So AngieW’s got her column up on RTB. This month, she’s tackling crappy reviews and gushing reviews and whether or not authors have the right to ask for negative reviews to be removed from review sites (Amazon). Interesting column. I was with her all the way.
Upon scanning the comments however, I came across a post by Mary Janice Davidson:
“As a published author (Undead and Unwed, The Royal Treatment, etc.) I’m sort of amazed that *other* authors even care about Amazon reviews.
Doctors can only be reviewed by other physicians, you can’t supervise teachers without a graduate degree, you can’t get a doctorate without the help of someone else who has one…or, more likely, a whole committee…the list is endless. But any asshat can post a review on Amazon and trash a book. Or love a book. So who cares? It’s never going to be an even playing field. I’ve gotten gushes and I’ve gotten the “axe to grind” kind, and I pretty much ignore ‘em all and keep my head down and write.”
I was nodding my head in agreement, until she started insinuating that unless you’re a writer, then you’re not qualified to review books. WTF?
I think it’s great that she keeps her head down and keeps writing, but why make the comparisons between writers and doctors? That makes about as much sense as Britney Spears marrying Kevin Federline.
Anyway, seeing as I was in such a good mood, I felt it was necessary to share some of my legendary pearls of wisdom:
“Marianne, I’m not gonna disagree a little with what MJD wrote, I’m gonna disagree a whole lot. Basically as far as I can figure, in MJD’s opinion, if you aren’t a writer, then you shouldn’t be allowed to judge a book? What absolute bollocks. Who paid for the book in the first place with their hard-earned cash? That’s right, the ignorant reader.
Whether authors appreciate it or not, readers have every right to trash a book if they want to, or to wax lyrical to their heart’s content over certain books/authors. For me, the key thing is honesty. If you’re honest, then as far as I’m concerned, that’s all that matters.
I may disagree with certain reviews, and usually do, but I’d say that was my right, wouldn’t you?
Of course no author wants to see their baby kicked up and down the street, especially after the hard labour that went into producing it in the first place, but I still firmly believe that if you’re a writer, and you put your work out there, you’re asking for it to be publicly scrutinised. Suck it up.
If it’s a good review, great, if it’s a bad review, then just bloody well grin and bear it.
Worse things happen at sea.”
Talk about suffering from NYpublisheritis. Sheesh.
Angela James
January 11
9:50 pm
Thanks Karen. I like it when you agree with me 😉
Jennifer B.
January 11
9:51 pm
That comment left me speechless as well Karen. I’m not sure I’ve encountered a more offensive remark about readers and their ability to appreciate–and articulate that appreciation for–a book. Don’t read MJD and won’t be doing so. Ever.
Maura
January 11
10:21 pm
Well, that’s annoying as heck.
I certainly feel I have a right to voice my opinion, and I do so with great regularity.
One of the interesting things here with the whole “removing bad reviews” is that I have bought books BECAUSE of bad reviews on Amazon or a few other places! I know of a couple of regular reviewers who generally hate what I love and if they dislike a new author, I’ll generally give them a shot.
I’ve also read the details of a few well-written reviews from people who didn’t like a book and BECAUSE they were well written and I could see what they objected to (and it was something I liked or wanted to see a take on) I bought the book!
If I see only a few glowing reviews with little or no thought or detail, I tend to put it off to ass-kissers!!!
Maybe not fair but it’s true!
I have started to review the various books I’m reading on my blog purely as a way to keep myself accountable and not let the blog languish. Maybe no one but my friends care but I enjoy the process of quantifying what I do or do not like.
Any author who feels that I am not qualified to review their book (and don’t like what I have to say) is welcome to JUST COPE. Ever notice that there aren’t a lot of complaints if you DO like them????
(end of rant)
Dakota Cassidy
January 11
10:34 pm
As an author, I’ll say this. Reviews are fine–be they good or bad. A GOOD review for a book you didn’t enjoy tells the author what the reviewer didn’t like, says it succinctly and does it without calling names and resorting to cruelties. They can be funny, snarky,, but I’ll never agree with being outright ugly.
