Once Upon a Time

I think of time as a series of traveling tubes we zip through passing each other on our way to unknown destinations. Some events--or rather the possibilities of those events--might come our way more than once. Or not.

Reading is one of the events with multiple opportunities. Depending on where we are in life, we may (or may not) enjoy a particular book--even a much anticipated book. Then later, at a different time in our life, even a few weeks or months later, the story might have great meaning or solace for us.

I think that's why I re-read books. Sometimes, that old favorite has something especially important to tell me. Sometimes, it makes all the difference in how I'm dealing with a particular issue in my life. No, I'm not talking about self-help or non-fiction books. I'm speaking about the wide world of fiction. Mystery, romance, westerns, suspense. A good story has something to say, regardless of genre.

We just aren't always ready to hear what's there. Hence, re-reading the story later.

Recently, I re-read a story I first read nearly forty years ago. At that time, I desperately needed the humor and hope the story gave to me. It made all the difference in my life. When I re-read it more recently, it was a mildly amusing book, but didn't carry the same punch it did before. And that's quite okay. That just means I'm in a much better place now than then. I still enjoyed the shenanigans of the characters, but now see them from the perspective of a different age and experience.

Quite a few years ago, a woman reviewed one of my books. She prefaced her review, almost apologetically, by explaining she was bored and not feeling well so she'd chosen to read my book as a nightcap. When she finished her scathing review, she gave it two stars. Small wonder my story didn't speak to her on any level!

I often wonder about reviewers' lives and how they're affected by their personal issues when they review a book. Of course, we all know they're supposed to be objective, but that's plainly impossible. All of us are influenced by the events surrounding us. That's pretty much why I discount the opinions of others when it comes to movies, television shows, books--even art.

Let each of us experience it on our own. And if it speaks to us, let that be enough.

Resonates

Reviews. I just haven't figured out why anyone would worry about them. Human reaction to every form of creative endeavor is so visceral, so personal, I cannot understand our fascination with the reviews submitted by total strangers.

Every possible artistic creation resonates differently by the individual. One person looks at a painting and loves it. The next is left totally cold by the artist's vision. Neither is wrong.

Music, art, the written word, movies and plays, all resonate for humans at different levels. Reviews are simply opinions stated by individuals. Some are stated more publicly than others, but that doesn't add value to the opinion.

Value can only be conferred by me. If I trust another person's judgment, then I give it extra weight and respect. How can I possibly confer value on an opinion offered by someone unknown to me?

Recently, I read a list of reviews for a book I particularly enjoyed--so much so that I've read it several times. The reviews ranged from hated it, did not finish to loved it, this is on my keeper shelf to everything in between.

When I finished the last post, I finally accepted the truth about reviews. Each one is an opinion--valid, but of no particular value--unless I allow it to have value. As my friend, Amarinda Jones, observes, "Everyone has an opinion."

anny

Mulling and ruminations...

Fifty five degrees this morning and we have the windows open. Yes, it's February. Yep, I know we'll have to close them up and turn on the heat, but it's nice to have a bit of false spring every once in a while. And I love to open the windows and "air out" the apartment.

Want to thank all of you who stopped by to comment on yesterday's post, either here or at facebook. I really appreciated your thoughts on a difficult subject.

Many of you are writers as well as readers so I'm hoping you'll be able to help me out here with some advice or pointers. For those of you who are also reviewers or editors...I'd like to hear from you as well.

Yesterday I discovered several reviews for my books that I'd never read. Before I even begin here I want to say they were all four stars or better. So, good reviews (as opposed to bad reviews).

But. Yes there is a but in this scenario. The reviews--all by different reviewers--highlighted problems with the stories. They highlighted the same problems with the stories that the reviewer who gave them two stars highlighted.

I like to learn from my reviews. I want to improve my writing. What I don't need is a slam at the reviewer because clearly they don't know what their talking about. Clearly, they do. So here's my question...

Why were these weaknesses in my story not addressed earlier in the critique/editing/beta reading process? Here's my concern--do those around me perceive me as such a bull-headed writer that I would resist making necessary changes? Do even other writers believe I'm too fragile to take constructive criticism? Or are these faults missed in the overall reading at the critique/beta stage because the reading is usually done in chunks rather than a whole piece?

And here's a question for the editors out there...is this part of your responsibility as an editor? And if not, how do I address this issue when I clearly cannot see the problems?

I would prefer to fix the issues in my stories before they are released rather than wait for reviewers to point them out. Let me hasten to say the reviewers were spot on with their reviews. I agree with them. Once they pointed out various points, I see them clearly. :-(

So how do the rest of you wrestle with this problem?

anny

Undue influence

A couple years ago, a book I'd waited for with much anticipation was released. Anxious to find out all about the story, I broke my cardinal rule. I read a review.

Then I read a second review.

And a third.

Pretty soon I found myself searching out everything I could find about the book because I just couldn't believe what I was reading.

Everyone hated the the book. Everyone.

Disappointed (and broke) I put off buying the book. Why spend money I couldn't really afford on a book I would be disappointed with?

Two days ago while at the library, I found a copy of the book and on a whim, I checked it out. I just finished the book. I absolutely LOVED it. And for two years I denied myself the pleasure of reading it based on opinions of total strangers.

I am angry with myself and for good reason. I allowed other people undue influence over my reading choices. Never again. The only good thing about this entire experience is this: Book TWO will be released next month. How providential is that???

In the meantime, I'm both encouraged and discouraged by my experience. I'm discouraged because no doubt there are people who have given my books a pass because of negative reviews. That makes me feel sick.

On the other hand...maybe after a couple years, potential readers will forget any negative reviews they've read and will try my books. That's encouraging. Very encouraging.

And finally--I received this note from a reader today and I truly needed the encouragement!

"Just wanted to tell you that the Mystic Valley Series is the best series I have ever read. I am so excited that there is another one coming out soon. I hope it isn't the last. :)"

Thank you so much for your kind words, Diane!

anny