Didn’t we just post the Last First Wednesday of 2018? Yes. So now we get to start fresh with the First First Wednesday of 2019. Happy New Year and read on to find out what a great start we have!
The awesome co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue! The question of the month is “What are your favorite and least favorite questions as an author?”
My FAVORITE QUESTIONS:
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Ans: Sometimes. I like to steal some of the good ones for my own uses. I read both good and bad and try to learn from each. My one caveat is that they must be well-written. Poor grammar or sloppy writing in either the good ones or the bad ones turn me off, and I ignore them. I love it when there are big differences in how readers react to what I’ve written.
My LEAST FAVORITE QUESTION:
What is your advice for writers?
Ans: I have absolutely no advice. If someone wants advice they should go to an expert in writing/publishing, which I’m not.
What is your writing process?
Ans: My most current one is that I don’t have a process. If I did, I’d be ever so grateful. What I have are a lot of accidents that produce stories.
In my Email Connect this month, I’m writing about my take on networking in 2019, and I’m featuring Diane Burton. I just realized that this first Email Connect of the year is my 58th, and I only send one or two each month. This might be where some of my time goes.
And here’s some exciting news! We have WINNERS–a lot of them.
Oddly Suited by LG Keltner
Sea of Sorrows by AV Brown
Behind the Catcher’s Mask by Jennifer Lane
A Diver’s Ball by Angela Brown
Fearless Heart by Deborah Solice
The Dark Charade by CD Gallant-King
The Cog Prince by Elizabeth Mueller
Flower of Ronda by Myles Christensen
Remedy by Chelsea Ballard
Charleston Masquerade by Carrie-Anne Brownian
The top story has the honors of being included in the title. LG Keltner’s story came out on top! The official title of our next anthology – Masquerade: Oddly Suited. Congratulations, LG. (She was also in the top spot for our first anthology, Parallels: Felix Was Here.)
The IWSG Admins spent many hours reading the entries and fourteen were sent to our special judges. We certainly wish to thank them for taking time away from their own work to read the entries:
Elizabeth S. Craig, author
Kelly Van Sant, agent at Red Sofa Literary Agency
Elana Johnson, author
DL Hammons, Write Club founder
S.A. Larsen,author
Kristin Smith, author
Gwen Gardner, author and previous IWSG anthology winner
Look for Masquerade: Oddly Suited late spring!
Quote of the Month: This seems like a good quote since book reviews often reveal very different thoughts about the same work, so we should love tha. “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much.” Walter Lippmann, Journalist
Arlee Bird says
I’m full of advice though some others might say I’m full of something else. My advice about writing is probably not worth much since I can’t claim much in the way of writing success. Best advice? Keep writing.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, I’m sure your fans think highly of your advice. Great to have you visit, Lee.
Loni Townsend says
Wow, rolling in super late (sorry) with a comment here, but I’m still scrambling to play catch up from last year! I, too, read reviews if they interest me. But yeah, gotta take each one into consideration before letting it affect me.
I hope your January is going well, now that it’s halfway over!
C. Lee McKenzie says
No one’s ever late in my book. I love that you stop in anytime! January is okay with some bumps, but I refuse to notice them too much.
Hilary says
Crumbs Lee – this is a great IWSG post … first Wednesday too. And now I see you’ve just posted something else …
There are some very interesting comments and ideas here – and I loved Louise’s thorough review of your story – I need to get across to read … things have got disconnected as I moved from Canada to here and I’m trying to connect the dots again …
I’ll be back – cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
Any move takes time to readjust. I’m impressed that you’re out on social media as much as you have been. I could just move next door and be out of commission for a year!
Jess@Fairday's Blog says
Congrats to all the winners! How exciting for them and a great way to start the year.
I can understand why you aren’t a fan of the questions you mentioned. I don’t mind them- but I don’t get asked them very often. I get asked about my books sales, how many books I have sold, and how much money I make from writing frequently. I would rather answer those questions from fellow authors- but alas, I am asked these questions by family and friends and they seem very personal to me.
Happy New Year!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I kind of laugh at those questions. I usually just say, “Don’t quit your day job!” Happy New Year back! Oh, my! 2019 is already 12 days old.
Sherry Ellis says
Congratulations to all the winners of the anthology contest!
I read my reviews. And like you, I put more weight on those that are well-written. It is interesting to read what people think of your work – good or bad.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Right. Just read them all and move on. The only way for me.
Lynda A Dietz says
If I were an author, I would probably respond much the same to poorly written reviews (good or bad). If I have to work hard to understand what’s being said, I quit.
Even as an editor, I get questions—the least favorite are from people who ask how to get clients, and where I get mine. I know that question probably stems from ignorance, but I try to emphasize that it just takes TIME. There’s a lot of work involved, making yourself visible and available and constantly interacting online so people don’t forget your name when they finish a manuscript. And then you keep doing that for years while it builds slowly on the foundation you’ve set. And no, I’m not going to “send work” their way after working hard to earn it myself—especially if I don’t know that person’s work quality. I’d never betray an author’s trust after working to gain it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I don’t mind helping people, but I do mind being taken advantage of, and it seems people who ask you to be their “agent” by sending work their way is doing just that. I hadn’t thought about this question from an editor’s POV. Thanks, Lynda!
Yvette Carol says
I’m your hundredth comment! Cool. 🙂 I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if my blog was getting so many comments!!
I just wanted to say I feel the same way as you did re the type of question I actually quite enjoy getting, and that’s when I’m asked about the process, about the creative side of this business. It’s much more interesting!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Of course! I hadn’t thought that the questions I like most are about the creativity side. Thanks, Yvette.
J.H. Moncrieff says
I have an answer to the request for advice. Feel free to borrow/steal if it suits you.
“Don’t listen to advice from writers. Every writer is different. Figure out what works for you.”
Failing that, I repeat Stephen King’s advice to read a lot and write a lot. But it drives me crazy when a writer insists everyone MUST outline, or MUST write every day, or MUST read within their genre, etc. Every one of us is different. Just because something works for one author doesn’t mean it will work for another.
Happy 2019! I hope you had a wonderful holiday surrounded by love.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Woman after my own heart! Many thanks for saying it here. I’m always irked by advice that includes the MUST word.
Here’s to another year of some good writer/horror posts at your place. And some great 2019 writing all around.
Christine Rains says
Congratulations to all the winners! I read my reviews too. I’ve a pretty thick skin, so the negative ones don’t get me down so much. I also direct people to sites online with experts for writing advice. It’s hard to give when each person’s journey is so different. Have a great 2019! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re right about the advice. What works for one writer, will not work for another. Let’s hope for a really good writing year ahead.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Hi, C. Lee! Sometimes technology has me tearing my hair out. I could not figure out how to write a comment on your WEP Entry “Ribbons and Candles.” So here I am.
I thoroughly enjoyed your story, and you managed to pack so much character and a vibrant setting in a small space. I don’t think you wasted a word. The contrast between “devastated C-curve of a woman” and “ramrod matriarch” was brilliant! Those few words said it all about the changes in Jason’s mother.
I loved how you ended the story with a mystery, leaving the answer for the reader to decide. It reminds me of other memorable cliffhangers ~ like Scarlet and Rhett in “Gone with the Wind” or bad little Fritz in “The Garden of Abdul Gasazi.” I understand that you may go on and develop the story more, but I thought it stood on its own just fine.
I don’t believe in ghosts, although other people close to me have seen them and had powerful experiences in meeting them ~ people who otherwise seem rational and intelligent. So perhaps Jason might be like me and not accept ghosts or perceive them, and delicate, more feminine Stanley might be capable of perceiving them, especially his father with whom he was close. Despite my disbelief in ghosts, I’d vote for ghost! But I’d likely be satisfied with a plausible explanation for a real man coming down those stairs. Someone/something is obviously coming down those stairs!
