When we send our own pieces of writing into the world, be they in book form or blog or a poem written on a sheet of notebook paper, we always believe they’re worth something. In fact, we don’t just think they’re worth something. They’re our babies, and most of the time, we think they’re pretty. Unfortunately, no matter how beautiful that “baby” is, someone is going to think it looks funny. Therefore, I’m proud to present to you the Top Ten Ways to Deal With a Bad Review: 

1. Sit on your hands. Repeat after me: “Never will I ever engage a reviewer, even if I think he or she is wrong.” He didn’t understand the story. She must not have read the whole book. Who does he think he is? Stephen King? While all of these may be valid responses in your mind, they won’t be to the person who wrote the review and will only make you look sour. The person writing the review has nothing to lose. You do. Keep your cool. There will be those who love your book, and then, there will be those who don’t. You can’t win ‘em all.

2. Use your phone a friend. When you have those urges to spew venom back at the reviewer and tell them exactly what kind of cross between a donkey and a baboon he must be to not understand the subtle brilliance and intricacies of your book, call and vent to a friend instead. You’ll get it out, plus, it won’t be in writing to come back to haunt you.

3. Re-read the positive. Remember that first good review you got, or that time your mom read your first draft and assured you it was perfect, you shouldn’t change a word? Now’s the time to pull that reinforcement to the forefront of your screen. Remind yourself that for every naysayer, there’s someone who subjectively likes your work.

4. Look up your role models. Quick! Head to your favorite author’s Amazon page! Now, scroll down to the reviews. I guarantee there is at least one one or two star rating. Click on it. Read it. See? Even the biggest, most awesome authors get bad reviews. It’s part of the game, so you’ve earned your stripes.

5. Say a bad word. You know you thought it…it’s better to go ahead and let it rip in the privacy of your own home. Now, don’t you feel better?

6. Write your own bad review of some book you didn’t like. Then, promptly delete it, because dang it, you’re not a jerk like that guy who left you one!

7. Now, write your own good review of the latest book you read and liked. Post it. Because dang it, karma will come around.

8. Have some chocolate or a glass of wine. Hey, you deserve a reward for being such a caring son of gun and leaving that positive review.

9. Laugh. You, your readers, your friends, and your dog all know that it was hilarious how the gal who left her evil mark on your masterpiece misspelled the word “alliteration,” and that she called your character Biscuit instead of Bruno. Take a moment to chuckle at the review. I promise it’ll help it to slide right off your back.

10. Most importantly, take note of anything the ridiculous, horribly-thought out, mean, short-sighted review might’ve actually gotten right. Hey, even wicked people can stumble on a good point now and then. Put it down in your mental notebook so that next time, he or she won’t have it to comment on. Then, go ahead and write something else and stop thinking about it. You’ve given it ten steps…in this case, you’ve admitted you have a problem, so twelve steps would be too many.

How do you deal with negative feedback?

ABOUT CHAIN OF COMMAND: 

The road to the Oval Office is paved in blood…

The simultaneous assassinations of the President and Vice President catapults the Speaker of the House into the White House as the first female President of the United States. Evidence points to a former Navy SEAL as one of the assassins.

Relegated to writing sidebar stories instead of headlines, journalist McKenzie McClendon composes a scathing story about the Navy training killers.

Former Navy SEAL Noah Hutchins doesn’t believe his partner could have committed the heinous crime. They’d endured the horrors of Afghanistan together. His buddy was a hero, not a murderer.

No one who knows the truth is safe…

Thrown together in a search for the truth–and a career-making story–McKenzie and Noah must unravel a dangerous web of lies that includes a radical foreign faction, a violent ultra-feminist group, and corrupt politicians willing to kill to keep their secrets.

And an assassin who is still on the loose.

His next targets are already in his crosshairs…

Chain of Command is now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, iBooks, Kobo, other major e-readers, directly from the publisher at StairwayPress.com (free shipping), or in select independent bookstores.

Watch the official book trailer for Chain of Command here: http://tinyurl.com/auye6bb.

