RJ Scott - Dealing with reviews

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqevLYPNf13RunLT1oeQz2LJ9NYYVDxOdqFWP74N3V4Rj9PafpzHqAv886yJq5P3NJOZbB7zxEpLsGAB22KQSVL0bTv-wyjNQZleRy8RPY_KhhJN1qMc3MHSP_5mSsGspSjsUgr5TKlE/s1600/Mrs-Condit-Recommends1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqevLYPNf13RunLT1oeQz2LJ9NYYVDxOdqFWP74N3V4Rj9PafpzHqAv886yJq5P3NJOZbB7zxEpLsGAB22KQSVL0bTv-wyjNQZleRy8RPY_KhhJN1qMc3MHSP_5mSsGspSjsUgr5TKlE/s1600/Mrs-Condit-Recommends1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>Before you read this, I must say something. I am the luckiest author in that people review my new releases. I don't have to ask for reviews and for that I am eternally grateful.</i><br /><br />There is some discussion as to the etiquette as to how to deal with reviews. Becky over at Mrs Condit reviews pointed out that when they post reviews as authors we should share those reviews. She's right, we do need to share them. Unless I am having a bad day/week/month I attempt to retweet, repost, and add reviews to my book pages.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSG_v2UDMo2axAAUjDqykmWfsaOnmSDTDWGahjZTBG-R93tmFvSMf8QJDRgbI6U5eXk72wBrpfvSOltVkz2SOmS_7UJdSK2CEnMIRCnJ5qUPnHULGbRSN6cFw2jiGrij1X48o8RpMPpo/s1600/rainbow_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSG_v2UDMo2axAAUjDqykmWfsaOnmSDTDWGahjZTBG-R93tmFvSMf8QJDRgbI6U5eXk72wBrpfvSOltVkz2SOmS_7UJdSK2CEnMIRCnJ5qUPnHULGbRSN6cFw2jiGrij1X48o8RpMPpo/s1600/rainbow_logo.jpg" /></a>Is this your first review? Go pimp that sucker EVERYWHERE! Thank the reviewer, thank the publisher, thank your Gran. Show how happy you are because your enthusiasm will be infectious.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXl1QyYfenQhA5bQ8qf9qp6C6m4H0Qf6bbdqHuyVx3r5PPZAjOa3nlIgWAujxCtxIQZay237zGQH_PR3VNu07Sw0wpcWvos5QseVR8Sdpq_44SjA87Gt48usxOLcU3lI5Ox4brRMmAtA/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXl1QyYfenQhA5bQ8qf9qp6C6m4H0Qf6bbdqHuyVx3r5PPZAjOa3nlIgWAujxCtxIQZay237zGQH_PR3VNu07Sw0wpcWvos5QseVR8Sdpq_44SjA87Gt48usxOLcU3lI5Ox4brRMmAtA/s200/Capture.JPG" width="200" /></a>Is this your fifth review on the same book? *repeat enthusiasm from the first, second, third and fourth review*<br /><br />Is this your hundredth review? Ditto<br /><br />I worry that when I share a review it seems like I am forcing them down reader's throats. I'm British and we don't do well at the whole *THIS IS ME I AM FAB* kind of thing. Although I'm not doing too bad at it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY9vd5bUqaW9zBx9AqgwRXFhw0rXW53B5SaBYmhfnP9RtZi3_ZaojFIRNpXrdUHDuSwywx0OnkSVMjCegQ0jvlhnZzpeuhG93G50UE9fpYJHqDtBvpBrgyn0OJFnpHrTquVBZE3PIEUs/s1600/64246_434678613281893_1653726542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY9vd5bUqaW9zBx9AqgwRXFhw0rXW53B5SaBYmhfnP9RtZi3_ZaojFIRNpXrdUHDuSwywx0OnkSVMjCegQ0jvlhnZzpeuhG93G50UE9fpYJHqDtBvpBrgyn0OJFnpHrTquVBZE3PIEUs/s1600/64246_434678613281893_1653726542_n.jpg" /></a></div>I love the reviews and i am sharing the love. I love every single review I receive - even the negative ones. I try and learn from what is said, or what I can read between the lines. I've learnt that whilst I know my guys have a HEA, that the actual words to convince readers of this aren't actually in the book. I've learnt when and where to use tropes and how sparingly they should be used. I have learnt to show and not tell. I have learnt about needed editing. It's endless how much reviews have helped me as an author. And I don't just mean review groups like the ones I have images of on this page - I mean the friends who read and comment, and the lovely reviews I get on Goodreads (to balance the 1s!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM979iDdt-3XNsM251DbQYEa9BNC3G3ZPgtfn7ZWYbYwL-v7jqpGJjObCp-LzbRAuctyjm1QWCpFieKhGFptBHg2kfBeEBD7kuYlngavlpxqTZEz4kRhEjaAViDGL73RlipXiQK7cZM8/s1600/350-x-60.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM979iDdt-3XNsM251DbQYEa9BNC3G3ZPgtfn7ZWYbYwL-v7jqpGJjObCp-LzbRAuctyjm1QWCpFieKhGFptBHg2kfBeEBD7kuYlngavlpxqTZEz4kRhEjaAViDGL73RlipXiQK7cZM8/s320/350-x-60.png" width="320" /></a><b>So for every reviewer who takes the time to read an RJ Scott book, and then spends ages writing an informed and helpful review, I thank you. All of you. Smooches.</b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Other posts on this subject:</span></b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbgE44-WOeY1QojjK3H12MppiYjRbawxA3onVp3A0DVRlMGjecOPzJGgYhFqAVLiRA-2A6IIXXWiMhkg5YAs-2cg_vzsg2MYEyD17NMC20HwRIZuyz_QpsimVk6HPZ4h1MZj7kMR5mmQ/s1600/rainbowawards_hon_mention3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbgE44-WOeY1QojjK3H12MppiYjRbawxA3onVp3A0DVRlMGjecOPzJGgYhFqAVLiRA-2A6IIXXWiMhkg5YAs-2cg_vzsg2MYEyD17NMC20HwRIZuyz_QpsimVk6HPZ4h1MZj7kMR5mmQ/s200/rainbowawards_hon_mention3.png" width="200" /></a><br /><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/finishing-your-book.html">Finishing your book</a><br /><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/random-thoughts-on-reviews-writing-and.html">Random thoughts on reviews, writing and Lord of the Rings...</a><br /><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/what-fk-does-rj-scott-know-anyway.html">What the f**k does RJ Scott know anyway?</a><br /><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/rj-scott-sample-of-recent-reviews.html">A sample of recent reviews...</a><br /><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/review-and-also-my-review-of-coming.html">My comments on Reviews - also my review of Coming Home - MJ O'Shea</a><br /><br /><b>Examples of review pages...</b><br /><br /><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/mrs-condit-reads-books.html">Mrs Condit Reads Books</a><br /><div><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/mm-good-book-reviews.html">MM Good Book Reviews</a></div><div><a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/rainbow-book-reviews.html">Rainbow Book Reviews</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br />