I don’t think that Jason is self-centered. It sounds like he showed up when he was needed for major things. It isn’t easy to be a caretaker, especially when your job has you living in another place. I’ve been both Jason and Stanley in different situations, so I try to be very understanding of people who are doing what they can to help aging parents.
On the surface, Stanley doesn’t seem that likable; but I think a lot more is going on with him. Perhaps it is to painful for him to face his father’s loss and so he’s been avoiding facing the changes in his family home. Perhaps he suffered in the past because his mother was formidable and he didn’t measure up to his popular, more macho brother. I found the connection between Stanley and his father intriguing. Perhaps they were both misunderstood and browbeaten by the mother. Could the father have been gay and living a lie? Maybe Stanley is gay. Then again “precise and delicate” in a husband could be a pain to live with, and the mother might not like seeing those qualities in Stanley. Maybe that has something to do with his avoiding helping at home. I could imagine this story going in all sorts of directions. I can see lots of potential for Stanley to be a sympathetic character if you developed the story more.
If you do more with the story, I hope that you let us know. However it was great just as it is, and the unanswered questions are sometimes what makes a story memorable!
C. Lee McKenzie says
This was amazing! You saw so many things I intended but didn’t make explicit: the gay factor, the contrast between the strong mom and more delicate dad and son, the reasons for Stanley’s absence when Jason needed help. I want you reading all my stuff!!!!!
I won’t be writing more to this story. I only created it for the WEP, and I have no idea where I’d take it. The ghost is the stumbling block. I painted myself into a corner with that. 🙂
Thanks for persisting with WordPress. It can be a devil and I truly wish I didn’t have to deal with it.
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Well this made my evening! Here I was feeling all insecure about responding, but I did it anyway. Have a great evening C. Lee!
Alexa @ Summer Snowflakes says
Interesting answers! I used to think I had a writing process, but with this last story I’ve been working on, my normal process isn’t getting me very far. I’m thinking about trying something new: using some worksheets and outlining instead of just winging the story from beginning to end. We’ll see how it works!
Happy New Year!
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbosityreviews.com
C. Lee McKenzie says
Whatever works, works! Wishing you the best with your writing this year.
Carol Kilgore says
I love your answers! I don’t have a process either.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Now we have a quorum!
Mark Noce says
I find bad reviews of my work kind of funny. To write something “so bad” that it disturbed someone enough to write a review is kind of an accomplishment all on its own. Fortunately, there are plenty of goods reviews too:)
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll bet Picasso got some seriously bad reviews. He probably still does. I know Brahms did. All people who create something do. Hey! Elon Musk gets his share of bad press. At least someone’s noticing, right?
Heather R. Holden says
“A lot of accidents that produce stories.” LOL, love that! Can definitely relate to that sort of process sometimes. XD
Hope 2019 is treating you well!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Have to tell the truth here.
Toi Thomas says
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
I like talking about my writing process simply because I know most non-writers will find it weird. I like seeing people’s reactions.
Raimey Gallant says
I like your take on reading book reviews. Happy New Year!
Gwen Gardner says
I haven’t come up with a definitive writing process yet. I’ve tried all different sorts of things and I’m still looking for the perfect process (as if!). One thing I know for sure, though, is that if I try to write without an outline, it’s a disaster. LOL. Happy new year!
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
Hi, Lee! I really liked what you said about reading your reviews. I’ll keep it in mind for when I have reviews to read about my book. I liked Ellen’s take on them in the comment above. Currently I have to go back to comments on university papers for that kind of boost ~ LOL! I’m bookmarking your post on Ribbons and Candles, so I’ll remember to come back and read your story once I get home. I read Pat’s entry because for some reason I got a message on my phone about it. I’ve seen several others on this round of IWSG visiting, so I want to hunt them all down and read them. Wishing you lots of writing success in 2019!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Fundy Blue–a name that I love to read and to say. Thanks for the beautiful comment and for hosting this month. Pat has a cyber connection that surpasses my “expertise” that’s for sure. I must ask her what she’s up to.
