Brandy Potter's Blog

Bookish Blog Hop: Spring Hop 2021

Question: How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

As an author and a book blogger, I know how important reviews are for people. I am constantly begging people who read my book (soon to be plural) to leave a review. With the algorithms on Amazon, the only way to move your book is to have reviews. That being said, I know that a bad review could kill a new author’s book quickly.

Every review that I do, even if I love the book, I try to find at least something that could be improved. This shows a balance in the review process. That way if the negative review I have can be equalized by finding wonderful things about the book, I will leave and post the review.

If I find that I need to leave a negative review, I will email that review to the author and advise them that I don’t want to post the review. Most respect and thank me for that. They are getting legitimate feedback, but they aren’t having their book annihilated.

It did back fire once. I admit I am not a huge sci-fi novel fan. I have no probelm with the trope, please do not beat me up, I watch it all the time. Hell, one of my favorite shows is Ancient Aliens…. I just can’t read it. My imagination only does fantasy (past-ish), past and present so I can’t sink into them… I can’t and I don’t review them because of it.
In fact after this incident, if I don’t like the genre, I won’t review it… I digress… I do that….

An author asked if I would review their sci-fi book. I told him I wasn’t a fan of sci-fi, but he insisted. So I read it. It was slow, overly descriptive I didn’t get the science and I hated it. I gave it to a friend who does read sci-fi, too slow; to descriptive; they hated the plot; they hated the science etc. etc.

I sent him an email and said I didn’t want to post it and he cussed me up one side and down another. Ok so I sent him the review he proceeded to tell me just what I could do with my review and I clearly didn’t understand sci-fi.

So what do my fellow authors and bloggers have to say? Jo Linsdell @ www.JoLinsdell.com

This is always a tricky subject as I’m both an author and a book blogger. I therefore find myself on both sides of the fence.

As an author, I know how much work goes into producing a book. I also know how important a role reviews play in the algorithms that help sell books. The star ratings on books on sites like Amazon for example make a huge difference in how much Amazon promotes your book. That said, once you publish a book you have to accept the fact that no book is for everyone and that sooner or later the odds are you’ll receive a negative review at some point in your career.

As a book blogger and reviewer I know how important it is to be completely honest in your review. Readers need to be able to trust your recommendations and that means telling the good and the bad about the books you read.

Personally I will only post a review if I can say something good about the book. This doesn’t mean I won’t let people know what I didn’t like, it just means I try to make sure it’s not all negative. If I can’t think of anything nice to say about it I won’t post a review for it.

I think it’s important to remember, both as an author and a book blogger, that a review is that reader’s personal opinion. It doesn’t necessarily mean the book is bad. It just means that the book wasn’t right for them.

Kate @ Bitch Bookshelf www.bitchbookshelf.com

I have so many thoughts on this one. If I didn’t enjoy a book, I might still give it an “okay” review. There are so many factors that influence how I view a book. If it’s a bestseller and I thought it was garbage, I won’t hesitate to say so. However, I know the work it takes to publish an indie book, which might lead to little profit for the author, so I hate to rip them apart. Especially if someone asked me to review a book for them, I likely will share why I didn’t like it, but still rate it at three stars if I was able to finish it and make sure to hype up what I did enjoy about that book. I understand the struggle.

That being said, I rarely continue reading books I dislike. I usually do not finish (DNF) them. I’ve started to share DNF reviews on my blog, including what I disliked about the book. I’m only going to do this if I find a book to be problematic or somehow overrated. Finally, I rarely hate-read books, but if I do it’s a book that has already done well on the market, so I don’t mind tearing it to shreds in a review.

Eline @ Lovely Audiobooks

When I started book blogging, I didn’t know anything about self-publishing. I thought books were a product of huge publishing companies that many people were involved with, not one author’s baby. And that made it easy to write critical reviews.

Over time, I got to know more and more authors and learned about indie publishing. And while I am aware how important negative reviews are for book buyers (and support authors as well, I have bought many books specifically for the reasons that people criticized in their reviews), I have decided that I rather focus on book
recommendations on my blog.

That went hand-in-hand with me DNFing more. I now try to use my time only for books I enjoy and want to recommend to others. If a book doesn’t grab me right away, I put it away.

So many books, so little time!

Kaili @ www.owlbookworld.com

When I first started book blogging I think I was a lot easier when it came to reviewing books. I hated giving out bad reviews especially if it’s by an author that’s not really well known. Now I’m starting to realize that some books just really aren’t for everyone and even negative reviews can be a bit helpful. They are ways to help the author actually improve on their work. That is if they actually look at the reviews.

To kind of answer the question a little better I think negative reviews can at times be just as important as a positive review. For one having negative reviews shows that the author isn’t buying reviews so it looks like their book is really good. On top of that if the author pays attention to reviews then it could potentially help them get better!

