Hi folks, today is Friday and once again I want to introduce you to a great new author. Please meet Saralynn Hoyt. Here's Saralynn's take on reviews. enjoy!
Reviews: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Recently, I was featured in an article in
the 12/10/12 issue of Time
Magazine, entitled “The
99¢ Best Seller” where journalist Andrew
Rice wrote about my self-publishing journey.
In the article, Andrew writes: Shortly after she [Sheryl] returned home
from the conference, she was thrilled to find that her promotional efforts had
borne fruit in the form of a four-star review for Dangerous Heart: “Could not put it down!”
I
must admit, that review was like floating on a cloud. I knew in my heart how
important it would be that my first review was a good one and it might see me
through tougher times.
And I was right.
Got a not so great review the other day (no
link provided LOL) and I went through what all artistic people go through when
someone criticizes their creation (their baby). I went cold, then numb, and
then got that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Then the voices in my head
started up: I’m a terrible writer, the reviewer hated me and my work, they
think I stuck. I do suck at this, I give up...
Sound familiar?
Sometimes it’s a pretty deep and dark pit
to climb out of and back to reality. We are, after all just human. Something
that I know it must be hard for a reviewer to understand or think about when
they are writing what feels to the author like cruel remarks.
The good news: it’s just their opinion. And
there are plenty more out there. The better news, on closer examination, it
wasn’t really that bad of a review. The reader actually had a lot of extremely
nice and wonderful things to say about my book. Plus, if you look very close,
sometimes it’s really about what isn’t said.
For instance, the reviewer could have said
things about the quality of the writing, editing, poor plot and a hundred other
things that are way more important in the grand scheme of a book. Instead, this
reviewer simply did not like— not even a little bit— my heroine.
On reflection—and with the perspective of
my fabulous critique partner—I was able to see that not all romance readers
like the same type of heroine. I’m okay with that. On further reflection, I
have to be.
So,
how do you take your punches without getting beat up too badly? Here are some
tips courtesy of me and Deborah
Schneider (my fab friend).
1. It’s just their opinion.
2. Did they say anything nice? If so, focus
on that.
3. What don’t they like? Is it important?
4. Is it something that is structural or
subjective?
5. Has anyone ever said the opposite?
6. Is it an issue that perhaps strikes on a
personal note?
7. Could you have struck a nerve ?
8.
and it’s worth repeating that it’s just
their opinion.
Number
seven is pretty important, especially for me and the way I write. Deb says I
write the hard issues. In Dangerous
Heart my hero, Cord, is becoming an alcoholic. I would guess anyone who
has similar issues will either love or hate him.
In Heaven Made, Sabrina, my heroine, runs from a man who is
showing signs of being a predator to her eight year old daughter. That would
certainly distress some people. And in The
Scoundrel and the Saint, my heroine was physically abused by her
first husband. I can only imagine how her story might upset some readers and
push some buttons.
So, do I stop writing the books that may or
may not offend some people? Do I only write to the same formula that thousands
of other authors write to? Or do I take this Indie publishing thing seriously
and write from my heart and hope that some of the time a reader will love my
books as much as I do. As long as I’m not getting reviews that say the quality
of my product is poor, I will take my punches and get right back up and keep
writing. And, of course, I’ll cherish the good ones for all time.
A
special shout out to The
Book Maven for this wonderful review of Dangerous Heart. Thank you for noting that my Indie book
looked just as good as a traditionally published book. http://bookmaven623.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/fresh-faced-friday-featuring-dangerous-heart-by-sara-lynn-hoyt/#comment-848
Bio: Sheryl Hoyt was born and lives in
the Seattle, WA area. She resides in the beautiful Cascade foothills with her
high school sweetheart and their cats.
A business professional by day, Sheryl has been writing novels in her free time
for over 20 years. A lover of all things historical, she enjoys research and
travel in order to expand her knowledge and add authenticity to her stories.
Links to my stuff
My Website: http://www.sherylhoyt.com or http://www.saralynnhoyt.com
Twitter @saralynnhoyt
Pintrest http://pinterest.com/saralynnhoyt/
Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/SaraLynn-Hoyt/e/B007SCLJT4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1355797195&sr=8-1
Amazon my books page http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=saralynn+hoyt
Amazon Dangerous Heart http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Heart-ebook/dp/B007ME2YHY/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1355798469&sr=8-1
Amazon Heaven Made http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Made-ebook/dp/B009UH000Y/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4
Amazon
The Scoundrel and the Saint http://www.amazon.com/The-Scoundrel-Saint-ebook/dp/B007RJO9OA/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
Reviews:
Dangerous
Heart on BN.com
Anonymous
Posted
March 22, 2012
4
Stars: Very interesting story.. Could not put it down!
The Scoundrel and the Saint on BN.com
Anonymous
Posted May 11, 2012
5
Stars: Very romantic
Loved it! Loved it! Really feel like i knew
the characters. Excellent writing! I want me a Brand! Must buy!
Dangerous
Heart on Amazon.com
Great characters and interesting topics May 27, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
4
Stars: I really enjoyed how this book is not just
your typical historical romance. The characters have problems and issues that
are just as relevant today. I enjoyed going along on their adventures.
Posts
Thank you Pru for being such a lovely host! Sheryl
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