So there is this new thing going around where readers are giving authors 1-star reviews, and authors are calling people's houses. It's gotten so bad that Goodreads has started deleting and disclaiming, going so far as to remind authors 'don't respond to reviews.'

Because I'm writing this, I am sure I might end up with some 1-star reviews for the hell of it. Although I want to stand beside my fellow-authors in this, I can't. Listen, people say nasty things, nasty awful things, but here's the problem, on the internet, an author can make a poor (lasting) impression nearly each and every single day.

A reader throwing their weight around might have little to no consequence, an author doing it is pretty much the beginning of the end. Now that authors have to also market and promote, it's of course easy to get carried away.

Here are some facts:
1. writing a book is a big endeavor, it can take anything from months to years
2. making a book is rather costly, both in time and money
3. writing, publishing (traditional or self) is DIFFICULT, laboring work
4. this all means nothing to a reader who will devour your months, years, decades of hard work in a matter of days (or hours), and move on to the next. Some might belch out a praise or two as they walk on by, some might take a shit, either way, that's the way it goes.

Simply put, a reader cannot appreciate what goes into a book, and you shouldn't ask them to. Even if a book is personal to you, that's not their problem. Many readers will still decide for themselves if they want to read your books, many won't, but again, that is how it goes.

Do we want poor reviews, hell no, do we want to be treated with respect, hell yes. Is it going to happen? Probably not.

But 'attacking' people who hate your work, calling them 'bullies' is insane, and don't get me wrong, people have made lists called 'author should be raped in jail.' Firstly, WOW. Secondly, these people don't care how you feel and going ape shit on them isn't going to make the situation better.

When you send a book out there, you are entering into a relationship with the reading world. You'll have your ups and your downs. When it's good, it's good, and when it's bad, it's bad. But no one is immune to the sudden mood swings because let's face it, you've just entered into a relationship with a fickle bitch, and you knew she was a fickle bitch from the start.

Enjoy it when she puts out, but when she tells you to go fuck yourself, well, just suck it up and walk it off. There's no hand holding in this world, not for anyone, for any artist, EVER. Consider it a rite of passage and when the time comes, shrug your shoulders and keep going.