As an ex reviewer my rule always was to say what I thought, but say it contructively and point out exactly what I didn’t like about the book and WHY. I didn’t spew or cuss, tho, there were some times that I went, er, WTF? I just tried to say it in a way that utilized my “good vocabulary skills”. Snort
To say that reader reviews are invalid isn’t something I agree with AT ALL. They ARE the people who buy your books. However, and sadly, sometimes the reviews can be by folks with an ax to grind and you can’t tell me differently because I’ve seen it and I know it’s happened. That’s when the playing field becomes a battle field and that’s when it sucks the most.
So, I agree to a degree with ya, cookie. As long as it holds meaning and contructively tells an author what the reader didn’t like, then have at it 🙂
Dakota 🙂
MaryJanice
January 11
10:54 pm
MaryJanice the Nazi here. Karen, after reading your posts I was all, “Who IS this woman?” and found my way to your incoherent rambl–I mean, your blog! 😉
I’m reading all the stuff you like (Guy Pearce: Best. Amnesiac. EVER.) and thinking, wow, this gal and I like a lot of the same things, when she’s not releasing the hounds on me and getting all, you know, frothy n’stuff, we could have a good time.
Oh, and Jennifer B? It’s worse than that, honey. You’re not ALLOWED to buy any of my books. That includes the negatively reviewed ones.
Here’s a list, so you don’t get confused and buy one by mistake:
UNDEAD AND UNWED
UNDEAD AND UNAPPRECIATED
UNDEAD AND UNEMPLOYED
UNDEAD AND UNRETURNABLE
THE ROYAL TREATMENT
HELLO GORGEOUS
JENNIFER SCALES AND THE ANCIENT FURNACE
THE ROYAL PAIN
Remember, Jennifer: no. MJD. Ever.
If anyone is interested (Karen? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?) I did go back and explain myself at the original post. Being generally jerky, I probably irritated more than I soothed. But heck, I’m just an innocent victim of society whose parents never understood her. None of this is actually my FAULT or anything.
Can anyone tell I’m on deadline, and am a dreadful procrastinator? Instead of working diligently I’m picking fights. Hey, whatever gets me out of work. 🙂
Caro
January 11
11:20 pm
Certainly, if MJD wants a scholarly critique of her books, then the general reader is not the person to provide it. However, any reader who is capable of understanding the content of the book can give an opinion. I don’t like to equate books with products; however, buying a book, the ultimate goal of publication, or reading a book entitles the reader to his or her opinion, whether thoughtful or visceral. It also entitles the reader to set the book on fire and dance around it, if so desired!
Sharon
January 11
11:25 pm
ROFL, omg, I think I’m snorting my drink out of my nose. I do so love irreverency!
Millenia Black
January 11
11:46 pm
I have to agree with it to a point because when I was self-published, those reviews mattered A LOT when it came to being picked up by a major publisher. My agent and editor refered to Amazon to read the reviews and look at the sales rank – so it definitely helps if they’re good. I also got tons of movie rights inquiries that referenced the good reviews on Amazon. So, my impression was that people do pay attention to Amazon reviews and sales ranks….people that potentially matter.
Karen Scott
January 12
12:00 am
Hey MJD, seeing as you brought your arse over to my humble abode, and apologised so profusely, I think it’s only right that I be as equally gracious and forgive you for your sins against readers.
And you’re right, we probably do have a lot more in common than your original RTB reviewers rant would suggest. I have to admire an author who puts up a fight, rather than slinking off and sending scathing e-mails behind my back to people who will eventually forward them until they inevitably reach me *g*
And yes, Guy Pearce totally did it for me.
I’ll respond to everybody else’s comments tomorrow, I’m off to bed now though. Ciao!
MaryJanice
January 12
1:36 am
Caro: I totally agree. Any reader can post their opinion, anywhere they like. (I just wish so many writers didn’t live and die over snark.) Heck, I’ve had people on my own Yahoo group talk about books of mine they really didn’t like. If you can’t get stroked on your own fangroup, you can’t count on stroking anywhere, and shouldn’t. “Jeez, MJ, that one really sucked. What happened?” Uh. I was sick?
Sharon: oh, thank God. I’ve been riffing all afternoon trying to make people laugh. It’s tricky if the people don’t know you, and can’t see the wiseass smirk on your face.
Millenia: my God. I didn’t even think of that. I went from e-pubbed to NY pubbed because my editor bought my e-book, then called me and asked to buy the print rights. Reviews never came into it. And thank goodness! But I never dreamed they might have. How awful that a system so easily manipulated has sway over your career.
