Gentle reader, let us take a moment and talk about reviews. Reviews can be a wonderful help to books that might otherwise be overlooked because they aren't on the best-sellers list, and speaking as both a writer and a reader, I am grateful when someone takes the time to share their thoughts about a book. And if it is my book you are enthused about, I throw roses at your feet for the kindness. I know it takes time and effort so XOXO to you for doing it.

What I am less happy about is the review that dwells on things beyond an author's control. Many people don't know that in books from traditional publishers, the author usually has no say in art work, titles, or if a copy editor decided to insert a semi-colon and the word 'Excalibur' in every other sentence. And once printed, even if the publisher were inclined to change any of the above to please readers, they cannot because of the expense. Margins are thin, bottom lines are often red. So before jumping online and lambasting the book or author, ask yourself if they really deserve your ire, especially if the review suggests that semi-colons are as bad as cannibalism or nuclear war and the author is an evil as Adolf Hitler because they have a brown horse on the cover. Those bad reviews cause a lot of grief for anyone who isn't Nora Roberts or James Patterson. And remember that the book is not the person. Hate the sin but love the sinner, at least as much as possible.

Also beyond the author's control are technical problems with websites like Amazon or B&N. In e or print, an author cannot force a business to keep their servers running, to list the books immediately (even if the book is already on Smashwords so why not B&n damn it!), to download samples promptly or regulate after-Christmas traffic when everyone wants to use their gift-certificates at once. We cannot force Holywood to make books into movies. And to blame the author for this is unreasonable. Point the angry finger at customer service, not at a book or author. Blaming the author or the book for outside difficulties would be like someone driving past where you work and coming in and demanding you have your pay cut or be fired because they don't like the color of the building you're in and then dumping your desk on the floor so you have to spend time cleaning up someone else's mess. Bad reviews because a book isn't available in large print, or has a bad cover, or isn't available in foreign languages doesn't do anything but hurt the author. And seriously, if you want large print or a book in German, write to the publisher. They actually like to know that there is interest in things like this.

And please read the book before you review it. As much as I love a five star review it takes some of the joy out of the experience when the review says 'I give it five stars because I am sure it will be really good because it's sounds just like Twilight'. Though that is better that 'I give it one star because I'm sure it will be very bad and not at all like Twilight'.

Lastly, sign your name. Have the courage of your convictions. If a book is really the 'worst book of all time' then you are doing a public service by warning people and don't hide behind 'anonymous'.

Not that my readers would ever do this. The people who have read and reviewed my books are intelligent and fair-minded and generous with their time. They are real people with real problems and real lives who would like to live in a just world. Just like authors.

BTW, please write if you are inclined. It is a pleasure to hear from readers and I really do read all my email.