great perspective. I don't know if I could just stop reading my reviews, knowing I SHOULD. The thought of reviews scare the bejeezus out of me, but it's something all writers have to go through. But when I read reviews I always try to keep in mind that not every book is going to be a good match for everyone. That is why there is such a variety (and why it's so hard to find an agent/editor...everyone's tastes are so different.) And let me just say, Eep! So excited for August!!
ReplyDeleteTotally right about it being hard to find an agent and editor. When I think back to all the no's I got... it really does just take one yes.
DeleteSo excited for you too! Will be eagerly awaiting your baby news on Facebook. :)
Hey, Jen - great to have you back!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on this topic. I'm sure when I get pubbed I'm not going to spend too much time reading reviews. Because my debut novel is potentially controversial, I wont be logged onto Amazon for hours on end. Also, with what's been going on in my life away from the written page, I've cvme to learn that people's opinions aren't important. For me, as long as I'm blessing otehrs I'm good.
Hey you! Always nice to see you. And now you've got me really intrigued about your novel. Maybe one day you'll post a teaser on your blog? ;)
DeleteThanks for all the comments, guys. Nice to know I'm not the only one who gets freaked out by reviews! Let's hope I stay saner with the next book. :)
ReplyDeleteI read reviews with a critical eye. For example, I want to see Dark Shadows (this from a person who'd rather crack a book than sit in a movie theater) so I read an L.A. Times review. The reviewer readily admits to NOT being a Tim Burton fan and, of course, gave the movie a thumbs down. This only makes me want to see it MORE...and wonder why the hell they had someone who hates Tim Burton review it.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I loved your book. : )
Aw, thank you! :) So glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteIf/when I'm published I'll steer clear of reviews: with the book already out in the world I wouldn't be able to change anything, and hopefully I'd have an agent/editor/critique group to offer helpful comments for future work and won't need to rely on the words of strangers.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a reader, I don't usually read reviews. If I like the blurb and the first few pages (yay for Amazon sneak peeks!) then I'll try it.
That's exactly it - it can be frustrating not being able to change anything in the book once it's published, even if I agree with the feedback and want to!
DeleteI do love those Amazon sneak peeks. :)
I enjoy reading reviews by strangers -- I figure they're the most unbiased! Learning that you're still "filled with self-doubt over whether it's any good" even after being a published novelist is a little disheartening. Guess I was hoping that would end for me at some point. Maybe we should somehow nip it in the bud early?
ReplyDeleteI think you're way better at handling this stuff than I am, Milo. I'm still one of those angsty/emo/super insecure writers, haha. But I'm working on it! Confidence has always been my biggest challenge.
DeleteBeing a writer isn't for chiceknshits - well said and absolutely true.
ReplyDeleteThanks Libby! :)
DeleteIf there are so many negative reviews a book (or anything else) that it has an overall rating of less than three-two stars, then I may not pick up a book. But I don't often look at reviews before I read, basing my expectations on the blurb, cover, author, etc. Sometimes the hype, too.
ReplyDeleteWould I enjoy reading reviews of a book I wrote and published? Probably at the beginning. I'm not sure I'd want to do it continuously, though.
That's a great point about hype - I've often bought books based on hype, even if they might not have been something I'd normally be interested in. It's never a bad thing to have an opinion on what's selling. :)
Deleteoh of course :o)
ReplyDeleteYou've got some quoteables in this post! :)
ReplyDeleteI can totally see not looking at anything while in the midst of finishing up book 2.
Congrats on the release of Freak in August! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know what? I'm really happy you stopped reading reviews and now you're moving forward. And that they somehow helped you grow as a writer. I'm also really excited because I can't wait till FREAK is out!! :D And yeah, it's really around the corner!! :D
ReplyDeleteLove ya, girl! You'll do just fine, I know it!!
Not a bit. And when I'm published I might read them at first but I'll know when to cut myself off. You cannot obsess and you will never please everyone.
ReplyDeleteYou have to watch Neil Gaiman's commencement speech at the University of the Arts. It is incredible. You'll cry, just a warning.ha
OMG, I feel terrible. I loved Creep. It was awesome and full of suspense. I neglected to write a review. I have been dealing with major family issues and I am ashamed that as a fellow writer (hopefully soon to be published writer) that I did not write a review. I purchased your book as soon as I discovered it and I read it in two sittings. I was hooked from beginning to end. I know you said you are not reading any more reviews, but I will write mine this weekend and I will also write one as my very next blog post. Debut novels are always hard and I am sure that all published authors learn a great deal from the reviews (the productive ones anyway). You learned your weaknesses and your strengths and I am certain that you have used every bit of constructive advice to make Freak, a book that will be loved by many and highly reviewed
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your next book and I am eager to read it. Creep was a terrific debut novel and Freak is sure to benefit from your added attention. You have accomplished what few writers have. You are published and your debut book was really good. I feel certain that you will continue to improve and continue to right amazing thrillers.