Good morning, everyone! Now that we’ve set our clocks back, can winter be far behind? Another sign is the Monarch migration — yesterday we saw five Monarchs flying around our back yard, and I’ve included the proof! Hubby and I were eating lunch when they showed up, and I left my homemade bean burrito half eaten to run outside and grab these pics.
We continue to see signs of another sort. These are signs that our idea to move is a good one. Yesterday at the grocery store, we chatted with a young woman who was selling wine — from Washington State. She grew up here but spent several years there and loved it. Later, we walked to our favorite little coffee and wine bar. Hubby ordered a Montepulciano wine, and he noticed that the importer is located in Seattle. The guy waiting on us grew up in Seattle, and we chatted with him, too. It just felt as though we were surrounded by people affirming our decision.
Signs, of course, are always subject to interpretation. A few days ago I was blindsided with my first bad review ever. I’m probably breaking some rule of writing and blogging to bring it up, but this is an example of something that could be seen as a “sign” to give up. However, I see something different — which applies to everyone, whatever your unique dream is.
After my initial shock and hurt, I gathered my spirits and my fellow writers to discuss what had happened. I realized that though I have produced three books now, this is my first bad review — and that’s pretty fortunate. I also remembered that I like my story, and I’m still proud of it. I think the “sign” was, in part, to learn to ask for help. Part of the job of a novelist is to invite readers in advance to read the book and be willing to write reviews. I’ve been reluctant to do that.
If I am to be successful as a writer, I need to toughen up a little. I found an article about the bad reviews of some well known, classic literature. Apparently I’m in good company!
I could have crawled under a rock, but I decided to try harder to seek out my audience. At some point, when we are pursuing our dreams, we have to believe in what we are doing, whether or not someone else agrees. As the man says:
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
There are days when I feel as though no one is watching — or, in this case, reading — but I write because that is what I do. I write because I have stories to tell. I write in the way that the Monarchs migrate, year after year, because winter is coming.
Good for you, Nadine! That’s the spirit. I’m glad you found you were in good company with bad reviews. I’ve talked to lots of published writers, and it happens to all of us. Liking a book and an author is such a subjective thing, too. A member of my family thinks Pride and Prejudice is a load of cow’s manure. We’re still speaking (just). 🙂 I’m really looking forward to the Foreign Language of Friends. Enjoy the autumn. We had our first frosts this morning. It’s been warm as summer until now in the UK, even up in my mountain… Read more »
I love the Pride and Prejudice comment! That cracked me up. It’s making me think about tomorrow’s post, where I normally spotlight books. I think I could do something fun with this…
Hi Nadine, I guess “reviews” are like “signs” – open for interpretation! I wouldn’t pay too much attention to one bad review as that is just an opinion. It certainly doesn’t mean it’s the truth! I love your writing and so would give you a good review! The signs you get regarding moving are maybe just being presented to you to help you come to your own decisions. It sounds like moving is the right decision for you. When are you moving and to what town? Sounds like it could be a very exciting time coming up for you. And… Read more »
Thanks, Nina! We’re looking at Port Townsend, WA, a small town on the Olympic Peninsula. We’re headed there in a few days to house hunt, and the “when” depends on when we find a place to live. We will list our home here in Houston, probably later this month, and we’re pricing it somewhat lower than we normally would to try to sell it as soon as possible. My husband works from home and just needs an Internet connection, so we can live anywhere — a real blessing! I think the bad review turned out well, too, because in the… Read more »
I love the state of WA! My youngest son and family live in Spokane and my youngest son is moving from PA in Feb. to San Angelo, Texas. Best of luck to you. I’m sure you’re going to love it there!
Nina
Oh gosh, that is surprising about the review! I should be working on my NaNo novel but taking a break I dropped by to see how you are doing and must comment. I am glad you are able to remain optimistic about feedback that was not positive. I once was asked on a job interview “How well do you handle constructive criticism?” I blurted out something about criticism by it’s nature is not usually constructive. Growth comes from being able to distinguish the difference from feedback and criticism. Good for you for knowing that. (if that makes sense?) It is… Read more »
Thanks, Rita. I wasn’t exactly doing well when it happened…took me a day or so plus a lot of support from people who believe in me to put me back on track. I think the worst part was, the reviewer didn’t read the book thoroughly. I can deal with criticism that makes sense, but some of what she said made me think she didn’t read the whole book. I even pulled up my e-copy to make sure there weren’t chunks missing from it! Hope you’re doing well with NaNo! So far I’m having a good month with that. Working on… Read more »
I love Butterflys and my grandma did too! It was so nice to see them! I am glad that you have realised that the review was not something worth hearing and you even said things I hadn’t thought of even for myself that you have NOT had any this WHOLE time, which is very rare Im sure! And then of course bad reviews of really famous authors, in the back of my mind it reminded me of someone that I cannot recall exactly but I remembered thinking “wow” because this author was seriously famous but was wrote about by a… Read more »
Morning to you hon! I love how the world gives us these little clues to guide us. I am so sorry about your bad review but I am glad you came out of it stronger.
Love the pictures.
Hugs!!!
I’ve been having a pretty bad day today. (Eh…it happens), and coming across your post and those inspiring words by Purkey really helped. I mean really helped. Thank you Nadine.
Hugs! One of my goals for this blog is to acknowledge that bad days exist, that we have moments of discouragement and even despair at times…but if we know we’re not alone in this bumpy journey of life, we can find ways to keep going. Glad you dropped by!
I think it’s great that you and your husband found yourselves surrounded by folks who know of a place that intrigues you. There’s a lot to be said for serendipity. As for the bad review, hmm… I always say, “write the book that YOU want to read.” (After all, who is going to read it more times than you will?) Taste is so individual, so personal. Years ago, it took me about 200 pages of “I’m-bored-and-not-into-it” angst to finally put down the Pulitzer Prize winner and ALLOW myself not to finish it. Once I’d given myself that permission, I logged… Read more »
Hi, Katie! Yes, I’ve read some of those books, too! I’ve put down a few of those myself just this year. One I read BECAUSE of all the buzz…I wanted to look at what was in such a book that would garner so much praise.
Generally, if I don’t like a book I don’t review it, while I heap praise on those I do like. I didn’t always do that, but I decided to make it a policy.
Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for visiting and commenting! Yep, I definitely read that book, too, or at least something like it! LOL Normally I don’t write bad reviews — if I don’t like a book I just don’t review it. However, on one such novel, I felt compelled to give it a lower rating and report it as being overrated. Given the glowing reviews, my little low one didn’t make much of a difference. I’ve also noticed that some reviews are fake. If you click on the reviewer, you’ll find that they have only reviewed that author’s work, and they provide zero information… Read more »