Happy 2019 to you!
Beverly Stowe McCclure says
I love your answers to the questions, especially about advice. As for reviews, I have to read them. Good or bad. Have a good New Year.
Waiting for another new book. Happy writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
People who review are so interesting. I hope they know how much they are appreciated. Here’s to a splendid 2019.
Samantha J Bryant says
That’s a great attitude to take about reviews. Come with a heart to learn and improve, and a little healthy skepticism. @mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi Samantha,
As the sage once said, “The only thing we can control is attitude.” Thanks so much for stopping by and adding to the dialogue here.
Stephen Tremp says
Hello C. Lee, I’m stopping by to say hello and best wishes for health and prosperity to you and yours.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Stephen. I’m making my way around the list this week and will be by your place to see what you’re up to.
Sandra Cox says
I just read your WIP, Lee. Beautifully written.
Thanks for judging the anthology.
Hope your 2019 is filled with creativity, productivity, good health and peace.
C. Lee McKenzie says
My WIP? That’s interesting, Sandra. I don’t think I’ve put it out, or have I and forgotten? Good golly Miss Molly, please don’t let my brain shut down yet.
I loved reading the entries. Each was so different, and I was excited to find out what the judges decided.
I look forward to sharing more time with you in 2019!
Diane Burton says
When I saw my name, I panicked. What did I forget? Keeping track of commitments can get messy during the holidays.
Love your response on reviews. I’m getting better about leaving reviews. Goodreads prods me with email reminders. LOL Since I know how hard authors work, I only leave 4 or 5 stars. (maybe a rare 3) If I can’t say something good, I don’t say anything. Best wishes for a great new year.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Sorry about the surprise feature, but when I was having a terrible time last year I managed to make a list of authors who stepped up and lent a hand. You were one, so I was hoping to shine a bit of light on each of you over the coming months.
Reviews are tricky for authors, so I hear what you’re saying.
Diane Burton says
Thanks so much, Lee. You are so thoughtful. I appreciate the “light” on me and my blog. Hugs.
C. Lee McKenzie says
My pleasure. I enjoy authors and playing a small part in their lives.
Erika Beebe says
I agree Lee, if you can’t write well in a book review than it’s hard to believe one read the book deeply enough. Happy New Year 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh good. I was beginning to think my prescriptive nature was taking over. Thanks.
Jemi Fraser says
That quote made me laugh 🙂
Lots of good news this time for sure – congrats to all the winners!!
Hoping 2019 brings you joy and peace and success, Lee
C. Lee McKenzie says
It will be fun to read the completed anthology. I hope we connect a lot in 2019!
H.R. Sinclair says
Your answers to your least favorite questions are great (and made me giggle). Happy 2019!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Giggling is the best way to start anything, especially a new year.
Jeff says
I often read reviews with one star just to see what people hated… But I’m sure you never receive any of those. Happy New Year, Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Not yet. But I’m waiting for that shoe to drop. Happy New Year to you, Jeff. I’m so pleased when you stop by.
Elizabeth Seckman says
My son once told me that when he picks a movie to watch, he reads the three star reviews because they are always the most helpful. I think he may be onto something.
I don’t have any good advice either. Just to never give up.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll have to think about your son’s advice. Interesting.
Nick Wilford says
I’ll still take praise in a poorly written review! Sadly, using English effectively isn’t a priority for everyone, although it should be.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I just think there’s a correlation between the ability to read and the ability to write. Maybe I’m being too harsh.
ChemistKen says
Accidents that produce stories. LOL, I like that one. I wish I had a few more accidents myself.
I don’t have much advice to offer other writers either, although I will tell them to study story structure. It’s the one thing that makes sense to me.
Have a great 2019!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You’re right about understanding the structure of stories. There’s a connection between how the story unfolds and our involvement in it. Thanks for the wishes and I’m sending them back your way.