RJ Scott - Dealing with reviews

Before you read this, I must say something. I am the luckiest author in that people review my new releases. I don't have to ask for revi...

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RJ Scott - Preparing a document for Smashwords

I thought I would just list the types of things i do to a file before I submit it to Smashwords. I use Smashwords because they upload to Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple... etc<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJwuDbK1H6-2BZ22LAp7_Q50jy1FnqnMY5exYA7dRXFTIAo_l12TU3S3yKfiswHxUZxbGf7KSkg-QSO1FgYHcv-Zz6XaWlbSH0TDRK1Zqk9iWAWzUwU21Z8MS8XB56vjkL9X3RQ8KCK4/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJwuDbK1H6-2BZ22LAp7_Q50jy1FnqnMY5exYA7dRXFTIAo_l12TU3S3yKfiswHxUZxbGf7KSkg-QSO1FgYHcv-Zz6XaWlbSH0TDRK1Zqk9iWAWzUwU21Z8MS8XB56vjkL9X3RQ8KCK4/s1600/Image1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>For an example file for layout please click here... <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?wcqtvwe6sa2i14s">http://www.mediafire.com/?wcqtvwe6sa2i14s</a></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJwuDbK1H6-2BZ22LAp7_Q50jy1FnqnMY5exYA7dRXFTIAo_l12TU3S3yKfiswHxUZxbGf7KSkg-QSO1FgYHcv-Zz6XaWlbSH0TDRK1Zqk9iWAWzUwU21Z8MS8XB56vjkL9X3RQ8KCK4/s1600/Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJwuDbK1H6-2BZ22LAp7_Q50jy1FnqnMY5exYA7dRXFTIAo_l12TU3S3yKfiswHxUZxbGf7KSkg-QSO1FgYHcv-Zz6XaWlbSH0TDRK1Zqk9iWAWzUwU21Z8MS8XB56vjkL9X3RQ8KCK4/s1600/Image1.jpg" /></a></div><br />They have a long list of things that the author needs to do and you will sometimes see <b>AutoVetter</b> errors. The most common AutoVetter error is not having *Smashwords Edition* in the copyright part... simple I know!<br /><br />So here is how I prepare a document for uploading to Smashwords.<br /><br />[NOTE - I use the same file to create my Kindle, ePub and PDF files in Calibre]<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make sure you use H1 and Normal as you write.</b></span><br /><br />Normal is what your main writing will be. You can set the attributes of Normal very simply. Get a paragraph looking how you want it to, with the right font, font size, indents, line spacing and paragraph sizing  then simply highlight a row of writing and right click on Normal and you will see the selection 'Update Normal to match selection'.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8H7WukClB40g-3LbRPC5gWIujd4aKfKdh7Fp7pS1q8ahewMHwCDLUs_Foiu9N1MFHmF8McceOl3MM2SCO1wyW69UMgGPLLItGmLBj7KEAMjpxKt2euOd-kCc3XzV6bAeTBgmzWKJdtw/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8H7WukClB40g-3LbRPC5gWIujd4aKfKdh7Fp7pS1q8ahewMHwCDLUs_Foiu9N1MFHmF8McceOl3MM2SCO1wyW69UMgGPLLItGmLBj7KEAMjpxKt2euOd-kCc3XzV6bAeTBgmzWKJdtw/s1600/1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a name="more"></a>Each chapter heading should be made H1. This is used by Smashwords to indicate a new page in your book.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Create a Contents Page</b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>WARNING - do not use Word tools to auto create this. You must do the following:</b></span><br /><br />Create a bookmark just before the word Chapter on each of your chapter headings<br />Type a list on your contents page of your chapters<br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>WARNING - make sure you have a space after the chapter number, this stops strange code appearing in your converted files</b>.