Ups and downs
November 12, 2008
Ah, the ups and downs of a writer’s life.
A few weeks ago I had a rather sniffy review of Just Say Yes, from a website. However, as this site did give me the same number of stars as Persuasion, (the greatest novel ever) I also had to smile. I expect Jane Austen is turning in her grave!
Fortunately, I’ve had some really lovely messages from real readers and yesterday, I received this email from someone I don’t know via Facebook. I just have to share it. 🙂 I hope this person knows that I’ve attacked my current wip with new enthusiasm because of this and other messages. She really ‘got’ what the book was about, a message I hoped would come through but not detract from the fun of the romantic story.
I finished your book Just Say Yes a few days ago and loved it sooo much.
I’m guessing your readers are older and have had more experiences but I’m 16 and found Just Say Yes inspirational. That it doesn’t take a big job, a lot of money and a famous boyfriend to be truly happy which is very much in the media these days. I can’t wait to read more of your books.
I love that line from The History Boys when Mr Hector says that coming across a thought in a book identical to one of your own is like “having someone reach out and take your hand.”
I’d love to make a reader feel like that, even just once. Isn’t that what writing fiction is all about?
Posted by Phillipa @ 5:11 am | Leave a Comment
Julie Cohen Says:
That’s really nice. And how sweet of that reader to make the effort to tell you how she felt.
I agree with that line, about reading sometimes being like having someone reach out and take your hand.
That’s the reason why we go through all this hard work, in the end, isn’t it?
May you always receive a message like that whenever you’ve got doubts, to remind you that you’re doing exactly what you set out to do, and that your talent can touch others.
liz Says:
Wow, brilliant. Keep writing. You’re a star and you held one readers hand which is more than many a writer can say.
lx
Phillipa Says:
It’s also lovely to have kind writing friends. 🙂 I hope that my 16 year old reader will go far in life with such good taste (LOL) and a great attitude.
Nell Dixon Says:
That’s so lovely. We do have such wonderful readers don’t we?
Debs Says:
I love your books and can’t believe you had a less than complimentary review. x
Phillipa Says:
Debs – It’s fair enough. It wasn’t all bad. 🙂 I’ve had worse but it did stop me in my tracks for a day or two.