Now that I’m a “published” author, I pay more attention to what other people think. This has never been a strong characteristic in my personality. I’m usually the one to thumb my nose at other people’s opinions and go on about my business. The game has suddenly changed. If someone doesn’t like one of my books, I take notice.

Thank goodness no one has posted a negative review to date but I’m certain that day will come. And how will I react when it happens? Will I tear out my hair, weeping and wailing, throwing myself across the street in front of an oncoming bus because someone failed to resonate with my muse?

I doubt it. I may suffer a few bruised feelings but if I know me, I’ll find humor in the situation and sift through the meanderings to see if there's a lesson to learn. I have a sales background. My outer layer is pretty tough. It can be penetrated but it takes more than a few harsh words.

So that got me to thinking . . . a dangerous activity in my heightened state of publicity awareness. Did any of the “great” novels receive bad reviews? You wouldn’t believe what I found. So I’ve included a few for your enjoyment. And encouragement. Because even the best writers can’t please everyone.

PRIDE and PREJUDICE

I can read a book in a day this book took me over a week to read. I COULD NOT stay with this book. I made myself finish it but was driving myself nuts doing so.

…the book is really sort of a nightmare that never ends. It is not romantic or charming in the least bit. The main character comes through as arrogant and at times even stupid. It is a completely forgettable book, and I have no clue as to why so many people find it romantic.

OUTLANDER

I'd like to go back in time and stop myself from reading this book!

The end of this book is a total trainwreck. If you make it this far, it's almost comical if you have a dark enough sense of humor.

LITTLE WOMEN

This book is so corny I can barely stand it. It tells the story of four obnoxious, annoying sisters and their silly mother.

This story is so incredibly melodramatic it's not even funny. Jo is such an unlikeable character. She's arrogant, fickle, and a complete drama queen.

TOM SAWYER

This book is very dull and boring which can put the reader to sleep.

The Most horrible book I’ve ever heard. Its just keeps going, and gets more boring as it goes.

The bottom line is you can't make people like you. You can't force them to enjoy your work. What you can control is how you react to the situation.

BICHOK!

Deb Sanders

"Stone Cold Justice" and "Blood Storm" - now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords