Friday, April 20, 2012

Can Giving A Bad Review Kill Your Writing Career?

I finished a book last night that started out so strong, yet left me...well, wanting. There were a lot of errors - their instead of there, your instead of you're. But, I can always overlook that when the story is strong enough.

Now, I have no intention of naming the book (which I'll explain why later), but the whole thing got me thinking about several issues with writing and publishing.

First of all, what's with the convenient endings? I've read sooooo many books that just...end. What?! Where's the huge climax, the fireworks, the big bang? This particular book started out with so much violence and action I couldn't wait to read the rest. Then, about halfway through, it just slowed down and never picked back up. I was so disappointed by the the last page I could've screamed!

I've been told before that at times my story slows down. Honestly, I do that intentionally to give the reader a breather. But, sometimes I fear I've slowed it down too much. As long as I don't have one of those silly convenient endings I'm satisfied.



Now, on to why I won't name the book...because I have my own books out there. Yep, I've heard horror stories of disgruntled writers giving their reviewer's books bad reviews as revenge. I'd prefer to get a bad review in earnest, not as payback.

I will soon be reading and reviewing books, yet they will not be under my own name. And, no, I will not review your book if you approach me through this site. Okay, maybe I will for some of my beloved followers, but please don't send others here. However, if you want a book review, feel free to head over to All Things Books.

How do you feel about convenient endings? And more importantly, would you leave your name on a review?

4 comments:

  1. I am not a fan of convenient endings at all! And I can totally relate!! As far as reviews, I've begun to do them on my blog, and I'm okay putting my name out there. And I would say I never give bad reviews, just honest ones. I point out stuff that bother me, but I also focus on what I enjoyed. I may regret it later, but that's okay for now! ;)

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  2. I've not read to many books with convenient, yet unfulfilling endings, but those I have read have filled my body with disappointment. Left feeling the cost of many wasted hours on a book can have a big impact on my mood. Why do writers do it do you suppose? Do they just get bored with their own story? Have they used all their imagination up elsewhere? What happened to the planning process? I think this is one of those questions to which we will never know the answer.

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  3. Nicole,
    I'm still leary of putting my name on reviews unless they're good. I'm terrified of retaliation. lol

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  4. Sarah,
    I seem to find more and more books with convenient endings. I was reading a book for review over the last week and the suspense had me on edge. Unfortunately, the ending left me wanting more. It just sorta....ended. *sigh* Onto the next book.

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