5 Things I learned from 1 star reviews

Hi...my name is Emilie and last week I spent almost 45 minutes reading 1 star reviews on Amazon.

Yes, you read that right. I spent almost and hour on Amazon reading 1 star reviews. At this point you may be questioning my use of free time OR wondering why I would do this (or maybe both). At first, I was doing a little reconnaissance on some books I was interested in purchasing. I'm a review-reader for most products so I thought, Why not for books too?

Now, some of you authors out there may be thinking, "Don't judge my book by the reviews!" I agree, and I usually don't. But, it is helpful to see what others say. I'll assure you that I'm a fair review-reader. I don't only look at reviews when choosing a book but several factors (which will be a whole different post to come later). Anyway, back to the 1 stars.

I was reading through various reviews in all levels (1-5 starts) and, to be honest, the 1 star reviews were the most entertaining things! I started to notice some patterns emerge as I read them (I was reading 1 stars for multiple books, not just one). I started to take note when I noticed a few things mentioned several times by different reviewers and thought, This stuff is so helpful! And thus, this post was formed. I hope it's helpful!

||5 Things I learned about writing from 1 star reviews||

1. Don't be cliche or predictable
One of the main things people point out in their reviews is whether or not the story was cliche or predictable. Readers want something new and fresh--something that will take their breath away with creativity unexpected elements. No matter the genre, they want to be surprised. As a reader, I can completely relate to this. As a writer, I know how difficult it is. You start to think about that old adage, "There's nothing new under the sun", and wonder how you could ever come up with a completely new idea. I believe it's possible! We are all unique with our own special creative spice (as I like to call it). The trick is taking time to figure out what that looks like. I think the answer is having a good plot (with unexpected twists) and creating solid (and believable) characters.

Taken from Pinterest

2. Go deeper
Readers just aren't satisfied with the typical motivations. She's in love with. He thinks she's attractive. The bad guy wants to "win". Those may be true of your characters, but readers want something deeper, something that they can identify with. A great novel doesn't portray the perfect human, it shows the hero/heroin's flaws and deepest desires that motivate them in all of their actions (especially the bad decisions they make). It's time for writers (myself included) to dig deeper into our characters in a way that still allows readers to identify with them, but isn't afraid to make them genuine, flawed people. 

3. Make it believable/realistic
This goes hand in hand with number 2. Are your characters believable? Is the driving force of the plot realistic? This can be as simple as how a scene plays out or as complicated as the driving motivation of the hero.
Some tips for this:

Scenes: Make sure they could actually happen the way you describe them! This is one of my pet peeves as a reader. I am such a visual person that, as I'm following along in the story, I'm picturing how the scene is playing out. I will "see" if it isn't possible.
{See my post about word photography on Melissa Tagg's blog here}

Plots: This is infinitely more difficult than a scene because it traces back to the basic foundation of your novel. Is that believable? I have often found myself working under the guise of thinking, "It's Christian fiction, I can get away with an element of surreal events" just because God is involved. I'd say yes and no to this. I've read great novels that include an element of the Lord's interaction (check out Rachel Hauck's books) but at the same time that doesn't mean you can leave large gaps in logic. I personally believe God works in logical ways as well as the miraculous. To make your novel-life believable, apply those same principles. 

Taken from Pinterest

4. Make it good
Seems like a no-brainer, right? It's not like you're trying to write poorly, but for this lesson I'd say the key here is to take your time. Too many people publish before they are ready. It's extremely easy to get a book up on Amazon now and too many authors are jumping ahead to publishing an ebook when they should take additional time to make sure it's publish-ready.

Here are a few things to think through before taking the next step to publishing:

• How much critique has my novel/work had? 
• Has it been edited critically or just casually?
• Am I ready to pursue writing actively (think about social media, seeking reviewers, and interviews)
• Have I invested time in my novel/work to make it good? Is it the best work I can put out on the market at this point in my writing career. 

These are though questions, but ask them for the sake of growing and producing the best product you can at this point in your career.

5. You can't please everyone 
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but you can't please everyone. No matter what, there will be those that love to tear about even the best of books. I think the best way to handle those reivews (or critiques) is to ask 2 questions:

1) What was the motivation for this review/critique?
This helps establish if someone just had an axe to grind with you (for no specific reason even) which will color their review. Establishes how seriously you should take their comments.

2) Is there anything of substance or truth in this review/critique?
Look for the nuggets of truth nestled among the sharp thorns of harsh words. Could you revise your dialogue? Are your characters shallow? Did you plot require leaps of logic? If so, take these things into account for your next novel and move on in confidence!

