On-line troll reviews abound

cj Sez: Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, and adoptive fathers. And to all the fathers in heaven: You are dearly missed, every day. 

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From the Lyrical Pens Archives:

  A fellow writer was grieving and questioning what to do about a one-star review on Amazon that complained about something that wasn’t in her novel. Obviously, the reviewer hadn’t even read the book.

  One- and two-star reviews can be devastating, for future sales and for the author. Wherever there’s an opportunity to post a review, there will be trolls ready and waiting with low ratings—whether they’re warranted or not. I’ve seen reviews by people who purchased an item on Amazon then rated the product one star because they thought delivery took too long. Had nothing to do with the quality of the product.

  So where am I going with all this? It’s to reinforce why comments and reviews need to be put in perspective. Don’t let the naysayers persuade you that your work isn’t good. Hiding behind the computer keyboards of the Internet are nameless, faceless, and wretched on-line trolls. (Whew! I feel better now.)

  We can’t realistically expect all reviews to be five-stars (okay, we do, but that’s beside the point). I admit to having desperate pangs when someone dings a story. Yes, it skews the “average,” but then I re-read the good reviews that I do have (some posted, some not) and calm down a bit. 

  I remind myself that I cannot please every reader out there. There will always be someone who dislikes some characterization, challenges some datum, or is offended by piece of history. Always. Duh. That’s the reason there are a gazillion different stories in multiple genres for the gazillion different readers.

  If you receive a poor review from an on-line troll, consider the source, and please do not respond to the reviewer. That could dig a deeper, darker hole than you want to dive into. In the meantime, if you’re like me, you’ll console yourself with a treat.

 My favorite dessert: A hot fudge creampuff, with caramel pecan ice cream, and I have the recipe for those big, delicious creampuffs!

  Speaking of reviews: Have you taken a few minutes to give a one-line, on-line review for the latest book you read? You might be able to refute some troll.

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  On a personal note: My minivan finally gave up the ghost, and I had to get a new vehicle. Can’t imagine why it quit. It’s only 16 years old. I was hoping and praying it would last a few more years. My mechanic diagnosed the engine of the Town and Country as terminal in April, and I placed an order to lease a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan in a deep blue color called “Fathom Blue Pearl.”

Thanks to son, Jeff, for the glamor shot.

  I picked it up Friday. It’s beautiful, and it's loaded—and I mean, really loaded—with all kinds of 21st-century electronic buttons and knobs on the instrument panel that I have no clue how to operate. 

  The first thing I needed to do was change the time on the clock—yet to be accomplished. I’ve always claimed to love learning new things (NOT computer things), so we’ll see if this vehicle beats me. (Ain’t gonna happen.)

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  By the by, as the invitation on the masthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you have a book you want to promote, old or new, let me know. We can arrange a blog date for your book tour…the only caveat is that this site is PG 13.

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  Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you and yours.

cj

  Now some words from my sponsors:

  Father’s Day Gifts—Lyrical Pens suggests books, the gifts that keep on giving, and there are thousands to choose from in all their favorite genres.

  Beach? Mountains? StayCay? It’s time to plan for those holiday and summer vacation downtime moments when you can lose yourself in a book. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer and bookstore.

Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.

  Nota bene: Angela Trigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has a few signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us 

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Online trolls really do exist . . .

 cj Sez: Because it’s beautiful . . .

"The Yellow Wood"

  A fellow writer was grieving and questioning what to do about a one-star review on Amazon that complained about something that wasn’t even in her novel. Obviously, the reviewer hadn’t read the book.

  One- and two-star reviews can be devastating, both for
future sales and on the author. Wherever there’s an opportunity to post a review, there will be trolls with low ratings—whether they’re warranted or not. I’ve seen reviews by people who purchased an item online then rated the product one star because they thought delivery took too long. Had nothing to do with the quality of the product.

  So where am I going with all that? It’s to reinforce why authors need to put comments and reviews in perspective. I go back to the bell curve example (the one I usually use for my critique group comments). Don’t let peak ravers persuade you that you've written a best seller, and don't let the bottom naysayers persuade you that your work isn’t good. Hiding within the electronic wafers of the Internet are nameless, faceless, and wretched on-line trolls. (Whew! I feel better now.)

  We can’t realistically expect all reviews to be five-stars (okay, we do, anyway). I admit to having desperate pangs when someone dings a story. Yes, it skews the “average,” but then I re-read the good reviews that I have gotten (some posted, some not) and calm down a bit. I remind myself that I cannot please every reader out there. Duh. That’s the reason there are a gazillion different stories in multiple genres for a gazillion different readers.

  If an author receives a poor review from an on-line troll, I suggest s/he consider the source, and please do not respond to the reviewer. That might dig a deeper, darker hole than you want to dive into. For a review like that mentioned in my first paragraph, perhaps a conversation with Amazon (if that’s where it was made) might get the unfair/unjustified review removed. Might.

  In the meantime, if you’re like me, you’ll console yourself with a treat.

  Speaking of reviews . . . have you taken the time to give an on-line review for the latest book you read? You might be able to refute some troll.

