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Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 394
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 08:45 pm: | 
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Over the years, I've seen Thumper really blast some authors and their books. I've always appreciated his no-holds-barred type of reviews. Which Thumper book review sticks out most as the best or most memorable you can think of? |
Wfcooper
First Time Poster
Username: Wfcooper
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:50 am: |
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Thumper's review of my first novel, SIX DAYS IN JANUARY, was absolutely brutal. To be honest, my initial reaction was WTF? But in hindsight, I 1) was fortunate to even had it reviewed, and 2) the review was stored away and used as motivation for my current work of Fiction, THERE'S ALWAYS A REASON. Whenever I experienced writers block or felt a little insecure about certain elements of my story, I thought of the review, and how as a writer you simply never give up on yourself, or your skills. Try as you might, as an author, everyone is simply not going to like what you do.
(And yes, I gave him a copy for review, because I appreciate his candor. It's better to be ripped and noticed, than not to be noticed at all, I say.)
William Fredrick Cooper
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10968
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 12:08 pm: |
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Great attitude. Good luck on your second effort.  |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 592
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 12:17 pm: |
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I agree, WF, an unfavorable review, like a detailed rejection letter, can be an invaluable asset to a writer. It's wonderful you have an open mind and know how to use constructive criticism to your advantage. Best wishes with your current work. |
Wfcooper
Newbie Poster
Username: Wfcooper
Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 06:43 pm: |
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Just Pray for me with the second one: A couple of weeks ago, I found out that THERE'S ALWAYS A REASON is on the NAACP IMAGE AWARD MASTER LIST in the Outstanding Fiction Category. So this it what I mean when I say that rejection can sometimes lead to roses; it's akin to the personal trainer demanding more of you. You gotta give you all to this craft, and when you feel as if you have nothing left, go a little deeper into the reservoir. You'd be very surprised at the end result. |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 596
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 08:39 am: |
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Bravo, WF!
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Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 458
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 07:06 pm: |
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Hey William,
Thanks for the reply. It took a while for someone to bite on this one. My favorite Thumper review was for "The Womanizers," and yes it was another classic diss review. When Thumper doesn't like a book, all political correctness is thrown out the window. It's that brutal honesty I appreciate. Even though Thump dissed your book, I've been hearing nothing but good things about your two books. |
Wfcooper
Newbie Poster
Username: Wfcooper
Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 01:12 am: |
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Thanks Emanuel, Lord Knows I'm trying with this craft. I was shocked when I found out I was a finalist for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD nomination, (The have a Master's List where their literary committee votes)but all I keep thinking about enhancing my writing skills. I really think I can be good at this if I work hard enough.
Like I said, I'm not one of those sensitive, egotistical writers who can't take the heat (my toughness haven't been formed on the NYC basketball blacktops- LOL). In order to master this thing called writing you gotta receive tough love. My goal is to write something that will be remembered long after I'm gone, and for me to accomplish this I need to know where improvement is necessary. So I welcome critique as a challenge.
I really appreciated Thumper's honesty, and when my second book dropped, I made sure to put it in his hands with an "IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCEED..." autograph - wink.
Thanks again, Emanuel, for the kind words. It really means a a lot when you hear this from your peers. I only hope to do the world of African-American Literature proud.
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