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Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 01:14 am: | 
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Hello anybody,
I recently had the occasion to read a review of my self-published book, an experience that turned out to be a revelation. I knew the book was not perfect, but what I now realize is that the book's flaw lay not so much in its presentation, but rather in my deception. The cover of my book is plain and no-nonsense. And the title - oh, the title! How could anybody not think that a book with a sub-title like "a black family journey" would be anything other than a saga. I raised expectations too high because the sub-title and appearance of the book put the perspective reader in a frame of mind to expect a tapestry, when what they are really going to get is a collage. I self-published because I wanted to create my own genre. Unfortunately, I am not only self-published, but also self-indulgent. Which is why I subconsciouly ended up writing the kind of book that I like to read, a book that requires the reader to be a participant in the process of advancing the story by reading between the lines. Anyway, it suffices to say that anyone who is not on my wave-length will probably think the book sucks. LOL. It's been suggested that I re-write the book, but - I'm not so inclined. If, however, I ever decide on a second run, I will change the book's name and its cover. Thank goodness I had a short first run! Aspiring authors take note... OK, I'll end my soliloquy now. |
Sis E
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 09:00 am: |
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Sis. Cynique,
Don't be so hard on yourself! There'll be enuf critics who can do that for ya!.
As one who has been published ten times and who has run the gauntlet of great reviews to a couple so awful I wrote down the names of the reviewers on pieces of paper and stuck pins in them, I know.
We all will be very critical with our work, especially after it's published. It's good to analyze and see places where the work can be "revisited," but that's still your baby, you produced it, and don't feel bad. After all, it's one of YOUR babies -- not one of Bebe's kids!:-)
Sis E |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 10:19 am: |
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Sis E, thanks for sharing, and for giving me the benefit of your wisdom!
Cynique |
sisgal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 11:23 am: |
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That's right Cynique,
It's your baby, be proud of your accomplishment and get back to writing. My first book was not a national nor local success, however the people who read it liked it, the kids, parents. I made a lot of mistakes, but I've learned, now I'm writing again and using what i learned to write a better book. What do I do with my first book, I give it away to kids, libraries, shelters anyone who wants it. It's not my best work, but it was my first and therefore it holds some sentimental value, kinda like your first man, if you know what I mean. |
K
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 11:35 am: |
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Mamma always said "take what you need, leave what you don't". Step away from your personal feelings about the review and decide if any of the criticisms given are valid. If there are places where the story falls apart or could be better. You did say ultimately you wrote the work you would want to read. So wouldn't you like to read an authors best possible work? Is there anything that could make yours better? Best of luck I admire the displine and courage it take to write a book. You basically put yourself out for display and judgement by the masses.
Hang in there love. |
Chris Hayden
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 01:12 pm: |
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Don't be so hard on yourself! |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 06:25 pm: |
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Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond to my late night musings. I appreciate your empathy and encouragement. And I do look upon my book as my baby - my creation, and that's the main reason I'm not going to re-write it; I'm going to let it stand on its own while, in the meantime, I'll be applying what I've learned to the new book I'm working on. It's funny, tho. I didn't think that I was being hard on myself. I guess that's because I try not to take myself too seriously.
Much love,
Cynique |
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