Back sliding and Follow Friday

Inspired by the spectacular melt down of Jacqueline Howett on Big Al’s Book Blog, how do you deal with a bad review?

 Lordy, I read the train wreck (or most of it) via the link from John Scalzi's blog right after it happened.  I agree--this is NOT how one should behave.    What happened to my best reckoning was Jacqueline sent her ebook to Big Al for a review, but sent an early version without some edits.   She sent the correct version a little later, but Big Al reviewed her first submission, commenting on the mistakes (first lessons, edit well and send the correct version).  JH got angry that he didn't review the "right" version and F bombs were involved.  Along with many commenters who swore they would never read anything she ever wrote, because of the really awful way she behaved and how poorly written her comments were. 

Everybody join virtual hands here and agree we'll never behave badly in public like that, okay?  In public means on-line, because every post we make, every comment on Facebook, every, well, you get the idea.  Just think of how when we make a rude or snarky comment in person, we have the potential of making someone cry?  It's multiplied when we're on-line, because the reader can't see by our expression (eye roll, smile or laugh) that we were joking. 

A friend wrote a lovely, well thought out letter to the editor about growing up Jewish in Kentucky and how awkward it was growing up, having to go to the mandatory religious classes that were strictly Christian or sit by himself in study hall.  I couldn't have refrained myself from responding to the horribly red neck comments posted on the newspaper's web site, but it's a tribute to Joel's grace. 

So, how would I react?  I would thank the reviewer for their time and thoughts and shut the hell up, log off the computer/put the letter away, then go break out some dark chocolate.  Yes, I'd bitch to my friends and family, but I remember from my years as president of our local writers guild a very prolific writer who wallpapered her downstairs bathroom (floor to ceiling) with her rejection letters.  At least you're getting your work out there and the reviewer did exactly what you asked, he/she looked at your manuscript.  Not everyone will like YOUR WRITING and that's not a comment on you personally, even if it is an autobiography.  

Now, for the back sliding part.  I'm on my fourth type of antibiotic so far this year, because I haven't been taking care of myself again.  Anytime I get a sinus/throat/bronchial infection, I need to get it taken care of since I have a defective heart valve.  On the other hand, the first eighty pages of my manuscript ROCKS and I've got the notes for a whole other book.  *sigh* 

Thanks for listening and stopping by.  Please leave a comment below and I will accept constructive criticism.  Check out the others' blogs on the hop and we'll see you later.   

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