Reading Reviews: Yes or No
When I first started becoming serious about my writing, I posted free stories online and used the critiques to refine my style. Those assessments from readers were important. Without them, Iím not sure I would have ever tried to submit a manuscript to a publisher. In fact, some of those original readers are now my beta readers. I feel like theyíve been as much a part of my writing journey as I have.
Now that I am published, and having only been so for two years, reviews still mean a lot to me. So yes, I do read the reviews, whether they are good, bad, or just ëmehí.
I admit to still being thrilled when I read a great review. To know a story I wrote touched someone and that they took the time to write that review is incredibly gratifying.
When it comes to the bad reviews, I have learned to not take them personally (as often as possible) and really look at what is being said. Is it constructive? Are they making good points? I believe we can all do betteróat anythingóand I try to take in readerís views.
However, if a review just says something like ìhated itî, ìdidnít like itî, I always wish someone had stated why. Why did they hate it? What didnít the reader like? What turned them away from the story? If I want to continue to grow as a writer, I need honest feedback and I respect someone who tells me why they didnít feel a connection with the story.
Iíve also learned that readers are incredibly diverse and not everyone is going to like the same type of story. All I can do is continue to write, learning with each book, and hopefully bring a smile to someone.
Readers that leave reviews are so importantówithout readers where would a writer be?
Below is a short excerpt from A Love to Remember.
ìYouíre adorable,î Sam said, his eyes crinkling. ìI mean, I knew you were sexy, but, God, youíre justÖadorable, too.î
Graham had never met anyone who just said what was on his mind. There was no pretense, no embarrassment, and no anxiety over the other personís response. It was clear Sam spoke sincerely, no matter the situation. Graham wasnít used to such honesty and wasnít sure what to say.
ìLook, can we at least talk?î Sam asked, cocking his head and patting the cushion next to him. ìPlease?î
Grahamís pulse picked up and he took a deep, shaky breath as he considered Samís question. No doubt the man would bring up their night at the club. He met Samís gaze and his breath caught in his chest. Those caramel eyes proved too much, too intense, too beautiful to turn down. Maybe they should talk about things. Set some real ground rules. Graham made his way to the sofa, choosing to sit a little farther away than Sam had indicated.
ìI promise not to bite,î Sam whispered.
He met Samís gaze and chewed on his bottom lip, a habit when feeling anxious.
ìOkay, Iíll go first,î Sam said after Graham stayed quiet. ìIím just going to say it, okay? The other night, I was really bummed that you didnít want to see me again. I mean, I had a fantastic time.î
Graham swallowed hard. Heíd had a great time, too. Definitely the hottest sexual experience of his life. But thatís all it could be. ìI did, too,î he admitted, his voice low, eyes everywhere but on Sam.
Sam slid closer, his arm resting on the back of the sofa. ìI just wanted to get to know you a little better and you darted off. I mean, what would be wrong with a date?î
His hot breath washed over Grahamís face, and he trembled. ìI donít date. Ever.î
That didnít seem to deter Sam. ìYou have to admit, itís pretty crazy that I ended up at your doorstep this morning. I mean, that has to be some kind of fate, or something, right?î
Length: 27,000 words approx.
Publisher: JMS Books
Graham Hayes decided long ago heíd never be in a relationship. It was better to stay single than to fall in love only to be left alone, which he was certain would happen to him. Heíd seen Alzheimerís ravage his family members all his life, leaving their loved ones to deal with the fallout. Some of them stayed, but some didnít. Graham isnít going to risk it.
When he hires nurse Sam Morgan to take care of his dad during the day, his pledge to stay single is put to the test. He soon finds it difficult to maintain a professional distance.
Grahamís guarded his heart for so long, but his resolve is crumbling. Will he be able to conquer his fear to give himself a chance at love? Can he trust Sam to stick around for better or worse?
April 28 – Lost In Love, MM Midnight Cafe, Xtreme Delusions, BooksLaidBareBoys, Gay Book Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Gay Media Reviews
April 30 – The Novel Approach, Mikku-chan, Archaeolibrarian, Hearts On Fire, Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
May 1 – Gay Book Reviews
May 2 – Book Lovers 4Ever, BFD Book Blog
May 3 – Diverse Reader
May 4 – Slave To The Written Word, Making It Happen, Slashessed
May 7 – MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
May 8 – Love Bytes
May 9 – A Book Lovers Dream, Valerie Ullmer, Drops Of Ink, Sarandipity, Mirrigold, Padme’s Library, Jim’s Reading Room, Bayou Book Junkie, Bookaholic & Kindle, Virginia Lee
Author Bio
Sarah Hadley Brook lives smack-dab in the middle of the Heartland and is the mother of two wonderful young men, as well as two cats. During the day, she works in the nonprofit world, but reserves evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. When not working or writing, she can be found reading, working on dollhouses, trying her hand at new recipes, or watching old movies and musicals. In her ideal world, Christmas would come at least twice a year, Rock Hudson and Doris Day would have costarred in more than three movies, and chocolate would be a daily necessity. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in ìHappily Ever Afterî and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life.
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