How to Handle Bad Reviews

First of all, let me begin by saying that as far as I'm concerned, at this point in my career there's no such thing as a bad review. A sincere, honest review is an invaluable tool to an author like me, no matter what the reviewers opinion may be. Positive or negative, I receive instruction from it. And I appreciate the fact that someone has taken the time to read my book and share their thoughts about it. After all, for me, making connections with readers is what being an author is all about. 

Having said that. If you're reading this and have already left a review, I want to say thanks a lot. And if you're thinking of leaving a review at some point in the future...I'm listening. I really do want to know what you think. 

My latest title, "The Sparrow Princess," has been out for a couple of months now and the  reviews are beginning to come in. I have to admit, like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story,"  I had delusions of grandeur about my "essay" receiving nothing but stellar, five star reviews and being catapulted to stardom immediately. However, I also knew going in that that was probably not going to be the reality. 

Although I felt the storyline was compelling enough, I knew the characters and the world I had tried to create in general needed further development. This was something I had always intended to do. The reason I published the work as-is was mainly because I began to feel (for reasons I can explain in another post if you want to know) that I may not live long enough to complete it. I basically wanted to introduce the characters and the storyline and have it out there to dedicate to my granddaughter, who was the original inspiration for the story. I felt what I had was good enough for that. The reviews I've received so far seem to be in line with my own thoughts about the project. Most people have said they liked the story.  They just wanted more. 

Well, the good news is, apparently I'm going to live after all. And I intend to continue writing this story as I had originally intended. I'm currently working on prequel and a sequel that will broaden the storyline and develop the personalities and motivations of the characters in depth. And provide a more satisfying resolution. I hope you'll stay tuned for that. 

P.s. I'll also be working with a local writers group for the first time to get feedback as I move forward. If you'd like to be part of that process as a beta reader, or if you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment below. Or you can post a question in the "Ask the Author " space on my Goodreads page.

Thanks,

Russell