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv2xXfMnzvpESz3Ip-13haJxY_IrQWVejcTcOThwIptiGd5ziCy32dHrqIhN-I-LchSfFlKtiGUDWlUUvUE1sRfDIkLIVI9uxw-hOO0HgBEZd4roDag1640n8OfPLNXrZC5_vbBCFVMc/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv2xXfMnzvpESz3Ip-13haJxY_IrQWVejcTcOThwIptiGd5ziCy32dHrqIhN-I-LchSfFlKtiGUDWlUUvUE1sRfDIkLIVI9uxw-hOO0HgBEZd4roDag1640n8OfPLNXrZC5_vbBCFVMc/s1600/2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use Hyperlinks to link each of these to the correct chapter bookmarks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A useful video of how to do this in Word 2010 is here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNPGVgwGnN4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNPGVgwGnN4</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lastly the following needs to be on page 1. </b></span><br /><br />No fancy writing, no images, nothing, just the following: [] indicates font format of the line<br /><br />Title of book [H1]<br /><div>Series Name [Normal]<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Author [Normal]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Smashwords Edition<o:p></o:p></span> [Normal]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Edition XX Copyright 20XX Author Name<o:p></o:p></span> [Normal]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Previous Edition details Copyright 20XX Author Name<o:p></o:p></span> [Normal]</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Cover Art - Artist Name</span> [Normal]</div><div class="MsoNormal">Editing - Editors Name</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So for example:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Still Waters </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">Sanctuary 4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">RJ Scott<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">Copyright 2012 by RJ Scott<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">This edition May 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">Cover design by BitterGrace Art<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">Edited by Editors Name<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do not mix</b></span></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB">Indents on line one in paragraphs AND setting spaces before and after paragraphs are not accepted by Smashwords.</span></div><div class="diane"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div><div class="diane"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>In conclusion</b></span></div><div class="diane"><br /></div><div class="diane">I am not saying this is a definitive way BUT it works for me and I have all my books in the Smashwords Premium catalogue feeding to B&N, Kobo, Apple etc.</div><br /><br /></div>

RJ Scott - Preparing a document for Smashwords

I thought I would just list the types of things i do to a file before I submit it to Smashwords. I use Smashwords because they upload to Bar...

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RJ Scott - Easy steps to creating a Facebook cover

I just used this awesome web site to create my Facebook banner...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJpZfjYlTwo_NmxiRI2-a8FwpAzoIWkPY_dRyeL-jy5Yt029j0b6RBPTJFg0CpREnAU9_QEP7ZpzmX-hIbAuvwDlPysHRM6NeNL9-fHPwK_N1PYn1H6uz-habgOUyzVyVFP2do1zkRZY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJpZfjYlTwo_NmxiRI2-a8FwpAzoIWkPY_dRyeL-jy5Yt029j0b6RBPTJFg0CpREnAU9_QEP7ZpzmX-hIbAuvwDlPysHRM6NeNL9-fHPwK_N1PYn1H6uz-habgOUyzVyVFP2do1zkRZY/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Go to <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">http://www.picmonkey.com/</a><br />Click on create collage<br />You'll see on the left hand side various little images - the top one is upload photos<br />Upload any photos you want<br />The next image is the type of collage you want. In this case *Facebook Header*<br />Choose FB header from the left hand side<br />Drag and drop photos into the template on the right hand side of the page<br />Save and upload...<br /><br />Took me five minutes at most...<br /><br />awesome sauce.... 'course I can only see it small on my laptop... hope it looks okay on big screens... ROFL

RJ Scott - Easy steps to creating a Facebook cover

I just used this awesome web site to create my Facebook banner... Go to http://www.picmonkey.com/ Click on create collage You'll see on ...

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Kindle Self Publishing?

