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November 20, 2006
Giving thanks
for readers, LC, and chocolate cranberry cheesecake
This just in: the Chicago Tribune calls Nearlyweds “exceptionally entertaining…Sharp writing, sharply nuanced characters and a sharp sense of humor all come together superbly…”
Reviews like that make an author feel good. Giddy and aglow. But mostly, relieved. Relieved that the review doesn’t read like this one (taken verbatim from an Amazon reader weighing in on My Favorite Mistake):
“[the hero] ACTS TOO MUCH LIKE A WOMAN…I do recommed this book if your bored, snowed-in, or a close friend of Ms. Kendrick. Otherwise, pass.”
Reviews like that make an author feel kind of like this:
I particularly like the look of defiance in Roxie’s eyes: “What’s all the yelling for? So I didn’t like the book. I’m entitled to my opinion. Back off.” And you know what? My darling dog has a point. We are all entitled to our own opinions about books. Some readers will adore your book, others will throw it against the wall, and as an author, you just have to stop trying to please everyone and get over it. (You also have to resist the impulse to consume an entire chocolate cranberry cheesecake in despair. But one or two pieces are permissible, even encouraged. As is primal scream therapy.)
Anyway, this Thanksgiving, I have to take a minute to say thanks to all of you here on the LC blog. I truly appreciate the fact that you stop by to spend a few minutes of your day with us. Writers are pointless without readers and, even if you hate my books, I am thankful that you took a chance and gave them a try.
I’m thankful for those of you who dare to comment on the blog and let your voice be heard in our little cyber-community. And I’m so, so thankful for those of you who have emailed me to let me know that you enjoyed a book, that it made you laugh or your day a little bit brighter. As for my fellow LC authors...I couldn't ask for a funnier, sweeter, and klassier (Lani, that was for you!) group of girls. God bless us, every one. XOXO.
Oh, and if you happen to be bored and/or snowed in over Thanksgiving weekend, I have just the book for you.
Posted by Beth at 10:43 PM | Comments (7)
Comments
great review, Beth! really sharp! :) At least Roxie eats disposable items. Peanut ate the edge of my area rug. Also part of the corner of a wooden step. sigh
Posted by: Alesia Holliday ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.literarychicks.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 21, 2006 8:53 AM
Personally, I loved the book. Can't wait to read the new one. Great review!
Posted by: heidi at November 21, 2006 9:29 AM
And we're thankful for you, Beth!
LC Eileen
Posted by: Eileen at November 21, 2006 10:29 AM
Am I allowed to post a link to a review of "Nearlyweds"? Well, here's to hoping...
http://deeceeonbooks.blogspot.com/2006/11/nearlyweds-beth-kendrick.html
Beth, I totally loved it. You know that already, but it bears repeating. Your books are great, and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading them. You're right, not everyone will like them. But still, it pisses me off that people are so rude. It also scares the crap out of me, since I'm writing my own.
Now I'm just sitting here waiting for one of those big bookstores to call me and tell me that Whitney's "Testing Kate" is in. Then I'd be really happy.
Posted by: dee at November 21, 2006 12:00 PM
Well, I, for one, am grateful to be a part of the LC community! I've discovered new books and favorite authors here, not to mention wonderful women I'd like to sit around drinking and talking about books with. It feels like "home".
I'm also amazed at how much Roxie looks like my dog, Boomer. Who is a totally unknown mixture of things and who has also been known to eat a book from time to time (such as the first book my son checked out from his school library in kindergarten, which was hugely embarassing to me, a LIBRARIAN, to have to admit to the school librarian.)(I'm still recovering from the shame, three years later.)
Posted by: Dia at November 21, 2006 3:58 PM
Dia--
Roxie is a mystery mix, too. (Our trainer and vet both guess Rhodesian Ridgeback and possibly some chow and/or shar pei.) She's usually sweet and pliable as can be...except when it comes to books!
I caught her nosing around "Harry Potter" this morning, and there ensued a stern lecture. I don't think I got through to her, though.
Posted by: Beth at November 21, 2006 4:48 PM
Damn you, Beth! You kept me up half the night. I was just going to read a chapter of NEARLYWEDS and then go happily to sleep. Instead, two hours later, Cowboy had to pry it from my hands and turn the light out with a stern lecture on getting enough sleep. What a great book!
LC Eileen
Posted by: Eileen at November 22, 2006 10:37 AM
