Should I just give up??

[matamua]

So, semi-lighthearted, my debut novel came out in June and I can't stop reading the Goodreads reviews....some good, some OK but a new low today.

A 1 star review and a quote I should probably get embroidered on a cushion...

"almost as chilling and gothic as a jacobs cream cracker"

Ouch, so, hit me with it, do I give up writing...or...step away from Goodreads...

You wrote and had published a novel. That’s an amazing achievement!

All authors get mixed feedback, and reviewers never meet you, so tend to be a little more strident.

I would bask in the glow of the good reviews and when you start to write the next one, think about how some of the other reviews might help shape your next book.

As for the cream cracker, don’t worry. Nobody likes every book they read. I quite often read books with bad reviews and very often enjoy them. It’s very subjective.

Ouch.

Step away from Goodreads.

Not everyone will like your book. That doesn't mean it's bad, just that everyone has different tastes. And of course there'll always be the people who like criticising other people's work just for the sake of it.

Your publisher and agent obviously thought it was good- and they're experts in what makes a good book.

Thank you, both! I know you're absolutely right and I thought I'd be fine with getting a poor review but then when it happens, it's just a bit, oh.

I'm going to step away from Goodreads for a bit, think it's for the best, thank you though.

Please get that review embroidered on a cushion, it’s awful but funny.

you have done amazingly, and I hope you can see the good reviews outweigh this bad one.

whats the reviews like on amazon & other sites?

Easy to write a crappy review, not so easy to write a whole novel.

Well done op.

(The review is quite witty though so I would get it put on a tshirt).

Get a tougher skin not everyone is going to like everything i bet if you looked at some reviews for e.g harry potter their would be some terrible reviews it doesnt mean their crap books or jk Rowling is a terrible author it means people have different tastes.

❤

The overall reviews aren't bad @AllotmentHappy and I know it's all subjective.

It is quite a witty quote, and I am fond of Jacobs cream crackers so...I'm just going to have to laugh it off, it's all I can do!

I'm also a novelist and this stuff is grim, especially at first. Well, I've got better at not reading the bad reviews! Are you a member of any e.g. author Facebook groups? There are some very supportive ones out there who will get you through this stuff. Most importantly, don't give up, and certainly not because of one person's mean review.
BTW, I've temporarily changed my username as I post a fair bit in relation to my day job. If you want to DM me I can suggest one of the FB groups in particular.

I tried reading Harry Potter a number of times but hated it - couldn't get in to it at all.

It's no reflection of my opinion of JK Rowling and my little opinion had zero impact on her success or bank balance.

I doubt she would pay any attention to a review I would write on it.

Congratulations. You published a novel. A lot of people like it. You need to start having some perspective or you will drive yourself crazy.

It's just one person's opnion
Literature is like art its very subjective
Some people will love it some will think it's OK and some will hate it .

Firstly, writing and publishing a novel is amazing! Well done.

Secondly, are you getting any printed? If so, that needs to be one of the reviews quoted on the cover/inside.

All art has critics, good and bad. Do you like every book you read or painting you see? If one gritty review is going to stop you, I think you may be in the wrong line of work.

Please embrace it and DO NOT let it put you off. Writing a book is a massive achievement.

And if it's any consolation a quick Google says the the first Jacob's cream crackers appeared in 1855 - they clearly have something going for them. You have been compared to a very successful brand.

Would you share the title of your book? Or if not comfortable DM me. I’m bookless at the moment.

I'm liking that spin @Katflapkit going to run with that!
I don't mind sharing @Battytwatty it's called Crowfield House, and I'll let you decide...thrilling and gothic or cream crackers

Anyway, I have just been bitten by a mouse, so I'm stressing about that instead but thank you all!

I'd love to know too please OP, I'm struggling to settle on a book. You might be able to fix my readers block!

Just seen the update, thanks!
Have you been bitten by a pet mouse or a wild one?

Well I've just ordered your book op....... might read it while eating crackers, just to get a true comparison 🤣

I've just bought it so thank you - it'll be a change as stuck in Australian noir for a while now

Just think of all successful authors who have written books that you dislike. Richard Osman immediately springs to mind. Also Shari Lapena - she sells well in crime fiction but could barely finish the one I read of hers.

Good luck with your next venture

Definitely just own the review and laugh! I once did something very important at work where I was required to persuade people of things.

The internationally published response was "we were singularly impressed by Mooselooseinmyhoose who shone with spirited and powerful submissions... which were wholly without merit"

Definitely got that on a cushion.

Writing a novel is amazing. You dont want to please all the people!

Hope you and the mouse are ok.

It was a wild mouse, my own fault, trying to save it from the bloody cat! I'll get a tetanus shot tomorrow, so all good.
Thank you all though, you're absolutely right, just own it and laugh. At least it's a memorable quote😆

@matamua thank you! I love dark and gothic and Jacob’s cream crackers so winner, winner chicken dinner!

Congratulations on your book, OP!

The first bad review stings like a bastard. By the time you've clocked up hundreds (I've been writing for over a decade), you just think "meh" (and re-read all your good reviews 😁).