A Missed Friend

Several years ago, like 10, I didn't know anybody with cancer. I had friends who had friends or family, but no one I directly knew. Until a few years back and BAM, death from the C-word surrounded me. It felt like every year, someone was sick.

And this is more true now. And again, someone I know has lost their hard fought battle. Today, I'd like to share a few words about my friend Holly Gilliatt.

A few years back, TMP signed a new Women's Fiction author from St. Louis. Of course, when I learned where she was from, I introduced myself. I mean, their wasn't another author from our company anywhere near me. Now, we didn't have sleepovers and braid each other's hair. No, we set out and did authory stuff.

Like book signings.

Holly invited me to do a TV taping for a local information channel to promote 2 signings we agreed to do together. The interview was the first time we'd met and I we hit it off, easily falling into discussions about books, writing and what we thought worked. And let's not forget the joys of motherhood and how we loved our oops kid!

Our first signing, at a local independent bookstore was successful. And I was so thrilled that she asked me. Gosh, I look back at this photo and at the time, Holly only had the one book. Now, she has 3 to her name.

The next signing was at a B&N, as a charity even for my childrens' school. We didn't sell as much, but we had a great time and we included three additional authors. Holly and I learned that we had a knack for planning multi-author events.

In April of 2014, Holly and I worked together again, creating another multi-author event in coordination with World Book Night. There we were, hobnobbing with local celebs and we had the best time.

Little did I know that would be the last time I'd see Holly.

She lost her fight with pancreatic cancer. A hard fight and I couldn't be more humbled or in aww of her. I'm thankful she was my friend. I'm proud I could call her a fellow author.

But I'm equally, if not more, saddened that the world lost a great woman. A loving mom. A woman who was crazy about her husband.

A friend.

Thank you, Holly, for allowing me into your world and I take peace knowing that you are not in pain any longer. You don't have to be strong. You are free to watch over us, make fun of us, and keep us safe. And enjoy all the chocolate you want!

Book Reviews: Subjection Lesson 2

One of my most least favorite words is reviews. In particular, book reviews! Oy! And I handle the review submissions for TMP and my reasoning isn't because I hate my job. I love it.

The reason for my disdain is because no matter what, book reviews are subjective. Plain and simple. Have you ever read the disclaimer about fair or impartial reviews. Great! I honestly believe that the reviewer follows this rule but their taste does not always match mine. And while they might love one aspect but they could hate another and I may feel the opposite.

If you are a new writer or have a book out or about to, please, please, please, remember that book reviews are subjective. The review is entitled to their opinion when it concerns your work. Never engage them. Some industry folks, including reviewers, say stay away. The review isn't for the author, its for the readers.

And the sad thing is many book sales or rankings are dependent on book reviews. But who actually pays attention to them. Do you make all your reading decisions based on reviews? Do you read them for every details or do you pay attention the over star rating? What sites do you refer to build up your TBR list?

Personally, I don't base my reading choices on reviews. I might scan the star rating and I occassionally will read one but I go on word-of-mouth or stick with my favorite authors. Heck, I've been known to do just a genre search and pick out a new author.

I read a wonderful blog post by Katie McGarry where she discusses reviews and the recent incident involving an author who stalked and contacted the reviewer. If you get a chance, click on the link and read her post. It is fantastic. Truthful. Honest.

And I completely agree.

Do you have a review story? As an author, did you thank the reviewer or stay away?