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nDPzhKpgb6v7VBhL6zCVH1q4LGsKbabwm-z_plkyO5HB6L15WT_TOeWnlkwpKNlsFaxVXy2W-4s-DIkzrLbbpcTYVkKHHTuRews5f-zhVBZdgrZFenQxCBm9OTzp04c9evdloBKMpl8/s1600/lolcat-boring-story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nDPzhKpgb6v7VBhL6zCVH1q4LGsKbabwm-z_plkyO5HB6L15WT_TOeWnlkwpKNlsFaxVXy2W-4s-DIkzrLbbpcTYVkKHHTuRews5f-zhVBZdgrZFenQxCBm9OTzp04c9evdloBKMpl8/s400/lolcat-boring-story.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>I found a useful article in hubbie's PCPro this week. It talks about the pros and cons of publishing via Kindle and how to set about publishing yourself. The screen shots are at the end of the article so download them and you can read them properly.</div><div><br /></div><div>They listed 7 points:</div><br /><ol><li>Pick your niche</li><li>Publish a great book</li><li>Get the price right</li><li>Multiple Media (add print books)</li><li>Find an audience</li><li>Stick to one platform</li><li>One niche, multiple titles</li></ol><div></div><br /><div>Points 1, 2 & 3 are absolutely spot on. I would also add in, make sure you get a great cover that shows up well as a small image.</div><div><br /></div><div>Point 6 talks about sticking with Kindle and how much hassle it is to get books on Kobo. I agree with the difficulty to get books to Kobo, B&N etc direct - especially when you are in the UK. BUT, using Smashwords gets around this by doing the hard work for you. Yes, you lose a little extra in royalties, but the guy writing the article is correct - you could be spending your time writing the next book!</div><div><br /></div><div><a name="more"></a>Point 4 is a little tricky. Createspace is the system I use to develop paperbacks. Once you know how to use it then everything is cool, but you definitely need a professional cover or be able to create one yourself. And formatting the file is also vitally important.</div><div><br /></div><div>Point 5 is the whole idea of finding an audience. This implies you don't know your audience before you start writing. In my opinion that is wrong. You should know your audience, your genre, at least some way, before diving in head first.  When I started in MM I didn't know who some authors were, I didn't know all about publishers, but I made sure I learnt as much as I could.. and I learnt from my mistakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Point 7 is again really important. Building a back list of books will generate income when people check out your old books as they buy a new book.</div><div><br /></div><div>In conclusion, other points I would add to this list:</div><div><ol><li>Get good cover art</li><li>Write, write and then write - get a few books out</li><li>Only look at self-publishing as an experiment that will have its ups and downs! You may be lucky and have a best seller, or not... For some the experiment will work but you can never take away the vital links to being with a publisher.</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujGx0hfaM24IDvmYsUcJl3cnLN7NcdsmHYVFOrZ9Wq-BBut2BidYV0_TcYcMQF1OUnRD6zzfm6iV4bxwVKni3UnzFgQkAwB9fHQHRVZyzYdyyF0mmrFPycl9V0dwzasMeT5HBIGbL6yY/s1600/2013-07-09+19.00.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujGx0hfaM24IDvmYsUcJl3cnLN7NcdsmHYVFOrZ9Wq-BBut2BidYV0_TcYcMQF1OUnRD6zzfm6iV4bxwVKni3UnzFgQkAwB9fHQHRVZyzYdyyF0mmrFPycl9V0dwzasMeT5HBIGbL6yY/s320/2013-07-09+19.00.31.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page 1</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdglac5dEJytbTiZUqbJS6nwBv9AIVR41WLDHlKoyHub-UP8g-6wC4ITaNLfGRVMShWMhr60dj1u36pIrUfkXRBCXk9CJdoPFjJ3o_XAj4oT7Gv8gGdoZdXEJHvhLnrA3JFBEZeFxCPng/s1600/2013-07-09+19.00.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdglac5dEJytbTiZUqbJS6nwBv9AIVR41WLDHlKoyHub-UP8g-6wC4ITaNLfGRVMShWMhr60dj1u36pIrUfkXRBCXk9CJdoPFjJ3o_XAj4oT7Gv8gGdoZdXEJHvhLnrA3JFBEZeFxCPng/s320/2013-07-09+19.00.39.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAp4Dapi9EBOSXXAcPl2EZH9HboHmAEPTPCtpM1iFUDcOERLCypUgUKxe6wyB9PqdChp5YyVFMfE9a3hh59KNmJ_-uqTxNgxitnXJBowJdBaztKpK5gEz435Xh5nVirTVPF1W5a9KaPc/s1600/2013-07-09+19.00.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAp4Dapi9EBOSXXAcPl2EZH9HboHmAEPTPCtpM1iFUDcOERLCypUgUKxe6wyB9PqdChp5YyVFMfE9a3hh59KNmJ_-uqTxNgxitnXJBowJdBaztKpK5gEz435Xh5nVirTVPF1W5a9KaPc/s320/2013-07-09+19.00.52.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page 3</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />

Kindle Self Publishing?

I found a useful article in hubbie's PCPro this week. It talks about the pros and cons of publishing via Kindle and how to set about pub...

