Perspective
The book tour for 'The Perfume Garden' continues over at Best Chick Lit today, where I'm talking about fragrance and memory, and there's a chance to win a copy: http://bestchicklit.com/?p=2438 Their review has to go down as one of the absolute favourites so far, because it begins:
'Let me start this review by saying I am not a fan of war books or stories revolving around historical moments. Until now. '
I know, I know - you're not supposed to read reviews, but one of the changing aspects of being a writer now is that it is impossible to avoid them. If you use Amazon, or Goodreads, or any online book site as a reader your reviews are there. (Weigh today's good review against the 2* corker I see every time I'm on Amazon: "Peseta Dreadful: I feel cheated out of £6.90". Sorry about that 'London Matron' - I don't think any writer ever sets out to deliberately cheat their readers).
If you can resist the temptation to read on to the reviews when you are checking your book stats on the author dashboards, you are a stronger person than me. Lisa Jewell wrote a fantastic post about book reviews recently that elegantly summarised this new part of the writing life. For what it's worth, I think the best advice is to take it on the chin - you can't please everyone; take a deep breath - don't be tempted to engage, or enlist your thousands of followers to go on the offensive; take a look at the other reviews this person has given - if you are their only review, there's a good chance they are a sockpuppet or troll and that the review has - as one editor put it - a distinct whiff of frustrated author about it; if they have given low ratings to other authors you love in the same genre, ditto - and take comfort that you're in good company. Just keep moving forwards, and keep doing better work. (There are some great quotes about reviews, here. My favourite is Iris Murdoch's: “A bad review is even less important than whether it is raining in Patagonia.” ). Just get on with your work, and leave the reviewers to theirs.
Today was a good review day, however, and I'm grateful for it. Changing the mind of your reader, bringing something new to them, is one of the great treats of seeing your work published. I found out this week that 'El Jardin de los Perfumes' has just been published in Spain - that the story is coming 'home' is an incredible feeling, and I'm curious to see the response. At the end of a challenging week, which should have been a holiday, I am grateful for all these good things. It's the weekend, the pilot is back on his feet, the sun's shining. In your writing, it's not a bad practice to think each day of three small things you're grateful for - they add up, and over time add perspective. It changes you, cultivating a sense of thankfulness.
The last months have pulled a lot of things into sharp perspective, and now my lovely 96 year old grandmother passed away a few days ago. She stayed independent and in her own home right to the end, and her grace, faith and Celtic strength of character are examples I intend to carry with me. That's her legacy, and this is the blessing my sister chose for our father's funeral last year. I send it across the miles to my grandmother - and to all of you who could do with a little grace in your life this weekend:
ACeltic Blessing
Deep Peace
of the running wave to you
Deep Peace
of the flowing air to you
Deep Peace
of the quiet earth to you
Deep Peace
of the shining stars to you
Deep Peace
of the gentle night to you
Deep Peace
to you