Lisa says
I agree and am laughing at your responses to questions you don’t like! Love the quote at the end… Happy new year!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Happy New Year, Lisa! Here’s to more writing success in 2019!
Liz A. says
What I have are a lot of accidents that produce stories.<–Is actually good advice. So many people think we have to have a "process".
C. Lee McKenzie says
I wish I could ask Picasso what his process was. Do you think he’d toss me out?
Jennifer Lee Hawes says
IT’s always nice to get a positive review. But not everyone will like your work no matter how popular you are! My process is outline first. Then get the story written. Preferably working backwards from end to start. Remember, you can’t edit a blank page, right? 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
The blank page is a little difficult to edit. That’s for sure. I have confronted those a few times, but then like other authors, I’ve pushed on and filled the page with words. Some work. Some fail. Congratulations on your outlining strategy.
Olga Godim says
Learning from reviews – that’s not an easy task. Every bad review spurs me into arguing, trying to explain. I never do, but it’s a challenge to accept and learn instead of dismissing the readers who criticize me as idiots. :))
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, I jump up and down and pound the desk, then move on. They didn’t understand what I wanted to achieve, and I certainly have had that experience as a reader–not liking or appreciating a book that others did. That’s just the way it is. Viva la difference.
Lee Lowery says
Congrats to all of the Anthology authors!
I have no writing process either, other than frantically typing away intermittantly in random spurts of time. I think that falls under the “horrible warning” rather than the “good example” category.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yet you create stories. If we only could capture that random, crazy, intermittent energy and make “sense” of it…well, that might not be a good idea at all. It’s all that random crazy stuff that makes for excellent reading.
Pat Hatt says
Seeing reviews of all sorts is fine by me indeed, as you’ll never please everyone.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love it when I please one. Never thought I could do that, so after one, the rest are bonuses!
JULIE FLANDERS says
LOL I cringed just reading about the writing process question I hate it so much. I always feel like a fraud when that kind of thing comes up. Well not that I don’t feel like a fraud all the rest of the time too LOL.
Congratulations to all the winners – so many talented writers!
C. Lee McKenzie says
The “fraud” element is there for me as well. Writer? Who me?
Elsie Amata says
Ugh. Reviews. So far, mine have been good but that’s not saying much. I’ve only had five so far. 🙂 I think when someone leaves a bad review I’ll be upset about it but then I’ll suck it up and move on. Maybe. haha
Elsie
C. Lee McKenzie says
It’s natural to be upset, but moving on is the best way to get over it. Good luck.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi again, Elsie. I’ve tried to visit your site, but it isn’t answering the door. I keep being sent to the Gravatar site. Any suggestions?
Natalie Aguirre says
Looking forward to reading your newsletter about networking when I get through the IWSG posts. I know what you mean about having a writing process. I’m just trying to write more regularly.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Well, you’ve been slightly sidetracked for a while, so regular writing is really a great step into finding a process. Here’s to that happening all through 2019.
Tyrean Martinson says
You have some beautiful, happy accidents that turn into amazing stories! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s a very nice start to 2019 for me, Tyrean. Thank you so much.
patgarcia says
Happy New Year!
I like that you don’t have a process for writing your books. I’ve never seen my coincidences as accidents but they could very well be. Something catches my eye or hits me and a story is born.
Wishing you an awesome 2019.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Anna says
Funny. I prefer getting feedback before the book is out. After it’s published, there is not much to be done to fix it. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
Nope. It’s a done deal, but Amazon wants those reviews nonetheless.
Patricia Royal says
I have a lot of accidents that product stories, too!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We should form a club call Chaos in Creativity…or something.
Elephants Child says
/A big hooray for writers. Who are all winners in this greedy reader’s eyes.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Waving at you and wishing you a very Happy 2019!
Jacqui Murray says
That was a great ‘favorite question’. And I loved the answer. Thanks to Amazon, comments are a much bigger deal than they have been in the past.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Amazon has been another major changer in this publishing world, and these changes have happened so quickly that it has been hard for most of us to keep up. When I say, “Write a review!” to my reader/ non-writer friends, I get a blank stare.
