Thanks for the supportive reply. Actually, I haven't been buried by the landslide of hate mail I was dreading. But I have been known to say things in a rather abrupt manner and those comments, while true, have been sometimes unkind in delivery. When I've written reviews to authors, I have been direct; when I have written reviews for other readers, I have been much more detailed about why I had my personal opinion.

I love the critical responses to my work, for those are the ones that show what I need to consider when writing for that particular taste in the future. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve as a writer so I feel good about any responses. And you're right: if a review isn't honest it's completely useless for everyone concerned.

Yet, I have looked at the most popular writers and I have written reviews critical of [nevermind!] being honest and open about my feelings. I still believe my criticism stands but I also don't wish to start a pissing match where honesty will be the first casualty.

Faibhar, your response helped me look at the thing I meant to do all along and see it for the proper thing to do and say. I just hope I grow the breasts to continue to do so. (Since I'm male, I've already grown the balls. Ah, those pesky pronouns....)


Originally posted by Faibhar
La Jan writes of some trepidation in posting Reviews of authors with writing styles she finds fault with. Any writer with
any sense of security may not like or approve of criticism of his/her posted work but surely will be pleased that someone cared enough to respond in written form.
Besides, what's the point of writing Reviews if you cannot be totally honest? Such honesty is appreciated by all.
Keeping mind for Reviewers and writers alike that what one writes is not going to float the boat of everybody else is also important to remember.