I listen to you.
Many authors swear they don't read reviews. I read them, while I love most of them, I try to ignore the others. ; )
Something I never ignore is what you -- my fans -- think about my books. I'm the one writing the books, so to a certain extent I'm writing them for me, but mainly I'm writing them for you. In writing every plot, sub-plot, or plot twist, it's like you all are standing behind me (let me tell you, it makes for a crowded office) telling me what you think. Believe me, I listen.
I care what you think, and I pay attention to what you say: what you like about the books or what you want to see more of. From reading your posts, emails, reviews, and blog entries, I think I've got a pretty good grasp of what you want in a Raine adventure. My job is to deliver, raising the stakes with each book and keeping you all on the edge of your seats and turning those pages.
In my opinion, authors who don't consider what their readers want do so at their peril.
Some of what's coming in the few weeks:
Lisa
Something I never ignore is what you -- my fans -- think about my books. I'm the one writing the books, so to a certain extent I'm writing them for me, but mainly I'm writing them for you. In writing every plot, sub-plot, or plot twist, it's like you all are standing behind me (let me tell you, it makes for a crowded office) telling me what you think. Believe me, I listen.
I care what you think, and I pay attention to what you say: what you like about the books or what you want to see more of. From reading your posts, emails, reviews, and blog entries, I think I've got a pretty good grasp of what you want in a Raine adventure. My job is to deliver, raising the stakes with each book and keeping you all on the edge of your seats and turning those pages.
In my opinion, authors who don't consider what their readers want do so at their peril.
Some of what's coming in the few weeks:
- How to keep a story believable
- Need inspiration? Look into your characters' pasts and air that dirty laundry. ; )
- Keep the action going
- Real dialogue for realistic characters
- Say no to "info dump"
- Start with a hook, end with a cliffhanger
- Let every scene advance the plot
- Never stop learning
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
10:10 AM
9 Comments:
I love it when authors email me and let me know their opinion of my review. It doesn't happen very often, but it makes the author a little bit more special to me when they do. ;)
It is nice to see an author with humility. And not of the false kind. Too many authors who have "made it" seem to think that those of use who have not or have no wish too (I'm the latter) should not be critiquing something we have never done ourselves, but to assume we know nothing is the height of arrogance.
And I second Tia's thought as well.
If I remember correctly, Tia, that's how we met. Wasn't MLTF one of the first books you reviewed on Fantasy Debut? I have Google Alerts in place to cover me and all of my books; that way when someone posts, I can drop in and comment on their blog. I've met the greatest people that way -- like you, Tia. ; )
Thank you, Grasping for the wind. Authors who achieve any measure of success do so because readers buy their books and become fans. I cherish every last one of my fans, and always write my stories with them in mind.
That's just such a funny picture! So I'll be standing behind you, petting your dogs...
It's nice to hear that you care about us :)
And It's really nice how you um comment on the coments. I think a lot of authors read some of the comments, but they never actually respond to them... It's nice.
I know some authors who don't forget about us and care about us, but they are not exactly great with computers or updating or
Even Putting On Their Site That A New Book is Going To Be Released On March 16, 2009, Even Though It's Completely Firm And Everything! That started out as one thing, and turned into a rant about a certain author... (*end rant*)
But I still love all my authors, even if they are like that. I just went half mad, trying to figure out if another book would be coming out (it was questionable if the series would end).
And I love your books! I'm never really critical of my authors - but if I pick up their book and I don't like it, I'm less inclined too get another from them - I'll probably get if from the library if it really sounds good. But if I already love an author, I'll forgive almost anything.
And don't worry Lisa (not that you are, I'm sure), I've found nothing to forgive from you :)
Well, since greyhounds aren't good with stairs, my office would just be full of people -- and one lounging kitty. ; ) Thank you so much for your comment. I do try to respond to every blog comment, and I always answer each & every email.
:) Yup you do! It's the personal details like replying to comments and emails that make you more approachable as an author, and in turn adds to what I'd like to be when I get published :) (As you said, there is never an if, always a when!)
That's so sweet, Yunaleska -- thank you! : )
Actually, yours was my FIRST BOOK! And it took me a while to realize that authors usually don't contact reviewers. But I've had some authors say the nicest things, especially of any critiques I've found, which I did not expect.
And thank you!!
I thought I might have been your first review. ; )
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