I’ll admit it, I stalk all my review sites. I can’t resist reading what readers are saying about my books. I do searches of my books every once in a while to read kind bloggers who discuss my books. Of course I fly high with favorable reviews and try to absorb any criticism as best as I can. I get such a thrill when I see that I have a new review and hold my breath as I read it. I especially like seeing which lines from my books get highlighted on Amazon. I have to say I enjoy this part of being a writer more than my sales reports. I didn’t write to make money, I wrote because I was inspired and it’s amazing to me when others have enjoyed the little world I created in my head. I don’t know if traditionally published authors follow their feedback as closely as indie authors do, but I would guess that reviews and ratings mean more to indies always in search of validation and reassurance.
There are so many things you can say to a writer that can bring tears to their eyes and make them feel like it’s all been worth while. Yet the one that fills me with so much pride is the compliment that they would read anything I write in the future.
That says to me that they didn’t just enjoy the characters, the plot, or the subject, but that they enjoyed my storytelling and style. This gives me so much confidence since sometimes I worry that I might not create such loveable characters in the next novel after my series or the subject just captivated people and if I switch to a different genre they won’t follow me. The one thing that will most likely remain constant is my storytelling style and, if they said they enjoyed that, then chances are they’ll enjoy the next book.
Thank you to those readers who have said that. It fills me with so much reassurance that I’m doing what I should be doing.
If you’re an author, what compliments have meant the most to you? If you’re a reader, what’s the best compliment that you’ve ever left a writer?
laurenwaters 
I think the very best thing a reader ever told me was when somebody told me that they had read my hockey-vampire novella SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME while sitting over a cup of a coffee and a donut in a Tim Hortons Donut Shop. I mean, how Canadian is that. I stood up at my desk and hummed Oh Canada, while dreaming dark high-caloric chocolate-cream-filled thoughts.
What a connection. That’s wonderful.
The person who read the first piece I ever wrote 30 years ago, recently commented on a short-short I posted on my blog. His recent comment was, “Looks like you are getting pretty good!” I can not tell you how much that meant to me.
That is a great compliment! I can’t imagine what he said 30 years ago. Sometimes it’s those people who give you a hard time whose compliments mean the most because you know that they really mean it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Let’s just say it was not pleasant.
Hi, Lauren,
The best compliment for me is when a reader gets wrapped up in the life of the character and identifies with them. It’s also wonderful when they say they’ll read another book.
Isn’t it amazing that people can get wrapped up in a character that you created as if they’re a real person? It really means you did everything right.
Speaking of reviews, thanks for that brilliant review you gave me today.
It was my pleasure, JD! It’s amazing how well you portrayed the women in your novels. Great job!
Ah, isn’t it fun to track reviews and see people talking about your book on their blogs? 🙂 It’s always awesome when readers say they are excited to read more books by you. Also, thank you much for the review you gave me for “The Red Coat and the Redhead.”
I LOVE anything involving the American revolution. I don’t come across too many historical shorts (historicals tend to be on the long-winded side) but it was so refreshing and you did a great job with the atmosphere in those few pages.
I am so glad that you felt that way about my short story. 🙂 Means a lot!
What a wonderful complement. I think I’d pass out and then wake up crying. 🙂
[…] Indie Life Wednesday—The Best Thing You Can Say To an Author | laurenwaters […]
I read all my reviews too, I just can’t help it! The nice reviews make it all worth it.
You’re stories definitely deserve praise! I was so lucky to come across you on Bookbub. The Infinite series has even given me a newfound yearning to read more native American themed stories because that was one of my favorite “lives”. I can’t wait for your next book! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your talent!
Thank you so much, Connie! To be honest, the Native American life was probably my favorite to write 🙂 I love that the Native American life has sparked an interest to read more Native American literature!
A reader told me that it reminded her of one of her favorite Native American novels and I wrote the title down somewhere but I can’t seem to locate for you right now 😦 (I will make sure I update this so you can read it since it sounded wonderful.)
I just had a little baby boy two weeks ago so I haven’t been able to write much (let alone sleep!), but all my creative energy is getting all backed up and I can’t wait to get back to Infinite Faith again!
Thanks again for letting me know how much you’ve enjoyed the series so far!
I just wanted to say that I LOVE your series! I have read up to Infinite Loss (haven’t quite finished yet) and you have made me laugh, cry, talk out loud to the book lol, and I can’t wait to get home to read more. I was reading a particular part in this book I don’t want to say which, and balling my eyes out when I thought “I have to tell her how much these books have touched me”. It was an overwhelming urge and I ma so glad I found your page because I could not find an “email me” link on your site. Anyway, THANK YOU for what you do. You are truly an amazing and gifted author
As a writer I know how you feel. I sometimes have a stalkerish approach as well. I’ve googled my name numerous times. I’m glad that I decided to join this blog tour. My post was about my take on self publishing as a indie author. But, to answer your question the other day an award winning screenwriter said that I was a great writer. Boy, did I need that boost. I thought I was getting soft, lol.
Good for you going Indie! It’s a lot of work but very rewarding. Best of luck to you and thanks so much for stopping by!
No problem!