Kelsey There’s Something About KM

While I obviously prefer writing positive reviews, I feel just fine writing negative reviews. I try to be as objective as possible in both types, so that my audience can really make up their own minds about whether or not the book would be for them. I think I’ve been able to stave off any potential pressure or hesitant feelings about negative reviews because I’m selective about which books I request to review, and don’t approve review requests from authors whose genres I’m not interested in (reading a genre I don’t necessarily enjoy is not a great way to start the process of reading for a review).

Vidya @ LadyInReadWrites

While I obviously prefer writing positive reviews, I feel just fine writing negative reviews. I try to be as objective as possible in both types, so that my audience can really make up their own minds about whether or not the book would be for them.

I think I’ve been able to stave off any potential pressure or hesitant feelings about negative reviews because I’m selective about which books I request to review, and don’t approve review requests from authors whose genres I’m not interested in (reading a genre I don’t necessarily enjoy is not a great way to start the process of reading for a review).

So, what do you think about negative reviews

Let us know in the comments below. Until next time remember

To walk without dreams is to walk blind

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Published on March 07, 2021 09:49

Online Writer’s Conference in development

[image error]“Now is a great time to write that novel you’ve always wanted to write”

In conjunction with other author’s Brandy Potter Books is organizing a Virtual Writer’s conference.

During the current COVID-19 crisis, many potential new authors will want to “write that book” you know the one they always meant to write. However many need to learn how. This group is being put together to start developing a Virtual Writer’s Conference to teach others the things we know. It can be something as simple as Antag vs. Protag; how to research non-fiction or something as complex as how to develop suspense in a mystery novel.

Come join us if you are interested!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlinewritersconference/

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Published on May 29, 2020 15:44

Free E-Book for a limited time!

Got Cabin fever? How about a good book?

[image error]I don’t know about you, but I am running out of reading material!

So in honor of COVID-19, Venomous lives is FREE from 4/17 – 4/21/20 .

Come and get your free copy here

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Published on April 17, 2020 06:00

Bookish Blog Hop summer hop: Favorite Book About Summer Romance

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Question: What is your favorite book about a summer romance?

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The only one that I can think of is The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks. I can honestly say it is the ONLY Sparks novel that I could get through. However, I find Ally and Noah to be great characters and the fact that their love grows and goes on from the doomed summer romances of real life is a great change.

So what do my fellow authors and bloggers have to say?

Lili Marus – https://lilisblissfulpages.wordpress.com/

[image error]I’ve read a few of summer romances but my favorite would be Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennet. It is a YA Romance novel that is overflowing with movie/film references because the MCs are huge movie nerds. I love it.

Renee Huggins http://reneesbookcase

[image error][image error]I’m with Lili, I loved Alex, Approximately. A close second for me would be My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. It’s another YA Romance with a friends-to-lovers theme, just like Alex, Approximately. However this one has a large family focus and I fell in love with all of the characters in the story

Becki Svare – www.abookloversadventures.com

[image error]One of my favorite summer romance books is Keeper of the Light by Diane Chamberlain. It is not your typical fluffy summer romance book (which I love!). This one is dark and disturbing. It’s set in the North Carolina Outer Banks and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Eline – https://lovelyaudiobooks.info

[image error]One of my favorite summer romances is Elements of Chemistry by Penny Reid. This is a college romance between a kind of shy nerd girl and the super popular alpha billionaire guy. And the whole thing is so awesome because Kaitlyn is strong-willed and doesn’t let the guy walk all over her. Instead she teaches him how to be a feminist. It also so happens that all of this is set on a beautiful tropical island.

Schedule

6/1/19: Which book do you wish you’d written?

H osted by: Jo Linsdell

6/2/19: Would you or do you choose a book solely on the cover?

Hosted by: Lovely Audiobooks

6/3/19: Do you review all of the books you read?

Hosted by: Ebook Addicts

6/4/19: What authors do you always read and recommend?

Hosted by: Views She Writes

6/5/19: How do you choose the next book to read?

Hosted by: Lovely Audiobooks

6/6/19: Do you read classics? If so, what is your favorite?

Hosted By: Writer’s Side of Life

6/7/19: Is there a specific genre you like to read during the Summer?

Hosted by: A Book Lover’s Adventure

6/8/19: How do you keep track of books you will be reviewing or reading?

Hosted by: Upstream Writer

6/9/19: What were some of the most memorable books you read as a child?

Hosted By: Sawdust & Spoons

6/10/19: What book are you currently reading?

Hosted by: Ebook Addicts

6/11/19: A book on your TBR you can’t wait to read this Summer

Hosted by: Views She Writes

6/12/19: A book cover with a great Summer feel to it

Hosted by: Lovely Audiobooks

6/13/19: Books set in places one wants to visit

Hosted By: A Book Lover’s Adventure

6/14/19 A book set in the Summer

Hosted by: Upstream Writer

6/15/19: Do you prefer stand alones or series?

Hosted By: Trails of Tales

6/16/19: Best quotes from a book?

Hosted by: Lovely Audiobooks

6/17/19: How does reading inspire your everyday life?

