Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2014
Guess the movie!
"I couldn't do that. Could you do that? Why can they do it? Who are those guys?"
Highlight below for answer.
B utch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
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IWSG—Insecure Writers Support Group, coming together on the first Wednesday of every month for a virtual pat on the back.
I am in the land of Between.
Sequel to Wilder Mage is in the capable hands of my editor. I made book trailer for it. And I tested the winds with a damp finger and launched my boat into the ocean of Self-Published.
Now what?
Marketing can drive a person crazy. Ditto watching sales. The third novel needs attention but I’m not quite ready to immerse myself yet.
People ask for reviews. I like to give them what they want but how do I do that when the book they offer is...horrible.
So maybe that is my call for help on this IWSG day. How to tell a writer that I am not connecting with their book. I really prefer to remain silent and not post anything. But is that being disingenuous? Should I just tell them straight out, your book is not for me? Or clam up.
Help please.
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Insecure Writers Support Group: The Final Frontier.
These are the continuing voyages of the Ninja Captain, AJC. His mission, to explore all new writing venues, to seek out new authors and new blogs.
To boldly go where no blogateer has gone before.
I couldn't guess today's movie, but I think I have only seen it one time. It is a great quote :)
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings
I've occasionally had the same problem with reviews. My basic strategy varies. If I've said I'll post a review for someone and I vaguely know them online, I typically explain how I feel first and suggest not reviewing it. If it's someone else, I'll typically review and try to carefully set out why I disliked the book so much, or if I don't feel that strongly, I'll just ignore it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm trying to ignore these things less right now. The thing is, it's easy to get into this thing where we're all supposed to be supportive, and somehow that changes into never saying anything negative. Yet reviews are there for the benefit of the readers rather than the authors, and they deserve to know what you really felt.
That's a tough one. I recently had to do it though. Fortunately, I was also running out of time, so that helped soften my words. But the author understood that I just wasn't connecting. I think just being honest helps.
ReplyDeleteAh yes...the horrible book you've been given for review. That has happened countless times for me. I just send an honest, but kind email to the author or promo person they've hired letting them know why their book isn't for me. Whether it's that I'm not connecting with the characters, or that I feel there is a lack of tension to keep a reader's attention.
ReplyDeleteI read another IWSG post today about people of this world not liking puppies, bacon, Harry Potter, or chocolate. How can people NOT like those things???! We can't please everyone every time. Remind others of that, and don't allow their emotional reactions to your words hurt you. At that point, it's best not to reply.
Great post today!
Terri @ Scribbler's Sojourn
This has happened to me a few times. I privately email the author and just say the book is not for me, I'm not connecting with it. I prefer not to publish a bad review. So far, every single one has appreciated the honesty. We're all still friends! :) Good luck.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I loved the movie for the quote you posted. Second, I'm not in the Insecure Writer's Support Group, but I'll answer your question anyway. I have zero problems being honest with people. If a book is not for me, it's not for me. I also tell people that if I can't give a book at least three stars, I won't review it. I'm not out to give people bad reviews, but I ALWAYS give honest reviews.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer not to publish a bad review. I think I've always believed in the 'if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all" idea. Even with books by strangers, I just keep quiet if I don't like it. I think just emailing and saying you didn't connect with it is a great approach.
ReplyDeleteLove today's movie, what a classic.
What is a IWSG day? I have seen this written before and just not up with the trendy lingo obviously :-) I have never done a book review so couldn't give you a proper answer on that or be of help and thank goodness I don't have to review a book I don't like would be hard enough to read let alone review, I am sure that comment didn't help at all, so i apologize now and also say hello too from another fellow A-Z blogger xx
ReplyDeleteMovie quotes? I feel right at home! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I'd be so bad at these. Now book quotes? I'm in! lol
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z-ing!
~Anna
My A to Z:Body Beauty.
I was really interested in seeing what other commenters have said about reviewing books you don't like. I their their advice is fabulous, and I think I'll use their strategy in the future.
ReplyDeleteAnd who doesn't love Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head is one of my favourite songs of all time. :)
I've never seen that movie, so that's why I didn't get the quote. As for reviews, everyone else seemed to have great advice.
ReplyDeleteButch is on my bucket list of movies. Might move it up to the top ten because this is twice I've seen it referenced this week.
ReplyDeleteAnd I also agree that being honest is best in terms of reviews and critiques.
I did see that movie long ago.
ReplyDeleteAs for reviews, I don't do them as a favor--I prefer to leave a review as a reader, for a book I really loved. I do beta reads, critiques and proof reads for other writers.
I know finding readers is much harder than finding other authors, but I think writers are better off to play the long game and focus on their writing and actual readers than what they can get from other authors.
I figure I am a writer, not a reviewer, so I read books for fun. I will never post a horrible review. If I hate your book, I will clam up. Pressure me for a review, I'll send it to your inbox.
ReplyDeleteSaw the good news on your side bar...congratulations!!!!
So weird, my brother and I were just talking about that movie.
ReplyDeleteWilder Mage as really great and congrats on it hitting #1!
Never seen the movie. >_<
ReplyDeleteWith regards to the review, I would be gentle but honest, and probably not post a review, unless they insisted. I've had to do it before. I explained what I didn't like, or why I couldn't relate. They seemed to take it alright.
Best of luck on that decision!
Butch Cassidy is Newman and Redford in their prime. Wow. I love when they are on top of the cliff and Sundance says, "I can't swim". Butch cracks up - "Hell, the fall will kill you." And they jump............
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