You can learn more about Colby and her books at www.colbymarshall.com

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About Colby Marshall

Writer by day, ballroom dancer and choreographer by night, Colby has a tendency to turn every hobby she has into a job, thus ensuring that she is a perpetual workaholic. In addition to her 9,502 regular jobs, she is also a contributing columnist for M Food and Culture magazine and is a proud member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. She is actively involved in local theatres as a choreographer as well as sometimes indulges her prima donna side by taking the stage as an actress. She lives in Georgia with her family, two mutts, and an array of cats that, if she were a bit older, would qualify her immediately for crazy cat lady status. Her debut thriller, Chain of Command is about a reporter who discovers the simultaneous assassinations of the President and Vice President may have been a plot to rocket the very first woman—the Speaker of the House—into the presidency. Chain of Command is now available, and the second book in her McKenzie McClendon series, The Trade, is due for publication by Stairway Press in June 2013.

May 17 Guest Blog: Legend of Sigurd,  Paranormal Romance Fans for Life

May 17 Guest Blog: Meet the Drift Lords,  Preternatura

Also, if you’ve missed my earlier visits this week, go here:

May 13 Author Interview Fang-tastic Books

May 14 Book Review Musings & Ramblings

May 15 Spotlight Eclipse Reviews

May 16 Spotlight & Book Review Faerie Tale Books

And COMING NEXT:

May 20 Spotlight Brianna Lee Book Reviews

May 20 Book Review Eclipse Reviews

May 21: Guest Blogger on my site, thriller author Colby Marshall

Join me on my virtual blog tour and have some fun! Tweets and Shares would be appreciated.

Grand Prize Drawing from all blog tour commenters for a $25 Amazon or BN gift card and multiple giveaways of Keeper of the Rings!

Please leave a comment at each stop! I’ve worked hard on these interviews and promise you’ll learn something new at each one.

May 6 Spotlight and Book Review
Jessica Loves Books
http://www.jessicalovesbooks.com

May 7 Author Interview
Pembroke Sinclair
pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com

May 8 Spotlight
2 Bibliophilies Guide to Seriously Awesome Books
http://2bibliophiles.blogspot.com/

May 9 Author Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com

May 10  Author Interview
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com

May 13  Author Interview
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

May 14  Book Review
Musings & Ramblings
http://judy-ree.blogspot.com/

May 15 Spotlight
Eclipse reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

May 16 Guest Blog: Meet the Drift Lords
Paranormal Romance Fans for Life
http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

May 16 Spotlight
Faerie Tale Books
www.faerietalebooks.org

May 17 Guest Blog: Legend of Sigurd
Preternatura
suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com

May 20 Spotlight
Brianna Lee Book Reviews
http://www.briannaleereviews.blogspot.com

May 20 Book Review
Eclipse reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

At the Chinese marketplace called Lotus House, I couldn’t resist the Spring Pancake with Grilled Chicken and Green Apples. It was a generous portion and very tasty! And next at Germany, I had to try the potato pancake. I’m already getting full.

I passed by a few of the booths, while my husband got a noodle dish that reminded me of worms like a Klingon might eat, and then he tried the smoked beef brisket at the American pavilion. We detoured at France to see the newly remodeled pastry shop then zipped past the UK and Canada. I had to get the pineapple soft serve ice cream at the Dole booth. We just couldn’t sample everything we might have liked.

Another day we took a brisk stroll around Downtown Disney to see what’s new. Pleasure Island is scheduled for renovation but nothing has been done yet. It’s always pleasant to walk through this area and people watch.

My main purpose in visiting Orlando this time wasn’t to sightsee, however. I attended the Florida Library Association convention where I spoke along with authors Sandra Balzo, Patrick Kendrick, Ron Farrington Sharp, and Elaine Viets. MWA sponsored the breakfast, where we introduced ourselves and answered questions about our publishing careers.

Later in the morning, we spoke on a panel about New Possibilities in Publishing, discussing how the digital revolution has affected each of us on a personal basis. Now we have more choices than ever before in terms of sales and distribution of our work. Members of the audience asked pertinent questions during the Q&A Session.

