I know some authors dwell on their reviews, soaring to great heights with the raves, and plummeting into despair over the harsh vivisection of others.

I generally try to use them as a collective gauge. I know not everyone is going to love my books. I respect feedback, based on personal preferences and tastes. A handful of readers made note that they didn’t like the dark turn that Kirrin’s story took. Not much I can do about that, and I found it amusing. Not because they were wrong. Kirrin’s entire life began as an assassin. His books, On Borrowed Luck- were literally written around the question: How did Kirrin become an assassin? I’m not sure how there is any way those stories could be anything BUT dark:)

Overall, though, as an editor-author (ie looking for what needs addressing), I look at things collectively. If I see a lot of reviews all sharing the same complaint, and they are legitimate– I will definitely pay attention to that.

There was one, though, that I really found amusing. It was a one-star review. I don’t think I have more than one or two of those. But- the review goes on to say how they didn’t like the book. And they go on the qualify it with: they don’t like science fiction and fantasy and don’t usually read it. So- they read a book in a genre they don’t like.. But then chose to express their dislike of the book. So- whyyyyy did they pick it up to begin with? And why didn’t they read it? Did they not know by the cover and description that the book was fantasy? Huh.. just cracked me up…:)