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I still say the most difficult thing for any writer is letting anyone read what we write...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR6HVYNcbxb0S6WjnJ0nN55YFrHek55QQ2lDxU8RDrpN13Ud6wiLy-zXzfdglg8wgw-1crsE2Wl40E1lDhsUWnJv6t_2vR-y6WRfCDptpApP0sIJjxI74ZR5wrQ-bvEDRfF48EruQjVo/s1600/299125_497959303593483_1317640718_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR6HVYNcbxb0S6WjnJ0nN55YFrHek55QQ2lDxU8RDrpN13Ud6wiLy-zXzfdglg8wgw-1crsE2Wl40E1lDhsUWnJv6t_2vR-y6WRfCDptpApP0sIJjxI74ZR5wrQ-bvEDRfF48EruQjVo/s400/299125_497959303593483_1317640718_n.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>A Facebook friend of mine asked me a question in a survey they were doing. What sites do I go to for writer advice. I don't. My advice comes from Facebook friends and readers. They also asked to sum up advice we could give in under ten words (difficult!)...<br /><br />Then it got me thinking. What would be the things I would tell current authors and soon-to-be authors if they were at all interested.<br /><br />This last three years of being published has been one hell of a roller coaster and an ENORMOUS learning experience, particularly the last six months.<br /><br />So with the benefit of a few books under my belt, and as a result of my journey from naivete to enlightenment (ROFL), I give you RJ's top tips...<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1. Spread yourself around</span><br /><br />Do not put all your eggs in one basket. There are many wonderful publishers out there. I write for Total E-Bound and for eXtasy. The experiences I have at both are making me better at what I do. Also do not assume that once you are with one publisher that no other publisher will want you. Have faith in yourself. Working with different publishers helps you learn and you widen your friends circle of other likeminded authors.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><a name="more"></a><span style="font-size: large;">2. Have faith</span><br /><br />Stay positive and keep banging away.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3. Know your market and your limitations</span><br /><br />Know your market yes, but at the same time know your limitations. For example, there is a current trend for BDSM etc. This is great for those like Kim Dare, SJD Peterson and so on.They have a good handle on it all. But I couldn't write it. I know I would write something people would just end up laughing at!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nDPzhKpgb6v7VBhL6zCVH1q4LGsKbabwm-z_plkyO5HB6L15WT_TOeWnlkwpKNlsFaxVXy2W-4s-DIkzrLbbpcTYVkKHHTuRews5f-zhVBZdgrZFenQxCBm9OTzp04c9evdloBKMpl8/s1600/lolcat-boring-story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nDPzhKpgb6v7VBhL6zCVH1q4LGsKbabwm-z_plkyO5HB6L15WT_TOeWnlkwpKNlsFaxVXy2W-4s-DIkzrLbbpcTYVkKHHTuRews5f-zhVBZdgrZFenQxCBm9OTzp04c9evdloBKMpl8/s1600/lolcat-boring-story.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">4. Never stop writing.</span><br /><br />Have a book you have subbed? Don't wait to write another book! Never stop writing. If the book you are writing isn't working put it to one side and start a new book, or write a short story.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">5. Don't respond to bad reviews</span><br /><br />The only time I did this, back when I was new and everything was shiny, the reviewer had a field day with me. I tucked my tail between my legs and hid. I still say the most difficult thing for any writer is letting anyone read what we write... rofl. Take the bad reviews on the chin and try to focus on the good reviews. Of course, one day I will take my own advice!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And once you are published...</span><br /><br /><ul><li>Talk to your readers every day.</li><li>Thank your readers every day.</li><li>Have fun, with jokes and Lolcats! every day (others Lol's are available!)</li><li>Post photos of sexy men ever day (sighs)</li></ul><span style="font-size: large;">Lastly, if you're published, feel bloody lucky EVERY SINGLE DAY... </span><br /><br />I do...<br /><br />

I still say the most difficult thing for any writer is letting anyone read what we write...

A Facebook friend of mine asked me a question in a survey they were doing. What sites do I go to for writer advice. I don't. My advice c...