And now instead of touring by car, I am touring via the Web. Follow my blog tour and catch up on what you’ve missed so far. I’ve discussed Dreams at Terry’s Place http://bit.ly/10peaal and been interviewed at Love in a Book at http://loveinabook.com/?p=1182. You’ll learn something new about me at each tour stop that features a blog or interview. Find the full schedule here: http://nancyjcohen.com/appearances/

April 30 Guest Blog: Brain Games
Terry’s Place
http://terryodell.com/terrysplace/?p=2770

May 2 Interview
Love in a Book
http://www.loveinabook.com
Commenter Drawing: Ebook copy of Circle of Light

May 6-20, Bewitching Book Tours
Commenter Drawings: Ebook copy of Keeper of the Rings

May 6 Spotlight and Review
Jessica Loves Books
http://www.jessicalovesbooks.com

May 7 Interview
Pembroke Sinclair
pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com

May 8 Spotlight
2 Bibliophilies Guide to Seriously Awesome Books
http://2bibliophiles.blogspot.com/

May 9 Interview
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com

May 10 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm
www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com

May 13 Interview
Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

May 14 Review
Musings & Ramblings
http://judy-ree.blogspot.com/

May 15 Spotlight
Eclipse reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

May 16 Guest Blog: Meet the Drift Lords
Paranormal Romance Fans for Life
http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

May 16 Spotlight
Faerie Tale Books
www.faerietalebooks.org

May 17 Guest Blog: Legend of Sigurd
Preternatura
suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com

May 20 Spotlight
Brianna Lee Book Reviews
http://www.briannaleereviews.blogspot.com

May 20 Review
Eclipse reviews
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

Excerpt

The engine whine surged as the jet lifted. She gripped the counter to steady herself.

He didn’t budge, his cobalt eyes narrowing. “The prophecy says we must be together. It may not be what either of us wants, but there is no denying Fate.”   

Oh, but I do want you, buddy. And judging from the bulge in your pants, the feeling is mutual. “What prophecy?”

His mouth quirked up at the edges. “The one that claims you and I have to join forces to fight evil.”

Here he goes with his delusional nonsense again.

She jabbed her finger in the air. “The only reason we’re together is because I offered you a job. We should discuss your duties. They do not include seducing me.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “If that’s true, why did you kiss me back and put your arms around me?”

His knowing smile made her stutter. “T-That was a momentary lapse. It won’t happen again.”

“Won’t it? You felt it, too, the connection between us. I knew it the moment I saw your watch. Your destiny is written there, and it’s linked to mine.”

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BUY NOW!

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Follow My Blog Tour and Win Prizes April 30-May 20

CLICK HERE to Enter my Release Day Contest April 26-May 19! You can win a hand-made troll figurine by Trolls of Norway or a runner up prize of a signed copy Wicked Women Whodunit.

No purchase is necessary. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. By submitting your entry, you agree to be entered into the author’s email newsletter list. Your information will not be shared with anyone else, and you may unsubscribe at any time. Winner will be notified by email. Author is not responsible for transmission failures, computer glitches or lost, late, damaged or returned email. Winner agrees for their name to be used in conjunction with the contest on the author’s social media sites.

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Join the Launch Day celebration on my Facebook Page (and Like the page while you’re there)– today only!

Leave a comment and be entered into my grand prize blog tour drawing for a $25 Amazon or BN gift card.

Have you ever met anyone you consider could be a troll?

Chicken and Bean Stew

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle flour in a plate and dredge chicken pieces to coat.

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a Dutch oven and brown chicken on all sides. Remove from pot. Deglaze with a bit of broth if necessary and add 1 Tbsp. oil. Stir in onion and carrots and sauté until onions wilt. Add garlic and stir. Add diced tomatoes. Place chicken on top. Pour broth and red wine over chicken. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook in oven for 30 minutes. Add beans. Cook for approximately 30 minutes more or until chicken is done. Serves 4-6.

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This recipe came out very tasty and has lasted us a few nights. Now if you want another new recipe, be sure to sign up for my quarterly newsletter. The next one goes out April 26 and has a bonus giveaway just for subscribers, in addition to book news and contest announcements. Visit my Website and look for the sign-up form in the left sidebar.

Tomorrow, look for my new release to be spotlighted at The Revolving Book.

