On social media, writers lament bad reviews of their books. Some are upset by a family member who doesn’t like their book. Others are bothered by a beta reader suggesting too many changes. There are things that “hurt authors’ feelings.” I wrote a blog that stresses the need for authors to listen to criticism.
These problems are not what bothers me. I can stand it when a beta reader suggests I reorder the last five chapters of a work in progress. When my wife says she doesn’t like a scene, I try to improve it. I pride myself on being a big boy.
This image on the right hurt my innermost cosmic feelings. Someone started to read Members of the Cast and quit early. I am constantly ranting about solid openings. I say to myself, “It’s a good book.” And lo and behold, someone read 34 pages and lost interest. This came as a rude shock.
I am sure there are many explanations for this heinous act that don’t involve not liking the book. Perhaps this person donates their time reading to the deaf at the convalescent hospital. Maybe they serve by doing toenail extensions for dogs. It could be an enterprising person struggling to get their cutting-edge business off the ground—installing gas tanks for electric cars.
Kindle books don’t have regular pages, but flipping pages with my Kindle app took me to the chapter titled The Most Beautiful Boy. However, 34 pages will not get the reader to the entrance of this boy. I can’t imagine stopping before the line, “The most beautiful boy Margo had ever seen pulled open both doors and…” That’s like watching a car teetering on the edge of a cliff and switching channels.
Or, the book isn’t for everyone…
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