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Finishing your book

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-556r6hcQBX8XY74oFtwsVYYwYDSaF5_KTrykTs4oVS0D3I8PUOiogKDUg6BO7LNeQU3fWxgElBWIv7Q_zXhPfj-spemrA4ZCUKOUy6dB2rGNvjDIzspYFDN2N7LLn1hJBvKGto0LAAg/s1600/loldogs-funny-dog-pictures-im-seriousthis-is-my-serious-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-556r6hcQBX8XY74oFtwsVYYwYDSaF5_KTrykTs4oVS0D3I8PUOiogKDUg6BO7LNeQU3fWxgElBWIv7Q_zXhPfj-spemrA4ZCUKOUy6dB2rGNvjDIzspYFDN2N7LLn1hJBvKGto0LAAg/s320/loldogs-funny-dog-pictures-im-seriousthis-is-my-serious-face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">As writers we all need that hook which grabs the reader and doesn't let them go. My first ever writing that someone other than my husband saw was a fan fiction story and started:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jensen Ackles was fucked.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well it certainly started dramatically enough and suited the tone of the whole story which was full of angst and passion and was the first incarnation of the Sanctuary idea.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I first submitted Oracle the entire first chapter was set in Ancient Greece and was, for all intents and purposes, a telling of why the following story happened. That was deleted very quickly and instead we were taken into the main character's head where he had dreamed of some of the Greece details.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I think I have a handle on what I need to write to pull a reader's attention to start, but what about giving </div><div class="MsoNormal">the reader a satisfying ending?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdaNVxKIoth4ScDJywacqu8CrF9V4hxg223ZRAcp3dnEeKU9kaBrMxYZEOyQQAzXzCThx9iHzmk0fc66HPtjgoEKKvfEPvLism2t4-_0VzbafBd1wIR8wIiKBn3tuTS9IktjU10NCeRU/s1600/One+Night+4x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdaNVxKIoth4ScDJywacqu8CrF9V4hxg223ZRAcp3dnEeKU9kaBrMxYZEOyQQAzXzCThx9iHzmk0fc66HPtjgoEKKvfEPvLism2t4-_0VzbafBd1wIR8wIiKBn3tuTS9IktjU10NCeRU/s400/One+Night+4x6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I write romance. In fact to be more specific I write romance with a happy ever after, or in the worse case, a happy for now. 'One Night' was my first ever happy for now – something which I never even picked up on – even though to me the book was a HEA, as are all of my books. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In my head Liam climbed the stairs, went inside, and he and Micah lived happily ever after. I implied it, but I didn’t specifically say it and some readers were not happy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the Sanctuary books, the stories happen over a couple of days (except for Morgan and Nik in Guarding Morgan) and there was no way that I could write a specific HEA for those men without going down the path of <i>instalove</i> (which I am not that fond of). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I wrote that they lusted, and felt like they had met their soul mates, but the specific happy ever after is something that is implied and not written. To me though, there is still a happy ever after.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was while I was contemplating this issue that my brother in law passed me over a book he had been reading on the craft of writing. I have never read anything like it before but a lot of the messages inside it were one's I appeared to instinctively know or were instructions I had learned from my editors, proofreaders and my friends. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things like story structure and specifically how to end your book.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the endings that the book talks about is 'closing the circle'. This is where 'the ending reminds us of the beginning by returning to an important place or re-introducing us to a key character'. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In 'Back Home' Kieran and Jordan are talking and I circle way back to the point of the book in the last page of the story:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kieran says:  "I never imagined when I came home that I would end up here with you."</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I mention the coming home part, which is essentially what this story is about, and reminds the reader of the journey they have been on.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9CE_TOhMe_O7gbgz3DE1JPIeUNXXCFORKBmS8k5jG_fqA84r1_KLIhmnfnKzmSywEmoYHNtaIY7RoHHAEW3tMpehBy9k42NfRcSn2Kp2Q2apSie3S4NmfMv_-m8CcHUgzJRCp2fSkfY/s1600/backhome_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9CE_TOhMe_O7gbgz3DE1JPIeUNXXCFORKBmS8k5jG_fqA84r1_KLIhmnfnKzmSywEmoYHNtaIY7RoHHAEW3tMpehBy9k42NfRcSn2Kp2Q2apSie3S4NmfMv_-m8CcHUgzJRCp2fSkfY/s400/backhome_800.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>In Texas Winter the book starts with Riley finding out he is a father, and ends with a family vignette based around a Christmas ornament so I suppose that is another book where the end ties to the beginning. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Am I consciously doing this? No one has actually 'taught me' how to write down the story in my head. Editors and friends have helped me become better at what I do, but a satisfying ending is something I think I learned from a very early age reading LOTR or Narnia.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing I read was that as a writer I should 'avoid endings that go on and on'. They suggest that 'just as leads can be buried, so can endings'. Good advice I think!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">They suggest we should have a look at the most recent stories we have written and 'place your hand over the last paragraph and ask yourself: "What would happen if my story ended here?" Is the natural ending for your story hiding?'<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How do you finish a book? Do you link back to the beginning of the book? Do you prefer HEA or HFN? Do you struggle with endings? Or beginnings? <o:p></o:p></div>

Finishing your book

As writers we all need that hook which grabs the reader and doesn't let them go. My first ever writing that someone other than my husban...