Karen: I’m too dumb to slink (also: not sly, and not especially bright). And I despise it when posters act like high school homecoming queens on acid (“Did you SEE what Karen wrote about ME? Isn’t she MEAN? Isn’t she LAME? You should go over there and post to everyone how LAME she is. Aren’t my glorious blonde curls rife with honey highlights?”). Uck. I’ll eat a hammer, claw end first, before I’ll do that. The real irony is, I almost never post anywhere, and today I’ve been all over the place with this topic. I love a good discussion and all the points of view…it’s fascinating and wonderful.
One final thought: has anyone noticed, the more weight Guy Pearce loses, the more monkey-like he looks? Check him out in L.A. Confidential, then rent The Time Machine. Dude! You’ve turned yourself into a MONKEY. WTF?
Rosie
January 12
4:46 am
Whew! I’m exhausted. Karen, you get the most interesting discussions going. And, of course, the timid crowd that hangs out here never has an opinion to share!! : ) So, naturally, here’s mine.
Sometimes I want to just say…people, it’s one person’s opinion. Frankly, I read reviews every where…all the time. A good review (especially the same book reviewed well several places) is more likely to influence me to buy than a bad review is going to turn me off. Unless the reviewer is a known quantity (I’ve read the book myself and have the same opinion, or bought a book on a previous recommend and agreed) I never purchase a book based on one reviewer/reader’s opinion.
I guess this might be different if I had a small book budget and had to be more careful how I spent my dollars. Fortunately for me that isn’t the case.
One last comment, I have rolled my eyes when I see the axe to grind reviews. They seem very obvious to spot to me. What is the point? It’s just mean and pointless. IMHO I think they back fire, especially if they are in the middle of other either good or better reviews.
I totally agree with Dakota’s comments about letting someone know that the book just didn’t do it for you personally without chopping them off at the knees. Every writer deserves some credit for 1) completing a damn book; 2) getting it published. If you’ve written anything on deadline you know it’s effin’ hard…so every writer deserves a break for that reason alone.
azteclady
January 12
5:50 am
Given that each book I buy puts a dent on an already tight budget, MJD’s comment offended me. I don’t write, so I can’t even say what I like or dislike?
Then I breathed slowly a couple of times, calmed down, and read the comments.
I’m still offended by the assumption that I’m not equal to the task of writing a review over any damned book I’ve read (maybe I’m not as calm as I thought), but I can see why many authors would actively avoid reviews – a favorite author was the victim of the ‘axe to grind’ phenomenon recently, for example.
The only thing I would request of reviewers in general would be that they actually read the book they are reviewing. I’ve come across more than one review -on amazon and elsewhere- where, after reading the book myself, I’ve wondered what the hell the reviewer was talking about.
Lori
January 12
6:09 am
Three little words. Word. of. Mouth. We all have reader reviews that we trust implicitly – are your ears burning JenniferB? So, MJD, don’t go dissing my review buddy! This is how we readers find new authors to love and enjoy, or… not.
Most avid readers can spot a kissup review or a mean review or even a review by someone who never read the book (gasp – are you listening Harriet Klausner? NObody reads as many books as you – not even me!). Give us a little credit. After all, without us, there would be no paycheck.
Dakota Cassidy
January 12
6:15 am
Ahh, azteclady, there I would agree with you. I wonder sometimes too what the reviewer intended to get across. Which is why I say the very same thing for an authors work.
Because it’s subject to each individual persons interpretation, one person “gets” the book and another doesn’t. It could well be they DID read the book and came away with a totally different view on it than you did. And yet still, a completely different view on it than the author intended for you.
And I MUST stop hanging around this damned blog like some sort of groupie, Karen! LOLLOL. I’m glued to it.
Dakota 🙂
Shawn
January 12
7:50 am
I’ve never been one to criticize another person’s work. I’ll always felt that writing a book is my dream, so who am I to shyte on someone else’s dream.
So if I read a suckeriffic book I have a tendency to keep it to myself.
Anne
January 12
1:12 pm
All I can say is Wow. What happened to authors respecting readers and reviewers? God, what happened to PROFESSIONALISM! YIKES!
Anonymous
January 12
1:40 pm
NO MJD books ever? I guess the author is trying for humor but it comes across to me as sarcasm.
