Why I don’t mind critique

I find it very useful. I have had two two star reviews recently and both reviews were long and clear—there were some things they liked and they were clear about what they didn’t like with Muffled Drum and why. They criticised the book—and some aspects of the book, not the whole thing—not me, which is how it should be!

Yes, it stings when I get a two star—or less—but when I get feedback like that it’s pretty invaluable. Particularly when you find repeated themes being mentioned such as rushed endings, pat endings and the like. I can take that on board (after sobbing, only joking) and hopefully make the next book a little bit better.

I don’t understand when authors blow a gasket when they get a lower grade such as two or three stars. Surely they must realise that not everyone is going to love their work? What appeals to many of my readers, editors and publishers, my rather weighty prose for example—is the very thing that some people don’t like—so you can’t take that kind of thing personally. It’s like a classical violinist not liking rap, it’s just not their thing.

So don’t melt into a puddle (for too long, anyway) when you get under 3 stars. It can be very helpful.