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My comments on Reviews - also my review of Coming Home - MJ O'Shea

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiEKcy04pcz7yMgcmaxkj4tVuq-F9Uw2qIC8jm81_rbXaGOiwRM4XCxg2RLuh0dJot131rhmkC7V7yMmr87yp4B9M0CXTNkzbBLkfalED6uBrT8RbejYDYkL9o_17kHgrhU_nwq4k4SQ/s1600/13406459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiEKcy04pcz7yMgcmaxkj4tVuq-F9Uw2qIC8jm81_rbXaGOiwRM4XCxg2RLuh0dJot131rhmkC7V7yMmr87yp4B9M0CXTNkzbBLkfalED6uBrT8RbejYDYkL9o_17kHgrhU_nwq4k4SQ/s320/13406459.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>WARNING LONG RAMBLY POST AHEAD... SKIP TO SUMMARY AT BOTTOM IF NECESSARY!<br /><br /><b>"...the way it was written, with such open hearted forgiveness was utterly beautiful..."</b><br /><br />I have just finished a book. I couldn't put it down because it was so sweet and perfect and angsty and yummy and lovely (If a little on the long side!)<br /><br />I would rate this a 4.5/5 and I only took the half off because I felt that a small plot device wasn't needed and I skim read that part... but i digress... So... I don't go onto Goodreads much. When I have a new release I like to go and see what my *regulars* think of my new book.<br /><br />These regulars are people that have been with me since Oracle and aren't always my *friends* if that makes sense. They are the reviewers that comment on all my releases. They keep me grounded and I get a real feel for how a book has worked (or hasn't :-( as the case may be!).<br /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a>As I have written on here before (<a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/random-thoughts-on-reviews-writing-and.html">Random thoughts on reviews, writing and Lord of the Rings...</a>) my Goodreads reviews generally end up around a rating of 3.5 - 3.8 ish with a couple of my books averaging over four and a couple more averaging towards the 3!<br /><br />I got to the point, you remember, where I took my reviews and learned as much as I can from  them in the hopes it makes me a better writer. Of course receiving comments like *the romance was crap* or *DNF* is maybe less informing and more passionate *I hate this book* but you still learn. Maybe the romance wasn't as extended as it should be, maybe half the relationship was in my head... rofl... and as for the DNF, well, hell, I DNF quite a few books I pick up that other's rave over...so... all being equal, at the end of the day, I am more than happy with my little niche and my reviews. And boy do I crow when reviewers give me 4s and 5s... he he...<br /><br />Which brings me nicely to Coming Home by MJ O'Shea (<a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2862&cPath=55_467">http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2862&cPath=55_467</a>). An author I have not read before (I don't think so anyway!).<br /><br />Before I write this review which may seem at odds with other peoples there is a proviso. Something you should know about me is that I have very real experience of what bullying can do to a person. In fact I deal with it daily in my daughter who was bullied so badly, and for whom the education system let down entirely, that she is homeschooled. As such I read the blurb of this book and it intrigued me. A guy coming home who bullied our hero, who is now down on his luck and wants to stay somewhere to lick his wounds.<br /><br />So I read, and I couldn't put the damn thing down, although I did skim read bits at the end, and I loved... Then I went to Goodreads and saw it was rated at under four... Okay so far so good- this is where I sit as an author and that isn't a bad thing.<br /><br />Reading some of the reviews only highlighted how different we all read books. This book is loved and equally not loved.<br /><br />The bullying is too easily forgiven is one criticism. I didn't think so. I would have maybe liked a more fiery confrontation but hell, the way it was written, with such open hearted forgiveness was utterly beautiful. And, don't forget, we have already learned that our hero is a kind big hearted guy, who despite being the only gay in the village has a happy (albeit lonely) life.<br /><br />Our hero is painted in such a detailed way that when the bullying was confronted it would have been wrong to have our hero lambast and rant and generally follow the trope of staring moodily into space for chapter after chapter. He has a strong serenity to him that I adored.<br /><br />So I feel differently than most - I wonder if that is because of life experiences. I want to really hurt the bullies who hurt my family. I think as a parent / sister /  friend, that is what you would want to do. My daughter on the other hand has the kind of open heart that our hero has, and one day she may be able to forgive. We'll see...<br /><br />Was the book too long? Yes. Definitely. And I would have lost one entire part of the story. Is it my place to say this? Hell no. I am a writer and by even suggesting things like this, I immediately open myself to comments on how Heart of Texas should have been a 10,000 word short story, or how Gallows Tree was too short and should have been a 150,000 super novel. I know this and it stops me commenting on books I read, the same as many other authors won't review books. We are not experts, but us writers are also readers and I know what I like. Also readers of RJ Scott books seem to like similar books to me (go figure!) and they may well pick this up on my recommendation. So I have to be careful I don't just dump reviews out for every book I read. Simply because I read a book a day more or less...<br /><br />This is kind of rambly isn't it... At the end of the day what I am saying is that how we read a book that deals with such deep and serious subjects is, in my opinion, entirely dependant on our life experiences.<br /><br />So given all of the above, I recommend this book, for lovers of angst and love and coffee.

My comments on Reviews - also my review of Coming Home - MJ O'Shea

WARNING LONG RAMBLY POST AHEAD... SKIP TO SUMMARY AT BOTTOM IF NECESSARY! "...the way it was written, with such open hearted forgivenes...

