tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443765296489868573.post8559672641025711200..comments2023-11-02T05:29:57.954-04:00Comments on From the Heart: Defend or Declare by Diana FlegalAndy Scheer, Hartline Literaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09010440105558099014noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443765296489868573.post-44767681726679442852015-05-04T14:25:19.043-04:002015-05-04T14:25:19.043-04:00All reviews are good for a reason. Really nasty on...All reviews are good for a reason. Really nasty ones only show the person to be who they really are, the good ones are nice, and the ones that criticize in a good way will help us grow as authors. Love them all.Linda Glazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04374683352435771715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443765296489868573.post-5866278598069391422015-05-04T13:47:33.010-04:002015-05-04T13:47:33.010-04:00Wendy, I like Ann Lamont's book Bird by Bird a...Wendy, I like Ann Lamont's book Bird by Bird and often recommend it :-) Could you tell us what the name of the other book you are reading is? Is it a writing craft title? Diana Flegalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11373354354968232390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443765296489868573.post-25431517300619975152015-05-04T13:44:30.430-04:002015-05-04T13:44:30.430-04:00David, that is wonderful to take the time to write...David, that is wonderful to take the time to write reviews for the books you read. They are very helpful to authors. And I agree, criticism can have a kernel of truth. But it might not be beneficial to respond to it all. When I first joined the FB community I used to join in political discussions thinking that is just what they were. I quickly learned that a person that takes the time to post is generally not a person wanting to hear the other side, or interested in learning anything new. They were interested in finding for themselves a platform. Now I refrain from entering into them and most often hide them when they pop up. Benefit - yes. Respond- not often.Diana Flegalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11373354354968232390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443765296489868573.post-29657050958546092912015-04-29T15:43:12.417-04:002015-04-29T15:43:12.417-04:00Diana, I recently joined a critique group where 6 ...Diana, I recently joined a critique group where 6 out of 7 people were able to offer constructive criticism in a gracious manner. But the one critique that offered no positive feedback at all (though the others were just as critical)drove me to dig out Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird chapter about who should read your work. Anne said to avoid people who make you "hold your breath". In the meantime I harvested wisdom from all the feedback and have begun reading a suggested book recommended by one of the helpful critiques. And I thanked all 7. God can use anything for good. Even pain. (I'll think twice before trying out a new genre again--ouch!)<br /><br />I appreciate the helpful posts all of you share. <br /><br />Blessings ~ Wendy ❀Wendy L. Macdonaldhttp://greenlightlady.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443765296489868573.post-70840443981944316882015-04-29T13:05:23.312-04:002015-04-29T13:05:23.312-04:00Two points. First, do take the kernel of reality i...Two points. First, do take the kernel of reality in a harsh or tactless criticism. Even that uneducated moron who gives you one star might have a point. Second, in our own criticisms, let's be forthright but also eloquent and fair and constructive. An encouraging nudge might do wonders for a fellow writer's career. I'm trying hard these days to write a review for every book I read.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02910356011981473284noreply@blogger.com