Sarah Foster says
I don’t really have a writing process so I would hate to answer that, too. I write when the inspiration strikes me. I just wish it struck more often.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’d like that as well. “Come on! Give me something to work with.”
Botanist says
I actually enjoy both of those “least favorite” questions, because I find people fret a lot about advice and process, and this is a chance to help people free themselves from that tyranny of expectations. Regarding both (advice and process) I reckon the best advice is to do what works.
Even good advice doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, so it’s important to treat it with caution.
And if your “lot of accidents that produce stories” does indeed produce stories, then what’s wrong with that? If it works for you, then it works. People only get to judge the end results, not how you got there, so it sounds like you actually have a workable process.
*Whisper* Don’t tell anyone, but mine is a lot more chaotic than that 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
🙂 Chaos is often the artist’s best tool. Congratulation.
PJ Colando says
Hmn. I thought I posted a comment and, whew, there were no teensy pics to find all the busses, crosswalks, and cars…
I think I commented that I’d never received any query as to whether I read my books’ reviews…
And, if I did, I’d reply, “I’ll read yours when you post it!” or some such wisp of sarcasm and secret implore 😉
PJ Colando says
Gosh, no one’s asked me if I read my books’ reviews! I have different puzzles to ponder in people’s questions of my writing skills (or lack of – teehee). I guess my response would be: “I will… when I receive your review of my book.”
(smart ass grin)
C. Lee McKenzie says
This is one great idea! I love it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I stopped by your blog and had a good laugh. Wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your post, but guess you’ve turned off comments. So here’s my comment!
PJ Colando says
Hey, thanks for the compliment on my blog post – yet I didn’t turn off comments… Sigh – the baffle farm called the ‘interweb’! Befuddled and chagrined, am I.
Tamara Ann Narayan says
I need to write and publish more to see how I handle reviews. With the few I’ve had, they’ve been pretty positive, thankfully.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s really great, Tamara. May you continue to see those positive reviews.
Bish Denham says
If people ask me for writerly advice I always direct them to sites like IWSG or Writers Helping Writers. I’m not a teacher, I’m still a student.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Being a student is good way to see ourselves, Bish. I’m always learning and even when I did teach, my students often taught me more than I managed to teach them.
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Happy new year to you, dear friend! I admire your candid answers to the questions of the month. I agree it would be a waste of time to pay attention to book reviews that are sloppily written and laced with grammatical errors. You can learn from a review that is well written, even if it is a negative one. I cringe whenever someone asks a successful person, “What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?” It happens all the time. I think sometimes the person asking the question is looking for a single tip or “secret” that will allow them to bypass the hard work that needs to be done and achieve instant fame and fortune. If I were asked to describe my writing process, I couldn’t, because my compositions come together in a variety of ways. Some of my projects are what I call “difficult births” while others pop out with ease.
I hope 2019 for you will be a year filled with happiness, satisfaction and accomplishment. Thank you very much for your ongoing friendship and support, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I loved your description of the “writing success.” Difficult births is exactly what it is over and over again.
I too appreciate your friendship and support. Isn’t it interesting how people connect these days? There are so many to exchange ideas with, and we would never have had the opportunity only a short few years ago.
L. Diane Wolfe says
LOL – my process is sporadic and chaotic.
C. Lee McKenzie says
But it doesn’t show in the final product! It all looks carefully planned.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I don’t have any great writing advice either. Not the person you ask!
I try to learn from my reviews as well.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Those reviewers are often very helpful and interesting to read.
T. Powell Coltrin says
I love your non favorite questions. You are a girl after my own heart!!!
Teresa
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know! Advice? Process? You’ve got to be kidding.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says
I’ve always heard differing advice as to whether or not you should read your reviews. I do read mine and fortunately there haven’t been any horrible ones. When I’m feeling a bit down about my writing, going back and reading some of the more positive ones really gives me a boost.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is certainly a good reason to read your reviews!