I truly appreciate the passion many readers have for Inflamed - the title is very aptly named, I think.
However (and I never planned to do this and don't really ever plan to address something like this again in the future, but it's kind of getting to me personally and affecting my daily writing process for the next book), I don't think I expected some of the more vitriolic messages I've received as a result of this book either.
Now, I expected opposition to the story/characters/writing/setting/swearing before I was even halfway done with the book, so that's not what this is about. People are entitled to feel how they choose and once a book leaves my hands and is in yours, it's no longer something I "own". Truth be told, I really appreciate hearing all sides because it helps me to grow as an author, and this is where reader feedback comes in. But I think that a line of respect on both ends sort of needs to be drawn as well.
I stay away from review sites because I feel those are spaces for readers and not necessarily for authors as the last thing someone wants is to have another person looking over their shoulder as they type out their thoughts. But again, I feel that open communication is necessary and that dialog is a good thing to have with your audience. That said, when things like my sanity or humanity and even my womanhood are being questioned, things start to take a turn in the wrong direction. All I ask is that you understand I'm still a person. Words affect people deeply and I think that can be forgotten sometimes. How one feels about my writing is something that I can truly appreciate, good or bad. People took a chance on this book as much as I took a chance in writing it and really, that's all that matters. But as a person, it stings when someone sends you pictures of straight jackets or says that you must be mentally ill for writing a book like this. As I said, I think a sort of line needs to be drawn.
I love and appreciate all of my readers whether you loved the book or not. But, maybe if you didn't like it as much, it's best to vent to your friends about it instead of me.
Thank you. :-)
However (and I never planned to do this and don't really ever plan to address something like this again in the future, but it's kind of getting to me personally and affecting my daily writing process for the next book), I don't think I expected some of the more vitriolic messages I've received as a result of this book either.
Now, I expected opposition to the story/characters/writing/setting/swearing before I was even halfway done with the book, so that's not what this is about. People are entitled to feel how they choose and once a book leaves my hands and is in yours, it's no longer something I "own". Truth be told, I really appreciate hearing all sides because it helps me to grow as an author, and this is where reader feedback comes in. But I think that a line of respect on both ends sort of needs to be drawn as well.
I stay away from review sites because I feel those are spaces for readers and not necessarily for authors as the last thing someone wants is to have another person looking over their shoulder as they type out their thoughts. But again, I feel that open communication is necessary and that dialog is a good thing to have with your audience. That said, when things like my sanity or humanity and even my womanhood are being questioned, things start to take a turn in the wrong direction. All I ask is that you understand I'm still a person. Words affect people deeply and I think that can be forgotten sometimes. How one feels about my writing is something that I can truly appreciate, good or bad. People took a chance on this book as much as I took a chance in writing it and really, that's all that matters. But as a person, it stings when someone sends you pictures of straight jackets or says that you must be mentally ill for writing a book like this. As I said, I think a sort of line needs to be drawn.
I love and appreciate all of my readers whether you loved the book or not. But, maybe if you didn't like it as much, it's best to vent to your friends about it instead of me.
Thank you. :-)
Inflamed had me completely overtaken. It's a very long book that I read in a day and a half because I was instantly drawn in and addicted! River and Mia were so hot and had such a deep connection. I really hope this series continues. Especially with Blue and Styx.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Natashia! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the book and that you managed to read it so quickly, LOL! I'm planning for Blue's book next and that will come out later this summer. Following that will be Styx's story, which may come out by the end of the year or early next year. I'm not sure yet, but I'll definitely keep you posted on the status of both! :-)
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