Everyone says to stay away from Goodreads.
"It's full of trolls.", "I never read my reviews.", "Reviews are for the reader."

DON'T READ YOUR REVIEWS!!

This is what I'm told often. But as a writer, how do I know I'm doing what I aimed to do without reading what people think of the story?

I never set out to write a book that would be life-altering or soul deep. I wanted to write a story about a kick ass girl into cars. Girls can be strong in a male dominated hobby, so I suppose that's an important aspect of Labeled.

The 1-Star reviews hurt, of course they do. You want people to love your story that you poured so much of your time into. I allow myself a few seconds to feel sad and move on. Labeled just wasn't for them.

What DOES hurt, is other authors putting down your story, rating it a 1-star when they know more than anyone how much goes into writing a book. We are all entitled to our opinions but personally, I refrain. I can not and will not score anything less than 3 stars under my author account.

I'm such a little fish in a big sea, that I DO read my reviews. If my story can make someone smile, get out of their headspace for a little while, entertain them, make them laugh...I hit my mark. THAT is what I aimed for!

Just because you didn't like something, doesn't mean others can't. Remember when you're leaving a review; chances are the author will see it. Be kind.