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For readers and writers (In case you didn’t know)

√  Artistic personalities (and that includes writers) often need and have multiple outlets for their creative energy. Here is a column about three successful authors who have side hustles . . . https://www.janefriedman.com/the-secret-writing-side-careers-of-successful-authors/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=RSS%3AITEM%3ATITLE&utm_campaign=Daily+Blog

√  Staples (the office supply company) recycles a lot of tech equipment besides ink and toner cartridges. If there’s a Staples store near you, do some research and find out if that particular store participates in the program and what they recycle. The store not too far from me recycles a great variety of obsolete, broken, and just plain unwanted tech—items such as old adapters and cables, calculators, CD/DVD/Blue-ray players (I’ve been wondering what to do with a 20-year-old portable CD player), keyboards and mice, modems, and a slew of other stuff. Find out more here:  https://www.staples.com/deals/it-s-recycling-day-every-day/BI3000592

√  Community. Courage. Compassion. The Hometown Heroes anthology brings you five romances that celebrate everyday heroes. The anthology has a Christmas theme, yet the stories are timeless. From paranormal to contemporary to historical, there's something here for everyone.

  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Hometown Heroes anthology will be donated to Cajun Navy Relief, an organization dedicated to helping neighbors in distress. As I type this, the Cajun Navy Relief organization is helping out in Florida after Hurricane Ian tore through the state, so your purchase of this anthology is a two-fer. You get delightful, short stories to read while you contribute to a wonderful charity at the same time.

The ebook of five stories is available for 99 cents at the time of this post …. Buy Hometown Heroes now

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  That’s it for today’s post. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for your health and safety.

cj

  You-all guys know that we’re into the autumn/pumpkin/ Halloween season, right? Well, I want to tell you that the Mobile Writers Guild's Halloween Pieces anthology(18 stories by 17 authors) is still available. And, and . . .  the ebook is on sale as of the time of this post. Hurry on over to the Big A and grab some hauntingly good reading. Buy Halloween Pieces Now

  No inflation here: THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA, my fast-paced, exciting suspense/thriller ebooks, are now low-, low-priced at $2.99.

P.S.  The Haunted Book Shop has signed paperback copies of my books in stock. TO ORDER, contact The Haunted Bookshop here: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us  

Happy reading!

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➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6

On-line trolls

cj Sez: A fellow writer was grieving and questioning what to do about a one-star review on Amazon that complained about something that wasn’t even in her novel. Obviously, the reviewer hadn’t read the book.

One- and two-star reviews can be devastating, both for future sales and on the author. Wherever there’s an opportunity to post a review, there will be trolls with low ratings—whether they’re warranted or not. I’ve seen reviews by people who purchased an item on Amazon then rated the product one star because they thought delivery took too long. Had nothing to do with the quality of the product.

So where am I going with all that? It’s to reinforce why comments and reviews need to be put in perspective. I go back to the bell curve example (the one I usually use for critiques). Don’t let the bottom naysayers persuade you that your work isn’t good. Hiding within the electronic wafers of the Internet are nameless, faceless, and wretched on-line trolls. (Whew! I feel better now.)

We can’t realistically expect all reviews to be five-stars (okay, we do, anyway). I admit to having desperate pangs when someone dings a story. Yes, it skews the “average,” but then I re-read the good reviews that I do have (some posted, some not) and calm down a bit. I remind myself that I cannot please every reader out there. Duh. That’s the reason there are a gazillion different stories in multiple genres for the gazillion different readers.

If you receive a poor review from an on-line troll, I suggest you consider the source, and please do not respond to the reviewer. That might dig a deeper, darker hole than you want to dive into. For a review like that mentioned in my first paragraph, perhaps a conversation with Amazon (if that’s where it is made) might get the unfair/unjustified review removed. Might. If you're like me, you'll tend to console yourself with a mood enlightening treat.

Banana cake ala mode (quasi healthy?)

Speaking of reviews . . . have you taken the time to give an on-line review for the latest book you read? You might be able to refute some troll.

I’m nearly finished reading my first YA “eco mystery” and have loved it. I sat in on the author’s workshop at the recent Alabama Writer’s Conclave and decided I wanted to see how Claire Datnow incorporated her research into a mystery that would appeal to kids. I don’t usually read YA, but I’ve found this one very well written. When I reach the end of “Operation Terrapin Rescue,” I’m going to find a place to review it.

Personal observation truism: People watching is next to Godliness and cleanliness for writers. It's the reason I can't go to a library or a park or a coffee shop to write. All I do is people watch.

That’s it for this post. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same.

cj

NOW ON AMAZON:  A really amazing, super-duper deal for your summer romance reading.  A Crimson Romance bundle of 10 novels about athletes and the sports they love, Bodies in Motion, includes my novel, Choosing Carter.  10 wonderful reads for 99 cents on Amazon  Other ebook bundles still available on Amazon:  More Than Friends and California Kisses 

“Bad Day at Round Rock” short story in The Posse anthology @ http://amzn.to/2lQRvcD

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