This blog is for those 18 and older.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Guest Author: Danica Winters

An Author's Golden Rule

A friend of mine, who is a fresh writer, asked me a question the other day.  She wrote, “I want to write a [review] on a published book…The thing is, it is kind of negative.  Can I do this?”

I am of the solid belief that if you are a writer or a reader, you shouldn't put down authors.  It is incredibly hard to create.  I don’t think there is a single writer out there who has written their first novel, published it, and later called it a masterpiece.  This is a craft that one learns as they go, every novel a person writes they get better and their voice becomes stronger.  However, if they are crushed by negative reviews, some will become crippled by the public outcry against them.  I’ve seen it time and again and I don’t blame them.  It’s a rough day when an author receives a poor review—it is crushing.  (Who knows how many great novels would have been written if the author had only been treated with a higher level of courtesy.)

That being said, you should give an honest review—it will help the author to see the weak and strong points in their writing.  However, it is a thin line between helpful criticism and negativity.

We will read books we will not like, we will read books that we love, but we must remember to treat authors with the same level of respect in which we wish to be treated.  

Too often I see writers, so absorbed in their own grandeur that they begin knocking authors down.  Writing is a personal struggle, a battle against life, a battle against self-doubt, and an occupation that requires a tremendously thick-skin, but authors do not need to have other’s egos become major antagonists in the war that rages within them.  

If you feel that you must say something negative, send the author a personal message—your opinion does matter and it may help strengthen the writer.  It is easy in the Facebook age to be discreet and respectful.   Most importantly, please listen to our Mother’s advice, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”  

*I am a positive person and if you choose to request a review from me, I can promise that I will focus on the positive aspects of your work.  I only wish to help raise other writers and I never break someone down.    

Alexis: For more information on Danica, go to http://www.danicawinters.net/
For a chance to win Danica's book CURSE OF THE WOLF leave her a comment :-)

CURSE OF THE WOLF:
For cursed, shape-shifting Veela, Gloriana, following her heart and giving her body to sexy, tortured werewolf Alexander means one thing-he will die and it will again be her fault. 

Once only a man, Alexander finds himself scarred by the memories of his former life and the deceptions and lies that surround him. When a glimmer of light breaks the madness, he must let go of his misguided preconceptions and the hatred that consumes him. 

On a mission for blood, they find unity in their desire for revenge, but are driven apart by their pasts. Traveling the darkest paths and fighting the very people they think they can trust, they draw closer to one another's hearts and further into danger.

Will the curse prove to be unstoppable... or is there hope in forbidden love?

6 comments:

  1. Thank you, Danica. Very nicely done and I so agree with you. Writing is hard enough without having to worry about negative reviews. Most of us are tough-skinned (though some of us can still be hurt). We do get better the more we write (at least, I like to think so...some of my early stuff makes me cringe!)so let's be positive and offer encouragement. And yes, my mother taught me well...if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

    Marie

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    1. Thank you, Marie. I'm glad you enjoyed the blog. I can see we would be great friends!
      -Danica Winters

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  2. Nice cover. I'd like to read more about these characters.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. BN,
      Thank you for the compliment. I hope you get a chance to read the book. I think you will enjoy it.
      Thanks,
      Danica Winters

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  3. That's just what I think, too!
    I have to know...how steamy is Curse of the Wolf? I'm intrigued with your story. do you have others published, or that you're working on?

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    1. Dawn, I'm glad you agree ;) Curse of the Wolf is a little steamy. There are no closed doors, but it is tasteful. I hope you get the chance to read the book! As for my work, I have two short stories (one an award-winner) and this novel (which is an award-winner as well). I recently sold a Vampire Novella that will be coming out this fall and this week I sold the next Veela book! Also, this week Curse of the Wolf was released in paperback.
      As for my next projects I'm almost finished writing the first book in a new series about Irish Travellers--where a clairovoyant gypsy is forced to choose between her dreams for an education or her traditional culture. It's been receiving wonderful early reviews. You are welcome to join me on my Fan Page if you'd like to stay up-to-date on all my new projects and release dates! :) www.facebook.com/danicawinters

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