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Random thoughts on reviews, writing and Lord of the Rings...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-556r6hcQBX8XY74oFtwsVYYwYDSaF5_KTrykTs4oVS0D3I8PUOiogKDUg6BO7LNeQU3fWxgElBWIv7Q_zXhPfj-spemrA4ZCUKOUy6dB2rGNvjDIzspYFDN2N7LLn1hJBvKGto0LAAg/s1600/loldogs-funny-dog-pictures-im-seriousthis-is-my-serious-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-556r6hcQBX8XY74oFtwsVYYwYDSaF5_KTrykTs4oVS0D3I8PUOiogKDUg6BO7LNeQU3fWxgElBWIv7Q_zXhPfj-spemrA4ZCUKOUy6dB2rGNvjDIzspYFDN2N7LLn1hJBvKGto0LAAg/s320/loldogs-funny-dog-pictures-im-seriousthis-is-my-serious-face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A fellow writer friend of mine got their first one star rating on Goodreads a few weeks back. They posted about it and how it made them feel. They even apologised to the rest of us who may read their post that they *knew they were being silly to be worried or upset* (paraphrased to protect the innocent!).<br /><br />How as authors are we supposed to feel? Can we not be upset without looking like we are idiots. The grown up adult side of us (you know... the side that we try to keep quiet underneath our attempts to stay young) learns something from each review. The grown up writer grows even more with each point they take on board that makes them better at what they do.<br /><br />When I got my first 'one' I was devastated; my second made me contemplate stopping writing. Now? Now, I think one of my books isn't truly critiqued unless I get a one from someone somewhere. It balances the other reviews and now most of my books sit at or around 3.5/5. As the holder of a statistics degree I am happy that I fall on average above the 3 line. This to me means that, in the main, people *like* my writing. Also as an aside, anything above a three seems to convert to healthy sales.<br /><br />Empire Magazine rate films on a star rating. I very rarely like the films they rate as a five. I often find these films boring (I am still recovering from Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Constant Gardner). I tend to love the films that are rated as threes. The guilty pleasure films- Mission Impossible and the like (I must add that there are occasions we agree ... Return of the King, Shawshank etc!).<br /><br />When One Night first hit the stands everyone on GRs appeared to hate it. It hovered at 2 point something for days... then I was lucky to receive a few fours and fives and suddenly *yay* my average popped above a three.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOsPuuQuAID2u2w2VzAb67kPkZSXC7LNawlynY5Upzwjh_XOaFCH71wmNiU5n8MjswKkVuf-0uPzigroJUXWOtzR5CIE1YihgpNUp1XLxO6qKcHm8xvc6-k-CcCthCwbww1l7T5dH_I0/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOsPuuQuAID2u2w2VzAb67kPkZSXC7LNawlynY5Upzwjh_XOaFCH71wmNiU5n8MjswKkVuf-0uPzigroJUXWOtzR5CIE1YihgpNUp1XLxO6qKcHm8xvc6-k-CcCthCwbww1l7T5dH_I0/s640/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Still. I knew it - I was doomed. Throwaway may well have done really well for me a few months before, but reviewers were calling Heart of Texas *just a soap opera* and hated it...I even got into my one and only only row over a one star rating. It was an awful time. I hadn't seen proper sales figures for HoT and then One Night came out with the low ratings. One Night didn't have the perfect HEA, and it clearly wasn't what people expected from RJ Scott. I thought I had written hope and expectation when evidently I had just written complete shite. I had really fucked up on that AND All The Kings Horses. I was going to go back to Website Design.<br /><br />Then... imagine the complete and utter shock when hubby informs me that One Night is selling well. Really well. Apparently. So... someone out there must like it... right? Nah. I told myself maybe people are buying it because they just read Throwaway and there wasn't anything else on the list that had come out at that time they fancied reading. They'd all read One Night and hate it... sales sharply dropping was a scenario that had all the inevitability of an inevitable thing.<br /><br />Wait. It kept selling. So. How? Why? Because the reviews had been so SO bad. Even though my brain had known reviews are one person's opinion, my heart was still wrapped up in sending my baby out for people to read. My heart wanted so desperately for people to like it. <br /><br />Slowly but surely (and this has taken me nearly two years) I am pulling myself away from relentlessly refreshing my screen for the first reviews, away from Goodreads. I am certainly nowhere near blasé about reviews from GRs and other sources but I am less prone to fall weeping to the floor. I don't have time; I am too busy using what they say that is good sound critique and making my next book better.<br /><br />I think we all have to remember - reviews are a lovely thing to validate our writing and to help market ourselves but places like Goodreads are for readers and all readers are entitled to their opinion (me included). As long as I please the majority, and that majority buy my books, then I am happy. Right?<br /><br />What do you think?

Random thoughts on reviews, writing and Lord of the Rings...

A fellow writer friend of mine got their first one star rating on Goodreads a few weeks back. They posted about it and how it made them feel...

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