What I learned reading reviews of authors I like:

What I learned reading reviews of authors I like:

I hear all the time not to read you're own reviews. It's too easy to get discouraged. So I set out to see what reviews some of my favorite authors have on Amazon. The good, and the ugly. And in the end I learned more then I thought I would from doing this. How can apply these to my own writing was a question I hoped to answer so let's see if I did.

Brandon Sanderson:

The first book I ever read of his was Warbreaker. I loved his writing and wanted more. I now have a great collection with a few signed copies (l'm from Utah and have had the opportunity to meet him several times, not that he would probably remember me).

The Way of Kings-

This is one of my favorite books. This whole series is great. I love how he keeps it simple, yet powerful. Also, despite me not being a "faithful" person per si I really, and I mean really, enjoy his use of religion in his books. Bridge 4!!

But it is long. All the books in this series are. I don't mind, my favorite book when I was 12 was Maia by Richard Adams, and if you know that book, you know it's looong. But not everyone enjoys long books with complex plots.

Overwhelmingly, most people agreed with my opinion of this book, but not everyone did. Also almost all the reviews I read said they will read reviews of books typically before buying them. I have never done that so I did find that super interesting.

# of ratings: 8720 8/8/20 -

# of positive reviews: 5842- Unique concepts, magic system, and realistic characters. You wanted to know the world more and the characters felt like friends. You cared and wanted to know what happens to them. Many also loved how long and in depth it was and how it sucked you into the story.

meh reviews: - slow and hard to follow in the beginning but by the end you are hooked. Just takes a while to "learn" the world and all the complexities and characters. Also complaints about the prologue.

# of bad reviews: 422 - Just nothing they connected to or some seem like they are also authors who just want to criticize for the sake of, using phrases like slow pacing, great world building, characters have potential. And this gem--corny, underdeveloped characters, plot, dialog and world. And slow chapters that don't move the story forward.

Many didn't like the length.

But even though I immensely enjoy his books, they're not wrong. I mean it's all true for them, and some of the information provided has value. But I also realized that many people will forgive a slow beginning for an Epic Fantasy.

J.K. Rowling:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone:

I waited until the fourth book came out before I got the first book. It was just a few months before the movie was set to come out and I decided to read it to my kids first. I didn't get the hype at first (before I actually read the book). It reminded me of a book from my childhood. At least from what I had heard of the story arch.

I honestly couldn't figure out why everyone was falling all over themselves for it and why there was so much merch! Like merch everywhere.

But then I read the first book and it all came together. This was nothing like whatever the heck book I was trying to compare it to. We read all four and anxiously awaited each and every book after. Pre-ordering and going to release parties at book stores at midnight, taking the next day off to read. I cared so much about what happened to the characters. I HAD to know what happened next.

I seriously can't even imagine what all the publishers who passed on this book are thinking about that mistake of epic proportions. Did they just get a kick machine to knock them around a bunch of times a day? I wonder . . .

# of ratings: 24,193 8/8/20 -

# of positive reviews: 16,240 :O Everyone LOVES the characters and the pacing. Not too wordy but sucks you into the world with the descriptions and makes you feel part of the story.

meh reviews: Slow until the end not "realistic" even though it's fantasy (wha. . . LOL)

# of bad reviews: 717 OK so most of the "bad" reviews were people complaining about the condition of the book when it came. I was able to find a few things. A 10 YO who thought it was too long and not enough pictures, some people just calling it "witchcraft". Well DUH HAHA!

I did have a really hard time finding any negative reviews of the book itself. Even one that was a 1 star was a glowing review they just did the 1 start to get people who look at those first to give it an honest chance. Funny enough. ;)

There was a scathing review of what they called "bigoted" characters because of some "stereotypes" she seems to portray. They feel it's not good for children because of that. What's funny on this one, is they only cite 1, yes only 1, instance of it, but based on that it's "racist". Like um, what? Maybe I missed it. My memories of these books are her calling out that type of stuff i.e. "pure bloods" were portrayed mostly as negative characters and one of the most accomplished witches was not "pure blood".

Jodi L Milner:

OK so this is a shameless plug for a friend, but her debut novel is a delight to read. As my sister put it, she read it to her kids every night and she would keep reading after they fell asleep because she found the story so engaging.

The Stonebearer's Betrayal:

Katira is a great character and the book is fast paced and has many unique concepts and a very cool magic system. Also, I ugly cried at the end of book 1. That's not normal for me.

# of ratings: 25

# of positive reviews: 20-Pulled me in from the start, well crafted, and great at conveying the emotions of the characters. Couldn't put it down.

meh reviews: 2-Magic system not explained quite enough, and world building was vague. Liked side characters more then the main character. The main character didn't feel quite like the main character.

# of bad reviews: 0!!! Way to go Jodi!!

Now I can understand each review that was given and why. And they were all very accurate. I actually agree on every level of what I read. I would have loved Katira to be more proactive. There was something I half expected at the end, and it didn't happen. I'm not completely sure if that was good or not. It would have been brilliant had it happened, but it also goes against convention, so you expect something to happen and it doesn't, which surprises you. It also leaves it open for the next book. YAY!

So, what have I learned? People have their own opinions and what some people like about a book, will be what turns others off. People have expectations when reading certain genres. People can also be super pretentious. Their opinions of your story aren't wrong though (unless their review is just "witchcraft" LOL), and you can potentially learn from them to become an even better writer. But if the vast majority like what you're doing should you change? Maybe, but probably not. It depends if those negative reviews actually resonate with you or if you just feel like those people aren't a good fit for your style. I also learned, if you have more positive than negative, you're doing an awesome job. You've created something other people enjoy and, in the end, that's what this is all about.