Jane A.
Jenn
January 12
2:18 pm
I have read and enjoyed MaryJanice books except the couple she wrote when she was sick(g).
I would be surprised if an author turned out the perfect book everytime. All of the authors I read Mary Janice, Linda Howard, JD ROBB/Nora Roberts have wrote a story that I thought was not their best. NO one is perfect. I have my shitty days where I don’t do my best work. We all do.
If reviews counted with me when I buy a book I would more likely listen to a review written by another reader who enjoyed the same stories I do than a “pro”reviewer anyday. I have some common sense(g) and believe I can recognize when the reviewer has another agenda.
MaryJanice you and Karen Do have a lot in common. YOu both have the same odd…uh I mean quirky sense of humor.
What it comes down to is I don’t listen to movie critics to determine what movie I see and the same with books.
Eve Vaughn
January 12
2:38 pm
I’ve brought books that were trashed, but then again I’m perverse like that.
The only thing that really annoys me about reviews is misinformation.
I’ve had reviews where they literally didn’t know the title of a book or called the characters by different names. In my opinion the only truly bad reviews are the ones where the reviewer got your info wrong.
As far as a book getting trashed on Amazon, I look at it this way. That person who trashed it, brought the book. Nuff said.
I have to give MJD her props for coming over to the blog and defending her stance. I’m still waiting for the next U&U installment *sigh*
Jennifer B.
January 12
2:47 pm
Well, no one ever said that talent and maturity go hand in hand.
If not exactly mature (or adept at constructive debate) MDJ, you are at least considerate. Thank you for compiling that list; saves me some time.
MaryJanice
January 12
4:25 pm
Funny story…my editor called this morning and we chatted about this and that until she politely asked how the new book was coming.
And I was all, “Well, uh, I actually didn’t work on it at all yesterday. I was, uh, doing some PR stuff on the Web pretty much all day.” Yeah, that was it.
“Oh, PR?” She was surprised, because she knows I almost never post. About anything. And PR? I’m working on a full-blown case of agoraphobia: I almost never leave the house. For anything. I do maybe three book signings a year.
So I explained: there’s a review debate going on at at least 4 different sites/blogs and yesterday I posted all over the place, fessed up about the shenanigans of an ex, compared myself to a Nazi, forbade a potential customer from ever buying my books (and probably, by extension, at least half of her pals), pointed out my deficient I.Q., annoyed a citizen of Great Britain (I sold the UK rights to the U&U series last summer and the Big British Push for my books starts in about two months), and speculated on Guy Pearce’s odd weight loss and simian resemblance.
Dead silence, followed by my editor’s curious, “Seriously, what is wrong with you?”
“It all seemed to make so much sense at the time,” I whined.
“Is it a medication issue?”
“No it is NOT.”
“Look, I don’t care. I really don’t. If you were well adjusted, I doubt your books would do as well. We like a little nuts in our authors.”
Uh. Thanks?
“Because I’ve seen some of the notes you’ve left yourself on your manuscripts. We’ve got a poll in the office: the CEO think you’re schizophrenic, my assistant put twenty in the kitty to bet you have no impulse control, and–well, any information you share with me that helps me win the pot…we could work something out. Twenty eighty?”
“Never mind the damn pot. What do you think about reviews? Good, bad, or indifferent? Do they influence you at all?”
“Honey, if you make the USA or NY list, none of us here could care less.” She hung up, probably to get the last word. But she could have stayed on the phone all morning; I was left speechless. I’ve been writing for NY publishers for 4 years and forgot: money talks, the rest walks.
So. That’s the word from a NY editor on the subject of reviews. And the subject of my (alleged!) mental illness, but that’s a whole other deal.
MaryT
January 12
4:58 pm
MaryJanice,
I’m not so sure I’d want to be the one representing you at this point in time. But then again I am a lowly reader. My buying your books doesn’t mean jack shit to you it seems, but keep pissing off your fans and you won’t have very good book sales. If I knew a way to publicize your insults to your readers, I’d sure as hell do it, just so YOU could see that what YOU say DOES matter.
