Whether you’re a writer, artist or creator of crafts, the
best validation is receiving recognition for your work. I remember walking
through aisles and aisles of cakes and pies, all missing a piece at the county
fair. Blue ribbons scattered throughout but unfortunately, white Honorable Mention
ribbons were pinned on most of them. Drooling before heading back to the
wafting funnel-cake smell and buttery barbecued corn waiting outside, I wondered what
the judges didn’t like. Were some of the cakes too sweet or too tart? Maybe
they went by eye appeal. By now, some of the desserts unappealingly slumped in
the summer heat but most of them still looked good. The same thing happened
over at the craft building, where lovingly crocheted afghan throws were
on display next to pieced quilts, vests and tote bags. Most received Honorable
Mentions and only a few were Blue Ribbon winners. I loved the intricate details
and bright colors and thought they should all receive first prize. But no one
asked me my opinion as I wasn't asked to evaluate anything.
That’s why I love writing reviews of books that I read. It’s
the least I can do to provide feedback and support to someone who worked hard
developing a plot, characters and a story-line. It’s my way of saying thank you for entertaining me, keep up the good work. Anyone with an Amazon account can add reviews and they
don’t have to be stellar just truthful. I always learn something from all the
reviews I’ve received for both my novels-Penniless Hearts or The Fifth Commandment, while appreciating and swallowing the bad with the good. Some people are shy
about it or something and I hope to encourage everyone to go to Goodreads or
Amazon and perhaps start with something you enjoyed reading in school. It doesn’t have to
be long. A couple sentences will do the trick and other readers will benefit
from your input. I’ve also realized that I can’t wait for others to
reciprocate. Everyone has his or her own timeline for reading. My Kindle is packed
with wonderful stories and my bookshelves are overflowing. For some strange
reason the cover of Becoming Moon drew me in. Like some of those cakes, maybe I
went by eye appeal.
After I wrote a review of his book, the bestselling author
contacted me to tell me that I really “got” what he was trying to say. Of
course I did. Craig Hart wrote about a writer having struggles and temptations
along the course of his life that seemed to pull him down into a watery hole,
making him feel like drowning. There were so many intangibles he could have knitted a King-sized duvet! I had mentioned his book on my blog and even posted
my review but now the writer of Becoming Moon asked me to expound on my analysis
so he could put it into his book as the introduction. I thought he was kidding.
After all, this author knows how to write and though I can relate to his story,
I can’t come close to his prose. Honored beyond words I can only say that I am
sure he wasn’t jesting as I’m holding a signed copy of it in my hands. Definitely a Blue
Ribbon winner in my estimation and a book I hope you find time to read and
review. Get your copy here:
My signed copy. The following photo is the end of my written introduction to Becoming Moon, with my fingers as proof that little old me actually wrote the introduction to a bestselling novel! |
Thanks for pointing the book out, Eve!
ReplyDeleteWow, a signed copy! That's awesome. So cool he contacted you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's a good read!
ReplyDeleteYou deserved it! You are indeed fortunate. Oh, I did get a red ribbon at the County Fair in Audubon. I was fourteen and had sewn an apron on Mama's Singer treadle machine. I couldn't believe it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder there, Eve!! My last novel was Critical Failures and I did enjoy it to the point I should have given a review! Much appreciated! I still have it listed as "currently reading."
ReplyDeleteThat is a winning cover in my eyes, lucky you receiving a signed copy. I do try to leave reviews on Amazon. I fact, I left one last week, but it’s not always easy to find the time. I must try to do better it is not much to ask for all the enjoyment I get from books.
ReplyDelete