Enter to win a signed print copy of Warrior Rogue (The Drift Lords Series #2). Contest runs April 17 – May 2.

“There is never a dull moment in this action-packed sci-fi fantasy. With a liberal dose of steamy romance thrown in, this tale is sure to keep you engrossed to the very end…With well-developed characters and a quick-moving plot, you will have no trouble abandoning your own life for a while as you experience life in the fast track with Jen and Paz. You’re in for a wild ride.”

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Warrior Rogue

by Nancy J. Cohen

Giveaway ends May 02, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Which comes first, character or plot? Start by developing your characters. Give them conflicts, differing viewpoints and reactions. Problems between them will create tension. Remember that if any strength is overused, it becomes a weakness. An example is the character who will get the job done, but at any cost. Or it can be the person who follows rules no matter what happens.

Give each person a habit and a telling detail that helps identify him. Also, pair a physical description with an emotional one for each character.

Have your characters work toward a goal. The four personality types will react differently. One group may ask numerous questions and want to know the rules. Another group may spend time getting organized and elect someone to take notes. Group three might just play around and have fun. And group four will be the ones who take charge and accomplish the task.

Joanna offered a lot more tips in this valuable workshop. This only touches the tip of the iceberg on what she covered. But keeping just these few bits of advice in mind is helpful.

I am always asked this question whenever I give talks. It’s not easy to strike a balance. Often the online business takes over. But here are my Four Rules to guide you.

(1) Writing Comes First.

Set yourself a daily writing or revision quota. When I am writing, I must complete 5 pages a day or 25 pages per week. When I’m doing self-edits, I try for a chapter a day but that doesn’t always work out. Either way, I must move forward with my current project.

Finish at least half of your quota before allowing yourself to check email. Or if you must, do a quick email check first to get it off your mind.

Limit your time online or you’ll get sucked into cyberspace. Go offline after the allotted time and return to your writing. Finish your daily quota. Then you can have the rest of the day free for social networking, meeting friends, or whatever suits your fancy.

(2) If things get too hectic, take Time Out.

Planning a blog tour, tweeting about a new release, guest blogging on another website, and running a contest? Does this make you nuts? Does it make your breathing come short and your pulse race? Time to calm down. Do something fun for thirty minutes. Take a walk, polish your nails, read a cooking magazine, play with your pet, listen to music. When you feel calmer, go back to work.

(3) Set aside time just for marketing.

If things are building to an intolerable level, you may need to take a few days off to focus solely on promotion. Prioritize your projects. What needs to get done first? Tackle one thing at a time. Do you have to get your next email newsletter ready to go? Do it. Need to plan a Rafflecopter contest? Fill out the form. Have two weeks of blogs to write for an upcoming virtual tour? Decide upon your topics and write drafts for each one. Accomplishing a few of the items on your promotional campaign list will help you feel more in control.

(4) Realize that life interferes. It’s going to happen, so take the time you need to deal with strife, and don’t feel guilty about being away from the computer. It happens to everyone. You’ll get your mojo back when the time comes. If not, you’ll find something else to bring your life meaning. We follow different paths throughout life. Yours may take you in another direction.

Today is an example of how I work these rules. I did a few pages of revision this morning for about an hour. Then I allowed myself to scan my email. I answered the few items that needed a personal reply, and then shut off my Outlook program. I took a walk. Did more pages. Went on the exercise bike. Line edited some more. Peeked at email again. Back to the chapter. Finally, I finished my page quota for the day. It’s only 12:30 pm, but I started at 4:30 am. And now I’m writing this blog. Oops, the lawn guy is here and I need to talk to him. Big distraction. Go out, have discussion, back to work on blog. And so on through the afternoon. I could work, or I could go out with friends or my husband and take time off without any guilt. Because the writing comes first. When that’s done, all the rest is gravy.

Remember to visit our site over at Booklover’s Bench where I’ve joined with several other writers to offer contests, excerpts, and more.

Also, please sign up for my quarterly email newsletter. I’ve an issue coming out April 26 and there’s a bonus subscriber drawing for some free books by my fellow BB authors. Look in the left sidebar on my Website for the sign-up form.

How do you balance your writing time with promotion?