Desiree Erotique
January 12
4:58 pm
Geesh, was going to comment..but looks like the hornet’s nest was dropped at poor Karen’s blog. Dare I post my thoughts? Ok, here goes: constructive reviews from any reader, whether they be a writer or not, is a constructive review. Is there any writer living who wasn’t a reader to begin with? No. Now while I don’t approve of scathing hissy fits disguised as a review, a reader has a right to state their opinion, and especially if it is free of immature commentary.
My two cents worth. Hugs to Karen.
Selina
January 12
5:02 pm
Don’t worry about it JenniferB, you aren’t missing anything with MJD books. They are as immature as she is.
Jenn
January 12
5:17 pm
AHHHHH ladies come on.
Repeat after me….
Authors have feelings too.
WE have different opinions, likes and dislikes.
I like Mary Janice’s sense of homour and she has made me laugh while reading her books countless times.
I always knew I was immature.
Sigh
Now it has been confirmed.
no need to bring ourselves down to a kids level by throwing insults.
If disliking an author is your criteria for not reading a book then let that speak for itself.
Kristie (J)
January 12
5:22 pm
As to MJD – I seem to be almost alone here but I “get” what she is trying to say. And I think her answers are hilarious. I’ve never read one but if her books are as irreverant as her posts – I’m gonna try me one. I think she’s doing everything “tounge in cheek” and as one who loves “toungue in cheek” humour well, I’m laughing.
Kristie (J)
January 12
5:23 pm
And that should be “tongue” – Oops bad speller.
Sharon
January 12
5:37 pm
Ah but for some of us, sarcasm = humor!
And if nothing else, MJD may have lost a few customers (though it’s doubtful the ones in question would’ve bought her books anyway) but I plan to run out and buy a few. And I’ve never read one of her books. If they’re half as hysterical as she is, I figure it won’t be money wasted *g*
Jenn
January 12
5:43 pm
YOu got it! Kristie (J) and Sharon. Her Undead books are exactly like that. Very funny!
And if you read her posts most of the times that humour is directed at herself. Always liked a person that can laugh at theirself.
Jennifer B.
January 12
5:56 pm
I’m sorry; I can’t resist. MJD – your latest comment has me rolling around on the floor laughing. And because I have a friend at my local bookstore who will sell me your books regardless of your edict…I will be picking one up. Just to sample more of your redeeming wit.
Avid Reader
January 12
6:10 pm
I just had to leave my thoughts as well but wanted to quote Caro, my hero:
Certainly, if MJD wants a scholarly critique of her books, then the general reader is not the person to provide it
Amen to that.
I have standards for my opinions but I don’t work nor write for anyone but me. I think it completely unfair to set standards. There are those who like to flame, like to give a constructive review and some just don’t give a shit how it comes out, as long as it’s a honest review. I spend a lot of money on books and you better believe I’ll leave my opinion on them – constructive or not.
All I’m saying is judge my review as you will, the fact is that I am entitled to leave it, any way I want to leave it baby. As readers, writers, authors, you have choice. You know where you need to go to get a constructive review.
Keishon
Karen Scott - In Birmingham
January 12
6:39 pm
Well, if you guys think I’m gonna respond to every comment, you’ve got another think coming. I leave the office for a few hours, and this is what I get on when I log back on.
I don’t want to turn my blog into a free for all, so let’s agree that MJD was wrong and us readers are all right… OK I’m just kidding! Sheesh.
Like Jenn says, even authors have feelings, and quite frankly her slightly dodgy point of view isn’t enough to warrant all out attack.
MJD, let’s just agree that something was lost in translation and that you didn’t really mean to insult readers everywhere. Waddaya think?
Sounds perfectly workable to me, now if you just want to send me some freebie books, I’ll say no more about the matter, and as a plus, I’ll even review them specially for you.
Waddaya say? I know, I’m generous to a fault, so sue me. {g}
Alison Kent
January 12
8:15 pm
“Look, I don’t care. I really don’t. If you were well adjusted, I doubt your books would do as well. We like a little nuts in our authors.”
Now, of course, I’m wondering if this is the editor we share since the one I’m thinking of has said similar things to me more than once! 🙂
MaryJanice
January 12
8:50 pm
Alison: nope, wrong editor, but it sounds like something Kate Duffy would say, doesn’t it?