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

6/18/19: Worst film adaptation of a book

Hosted by: Views She Writes

6/19/19: Fave book of 2019 so far

Hosted by: Brandy Potter Books

6/20/19: Best examples of an author writing a character of the opposite sex

Hosted by: Views She Writes

6/21/19: A book about summer romance

Hosted by: Brandy Potter Books

6/22/19: A book set in a hot country

Hosted By: Writer’s Side of Life

6/23/19: Best film adaptation of a book

Hosted by: Ebook Addicts

6/24/19: Last book series you read

Hosted by: Upstream Writer

6/25/19: One POV or multiple?

Hosted By: Lili’s Blissful Pages

6/26/19: Auto-buy authors

Hosted By: Escape with Dollycas Into a Good Book

6/27/19: How do you feel about cliffhangers?

Hosted by: Ebook Addicts

6/28/19: What is your favorite genre to read?

H osted by: Jo Linsdell

6/29/19: Do you like it when books become movies?

Hosted by: Ebook Addicts

6/30/19: What book is next on your list to read?

Hosted by: Views She Writes

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Published on June 20, 2019 21:00

Brandy Potter Appearing in a Bookish Summer Blog Hop

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Today’s Question:
What is the best example of an author writing about the opposite sex??

Check out my June 20, 2019 appearance via: Views She Writes

Thank you #viewsshewrites for hosting!

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Published on June 20, 2019 20:10

Bookish Blog Hop summer hop: Favorite Book of 2019 so far

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Question: What is your favorite book of 2019 so far?

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My favorite is a re-read, but I actually have now purchased the book. It is The Supernaturals by David L. Goleman. I first listened to this book on Audible and was drawn in so far that I couldn’t listen in the car anymore because I almost got into two accidents. The characters are human with flaws and fears. There are those you love to hate, those you hate to love and those you just love. If you like The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, this will be a great read for you.

“Built at the turn of the twentieth century by one of the richest and most powerful men in the world tucked away in the pristine Pocono Mountains, Summer Place, a retreat for the rich and famous, seems the very essence of charm and beauty, “a scene borrowed from a wondrous fairytale of gingerbread houses, bright forests, and glowing, sunny meadows.”

But behind the yellow and white trimmed exterior lurks an evil, waiting to devour the unwary…

Seven years ago, Professor Gabriel Kennedy’s investigation into paranormal activity at Summer Place ended in tragedy, and destroyed his career. Now, Kelly Delaphoy, the ambitious producer of a top-rated ghost-hunting television series, is determined to make Summer Place the centerpiece of an epic live broadcast on Halloween night. To ensure success, she needs help from the one man who has come face-to-face with the evil that dwells in Summer Place, a man still haunted by the ghosts of his own failure. Disgraced and alienated from the academic community, Kennedy wants nothing to do with the event. But Summer Place has other plans…

As Summer Place grows stronger, Kennedy, along with the paranormal ghost hunting team, The Supernaturals, sets out to confront…and if possible, destroy…the evil presence dwelling there.”

So what do my fellow authors and bloggers have to say?

Jo Linsdell – www.jolinsdell.com

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I’m going to pick 3 for this answer as I devoured all three books in the Me Before You series this year. I loved them all, and couldn’t wait to find out would happen to Lousia Clark next. I loved the characters, and I loved how thought-provoking each book was. The whole series is definitely one that stays with you long after finishing the books.

Leslie Conzetti – http://www.upstreamwriter.blogspot.com

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Looking at the record on Goodreads of books I’ve read this year… it’s woefully short! But out of all the books I’ve read so far… I’m going to have to say that The Queen of Diamonds by Patricia Loofbourrow has been my favorite. I just love the world-building and the characters and the intrigue that’s going on with that series–it just doesn’t ever quit!

I will say that You Left Me No Choice by Kelly Blanchard will probably end up being among the favorites, if not the favorite of the year, when I finish it. (Though there are a few books on my TBR that I’m over the moon about!) It’s pretty good so far!

Eline – https://lovelyaudiobooks.info

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Haha, you know picking just one favorite book is basically impossible, right? The books that stood out for me in 2019 and that were released this year (at least as audiobooks) were Heartbreak Warfare, an extremely emotional love triangle Military Romance, and Salt Magic Skin Magic, a dark fairytale M/M Romance.

Valerie – http://www.catsluvcoffeez.blogspot.com

[image error]I’ve had a few five paw reads this year, but the one that I can’t wait to reread is House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig! It’s a dark fantasy retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses by The Brothers Grimm. It’s gothic and wonderful. I got it as an ARC read so it’s actually not out until August. I can’t wait to purchase it for my own bookshelf!

Becki Svare – www.abookloversadventures.com

[image error]One of the best books I’ve read this year is After the Green Withered by Kristin Ward. It is very different from what I normally read, maybe that’s one reason it stands out so much for me. It is a dystopian novel set in a world of severe drought. Water has become the currency and people’s paths are pretty much chosen for them based on where they live. Life revolves around saving water! But, all isn’t as it seems. And it’s that part that made this book so compelling! It is thought-provoking, disturbing and highly creative!