Taken from Pinterest

Let's face it - getting a bad review or harsh critique is painful! The best thing you can do about it is look for the positive and press on.

**Just so you know this is not a complete list. I just pulled elements from various, random reviews. Some 1 star reviews are terrible and just plain mean. I tried to glean from the ones who appeared to be writing a helpful review, not something out of spite or anger.

Have you received a 1 star review or harsh critique? If so, did you learn anything from it? How did you cope with it?

RE:View | Catching Up

One of the things I look forward to the most on my holiday vacation (aside from seeing my family of course) is the extra time I can spend reading. I get through a lot of books when I'm traveling, but I also have extra time here at home to sit by the fireplace and enjoy a book (or 5 hehe).

Because I've finally made it through several I've been needing to review, this post will be a catchup for those books. Don't worry, more will be coming as well!!!

If you have extra free time like I happen to now, make sure and check out these books. I've included links to amazon and most of them are available in Kindle form too in case you just can't wait! Take some time to read a book :D

High-Stakes Holiday Reunion | Christy Barritt

Christy Barritt does it again with High-Stakes Holiday Reunion! As number three in her Security Experts series (don't worry you can read them out of order), she infuses suspense into Christmas the way only Christy Barrritt can!

When Ashley Wilson shows up on Christopher Jordan's doorstep in need of help for her nephew, he knows that he wont turn her down. His determination deepens when he discovers that, in reality, the boy is actually his son - the son Ashely never told him about.

Tension is high as this estranged couple who were once engaged must now work together in order to bring back their son by Christmas. Will the terrorist group intent on gaining information from Ashley outsmart them, stopping this reunion from happening?

I enjoyed this book as I do all of Chrsity's novels! The suspense is always present and the action never more than a few pages away. Due to the tension between Ashely and Christopher, I felt there was slightly less romance than some of her previous books but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book. When the holidays come, there is nothing better than romantic suspense with a Christmas theme. This is a must read and don't forget to check out her other Security Experts books - you can find their reviews here.

Purchase High-Stakes Holiday Reunion (The Security Experts) [here]

Dirty Deeds | Christy Barritt

I jumped in late on this train. Dirty Deeds is book 4 in The Squeaky Clean Mysteries and I enjoyed hopping right in to Gabby St. Claire's crazy life.

For those of you who have been with Gabby from the beginning, you will know much more of her history going into this book. I, on the other hand did not, but that in no way took away from the book. I felt there was sufficient information to get caught up quickly without too much distraction.

In this mystery/adventure, Gabby finds herself headed into a weekend of relaxation where her fiance Riley has asked her one simple request - no investigating. Unfortunately, Gabby's inherent nature is to investigate... anything. The minute she's left alone while Riley attends his law conference with his former college friends, Gabby can't help but investigate the disappearance of one of Riley's friends.

Follow Gabby on the rocky and sometimes hilarious journey at the expensive resort that puts her out of her comfort zone. You'll be entertained by the mystery, unanswered questions, and secrets that make up Dirty Deeds.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries. It's not as suspenseful as some of Christy's other books, but is filled with mystery with a sweet touch of romance.

Purchase Dirty Deeds: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 4 [here]


Friend Me | John Faubion

From the back of the book...

"When a lonely wife and her frustrated husband each secretly pursue companionship online, neither dreams that a real woman is behind the virtual creations, threatening their marriage -- and their lives."

Friend Me is John Faubion's first release coming out on February 4, 2014. This trilling suspense novel will leave you frantically turning pages late into the night as it did for me. 

It's the idea of a virtual friend that draws both Scott and Rachel to VirtualFriendMe.com and the possibility of creating their own online friends. With their marriage struggling, both Scott and Rachel are turning to the one thing that could ultimately destroy their marriage and even their lives.
 
This book took me through various emotions - all of them strong. At first, I was intrigued by Faubion's idea of a virtual friend. The concept is not far fetched at all, frighteningly so. As things progressed, I was pulled completely into the story. I won't go into detail and risk giving anything away, but Faubion deals with difficult issues that many could face in marriage. His characters realize and deal with emotions in a believable way that creates a satisfying ending.

I will say that I felt the last third of the book, though good, seemed far fetched at some times. The pieces fell into place a little to easily. But, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrilling suspense novels, but with a certain caution recognizing the very real nature of some of the issues discussed. There is nothing inappropriate, but I did find some parts difficult to take with regards to the marital issues discussed. The clean writing and the ending make it worth the internal angst as you struggle with the characters.

Pre-Order Friend Me [here]

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I received a free copies of these books for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read them or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in these reviews are honest and entirely my own.