Having a book published brings the rather disappointing realisation (not for the first time!) that your ego is a good deal bigger than you like to think it is. So, the good reviews make you happy and, thankfully, those who don’t like the book tend not to post their reactions. With my latest novel, I did say I wouldn’t be posting good reviews, etc as, a) it makes me a little uncomfortable and b) aren’t my Facebook friends already aware of the book? Well, yes. But then, might seeing the reviews spur them to read it? Dunno!
However, as PR for the book is down to me (and a couple of good friends), I thought I’d post one or two reviews.
Yet, I still hesitate, having grown up accepting the admonition that ‘self praise is no praise’. But isn’t this others’ praise? I don’t know!
Anyway, I’d welcome friends and fellow writers’ thoughts.
Social media & Amazon always a bit dodgy but if it persuades a few more curious readers it’s worthwhile..Go for it Barry, it’s an excellent read.
Thanks Col, it will still feel a bit weird though.
My four star written January 23rd (and I always write honest reviews, otherwise what’s the point?) Despite being female and having struggled to acquire ‘grown-upness; in a small Hertfordshire village, and guessing many of the lessons Danny learnt, the challenges he faced, might, in hindsight have been more hard-edged than I experienced, in essence they were much the same, and it was throat-achingly painful to relive them through Danny Byrne’s eyes – and heart. Certainly the number and breadth of characters all had much to teach. Vividly evoked and beautiful.
For every page, every word, every hard day’s slog, plot holes and plot twists. For every re-write and edit, For all the people who have supported you and for yourself…
Enjoy and share the positive reviews. It’s not showing off, it’s celebration of all that you’ve achieved and all that you deserve ❤️
Your reviews of my books went straight to the heart of them and what I was struggling to depict. I appreciate them very much. It would be good to chat in the old ‘Cloudy ‘ way some time. And I’d like to hear of your link to Pimlico – and your motorbike days.Until then, thank you again.
For every page, for every word. Every sunny day foregone and everything you didn’t do to write this book. For early morning, late nights and the constant obsession of living a double life whilst writing your novel.
For everyone that has supported you. For everyone that hasn’t achieved this miracle of creation and those that you inspire. But most of all for yourself…
Celebrate and share the good feedback for what it is – freely given, honest and true. It will inspire others who are striving for the same. But most of all I hope you come to accept the positive reviews are hard won testament to your achievement and fuel for the next one.
Goodness, thank you for this, Mark. Your words are inspirational and I shall try to push on accordingly. Thanks again.
Having lived in both the UK and the US, I’ve observed a big cultural difference with things like this.
In the UK I was always taught not to blow my own trumpet and to feel deeply uncomfortable about saying anything good about myself (while being rewarded for putting myself down – we love self-deprecation!).
In the US, on the other hand, none of those concepts seem to exist at all. Sharing good news about your projects or achievements is seen as completely natural.
Although I like the US perspective, I still haven’t really got over my upbringing, so I share your discomfort about self-promotion. Ideally, I’d like to stay quiet and let my publisher/agent do all the promoting for me. But that doesn’t seem to happen very much, so it seems to be left to authors to do much of the promoting. So I’d say there’s nothing wrong with posting good reviews, although I’d also say it’s not worth doing it if it makes you very uncomfortable.
Thanks Andrew,
I think, on balance that I won’t be doing too much as it’s never going to be comfortable. It’s not false modesty – I can be very immodest about the in the pleasure I get from others’ praise!