JenniferB: well, if I LOL’d you it’s only fair, as “regardless of your edict” LOL’d me. I got this mental picture in my head of you furtively darting around the country trying to buy an UNDEAD book, only to be thwarted by bookstore clerks everywhere who have your picture taped to the cash register. Then I thought, oh, GREAT job, MJ. Not only did you ban a potential customer, she’s pals with a bookseller! Maybe she’s a nun who rescues kittens, too. That would put the final absurd touch on my general idiocy.
Kristie(J): Did you ever see Bill Murray in SCROOGED? “We don’t want to scare the Dickens out of people. The DICKENS out of people…? Nobody gets me.”
Karen S.: Poor thing! Bet you thought you were done last night when you went to bed, huh? Sorry, didn’t mean to clog the blog; I’ll do better next time. (“NEXT time?” Karen squeaks.) Yes, I agree: something was lost in the translation and I only meant to offend British readers. Or, you know, something like that. 😉
Do you really review books? Because, the big irony given my indifference to reviews is, I’m constantly looking for ways to get rid of my author’s copies. I have a book out every other month, on average, and get 50 copies of each one. Since 2003. So that’s a buttload of books. Send a review address to maryjanice@comcast.net and I’ll see what I can do. 🙂
Karen Scott
January 12
9:00 pm
MJ, I still think you’re nutty as a fruitcake, but hey, if you wanna send me some freebies, who am I to argue?
BTW, I do review books, but I’m damn lazy about posting ’em, just ask Kate Rothwell.
Angela James
January 12
9:40 pm
Kristie–you took my phrase right out of my mouth, “tongue in cheek.” And who knew when I wrote that column this week that I was going to be so inspiring? Now, if only I could figure out how to inspire people to want to throw money at me. Must ponder this.
Totally off-topic, but since this seems to be the place to catch MJD and I’ve always wanted to know: why, for all that’s holy, is Rachael Ray’s name misspelled?
signed,
~Mesmerized by MJD in Maryland (okay, so I just really wanted to use alliteration)
Jenn
January 12
9:59 pm
Well since we are querying MJ I want to know where do I go to get a Sinclair clone.
Jenn
January 12
10:00 pm
OH and can’t we send the devil’s daughter to hell
sigh
Angela James
January 12
10:45 pm
*gasp*
Karen, I think you so owe me! All because of my inspirational and moving post, you’ve been offered author copies by MJD.
Okay, okay. It might have something to do with your great wit and charm. Damn you 😉 Gorgeous, funny and adored by the masses. I want to be Karen Scott when I grow up. Except I’d want to have more than just weekend sex.
Ann Wesley Hardin
January 12
10:52 pm
MJD–getting a bonafide *Karen* review will incite jealousy amongst your peers. Especially if she doesn’t like the book. Take a moment and read some of her older ones. You’ll laugh your head off.
I knew if I stuck around long enough MJD would win everyone over. She never broke character. Got to admire that in a person. Makes you feel secure. *gg*
Marianne McA
January 12
11:25 pm
S’not up to this DMJ to say who is and isn’t ‘allowed’ to buy her books – after reading her here, and at RTB, I’m going to protest her high-handedness by buying at least one of her books when the Great British Push forthcomes. That’ll teach her.
(Be worth campaigning for more acronyms in romance blogging circles, wouldn’t it? If you could type entire sentences such as: ‘MDJ sent KS U&U after the hoo-ha at RTB’ it’d be like being a member of the Famous Five.)
Jenn
January 12
11:28 pm
Okay, okay. It might have something to do with your great wit and charm. Damn you 😉 Gorgeous, funny and adored by the masses. I want to be Karen Scott when I grow up. Except I’d want to have more than just weekend sex.
“snicker”
And you know why Karen
maryjanice
January 13
3:15 am
Angie W: why is Rachael Ray’s name misspelled? Because I’m a frockin’ moron. I’ve been a fan of hers for years, but never noticed her name is not spelled R-A-C-H-E-L. Nobody at Berkley caught it, either, but I’m the author (of DERIK’S BANE, where the hero werewolf follows Ms. Ray across the country) and the buck stops with me. Hope it didn’t jerk you out of the book. I hate when that happens.
Mesmerized, nauseated…it’s all the same to me.
Jenn: you gotta do what I did: grow your own Sinclair clone. I thought it was a Chia pet but I was wrong…and the devil’s daughter will most definitely visiting her mother’s homeland one of these days.
