I’ve been doing a whole lot of reading lately. Which is good. It’s part of the writing cycle, the other side of the coin. I’ve been soaking up words and stories and fan fictions and really reading some great stuff.

And, honestly, some not so great stuff.

I’m a fairly picky reader. I don’t mind setting a book aside if it is not working for me. I’ve got a busy life and every moment I have to read or write is precious. If I’m not into a book, I’m moving on to something else.

Which is why I’ve decided not to review anymore advanced reader copies (ARC’s). I get quite a few requests. If I like the book, I get my review up right away, but if I don’t… shit, I just hate giving bad reviews. And NOT leaving a review is even worse. So I’m not going to do them anymore and this is why:

I don’t want to leave negative reviews, or anything less than 3 stars.

Because I know how much negative reviews hurt. I’ve tried to build up thick skin and of course everyone is entitled to their opinion, but while sometimes there is constructive criticism, sometimes the reviews are simply “I didn’t like it. One star.” And that brings someone’s overall rating down and … I don’t know. I just don’t feel the need to do that to someone. If I don’t like something, I’m going to move on. I just want to put out positive vibes.

So, no more ARC’s for me.

End of dispatch.