Ann W H: hey, I’ve been reviewed (and savaged) by Mrs. Giggles and Smart Bitches. If I lived through that, I can take anybody’s review.
Yes, my warped charm eventually grew on a few of the people here…you know, like a foot fungus. That’s what I am, really: a mental fungus.
Marianne: that’ll learn me! But, fear the Great British Push! Or just, you know, ignore it. 😉
Dawn
January 13
10:10 am
I haven’t read MJD, but judging on her, IMO, snortingly funny posts, I might try her.
And MJD, Ann WH is correct, reading one of Karen’s reviews trashing a book is much more satisfying than a po-faced I loved it review.
Joyce Henderson
January 13
7:03 pm
Dare I enter this fray with my 2 cents? I am a writer who wrote for 20 years before seeing my fiction in print. Then two books were published in 2005, Native American set in mid 1800s Texas.
I’m not surprised I got one really crappy review, but I also got mostly lovely reviews. We put our guts on paper then put it out for everyone to read, we better be ready for some negative responses to our work. Excuse me, but isn’t that why so many writers are able to accomplish publication? One persons bouquet is anothers pail of garbage.
The main thing I try to do in my writing is be accurate to time, place, and culture, and write what I hope is a good story with compelling characters.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t writers also readers? I certainly am. Not all readers are writers, but so many are voracious readers and definitely entitled to an opinion. Hence, a “reader” review.
Sure, it’s tough as an old boot in the bum to read some reviews, but if they prove relevant in some way I pay attention. If not, I say, sc*** the messenger!
Joyce Henderson
HelenKay
January 13
10:00 pm
If you think MJD is interesting here – and she is – go read THE ROYAL PAIN. The woman is hillarious. Try writing hillarious. It ain’t easy.
Do I agree that ONLY authors can review. Nah. There are good and bad (really bad) of both reader and author reviewers. That disagreement doesn’t take away from what a talented writer MJD is. Go read her (and, no, we don’t know each other).
Jaynie R
January 16
9:52 am
Well I have the first two Undead books by MJD and I gotta say I thought they were overrated in the comedy stakes – although I do think she’s a very good writer, just not as funny as I’d hoped.
BUT – reading these posts has literally had me giggling myself silly.
I’ll be buying book 3 *g*
Sondrea
January 24
4:10 pm
MJD said: Here’s a list, so you don’t get confused and buy one by mistake:
UNDEAD AND UNWED
UNDEAD AND UNAPPRECIATED
UNDEAD AND UNEMPLOYED
UNDEAD AND UNRETURNABLE
THE ROYAL TREATMENT
HELLO GORGEOUS
JENNIFER SCALES AND THE ANCIENT FURNACE
THE ROYAL PAIN
Whoa, wait. You are leaving her wiggle room. And as the parent of three children, I can tell you that you can never leave wiggle room. Never. Doing so triggers THE CHANGE, instantly transforming your beloved child into a smart-alecy legal prodigy the likes of which even Perry Mason, Matlock and [insert name of brilliant British or other non-American attorney (or should that be that barrister?)] wouldn’t want to argue against. :::shudders::: Your list failed to include the numerous, assorted anthologies — both electronic and paperback –that you have stories in, nor did you mention ADVENTURES OF THE TEEN FURIES, DYING FOR ICE CREAM, BY ANY OTHER NAME, CHARMING THE SNAKE, or ESCAPE THE SLUSH PILE. Since the anthologies feature authors she is not banned from buying, and the proceeds from BEWITCHED, BOTHERED & BEVAMPRED are going to charity, you may be tempted to make excepttions for those titles, but consider carefully, cause once you’ve made concessions for e-books and anthologies, well, your single title print releases can’t be far behind. Still you want to be fair, so perhaps you should consider offering to give or sell her special copies of those books …with your stories excised. *GG*
MaryJanice
January 27
2:33 am
Sondrea, you are too funny. You’re right, I didn’t list them all. To be honest, I blanked on a few. Besides, Jennifer outsmarted me (it’s shockingly easy) anyway. 🙂
You know what’s weird? My sales across the board took a HUGE jump after all this. As God is my witness, I have no idea what to think about that.
And as if we’re not all sick enough of the subject, I went and posted another response. As Karen says, you can REALLY go off on some people. And so I did.
http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/?p=506
Thanks for the chuckle!