A Few Minutes of Your Time, That's All.

I have been writing for many years and must admit, I did not give great thought to the importance of reviews before. It is mainly short stories I had published and admittedly, it's not often you receive a review for a single story.
However, I have read other people's reviews and even bought books on the strength of their words. Yet, when it came to writing one, I often hesitated, as I felt, who wants to read what I have to say? How silly is that for a writer, I hear you holler!

But now that I have my debut novel, My Husband's Sin out there, my collection of short stories, A Baker's Dozen and my new novella The Runaway due for launching shortly, the reality of how important those reviews are for writers, hit home for me.
It is a nerve-wrecking but thoroughly exciting time to have a novel published. Knowing I have bared my soul by putting my work out there, which can be scary, deep down I want to know what people think of it. So, this is where a review fulfills its duty.

When I received my 1st review, I jumped up and down, so happy to think that a reader took the time to write about my novel. It was this that I appreciated, that a reader gave me a few minutes of their personal time. They reached out. If this is what my readers can do for me, then, I, in return can do it for others.

I have received 5 star reviews right down to 1 star. I read them and noted what it is the reader liked or didn't like. Admittedly, my joy at the 3, 4 and 5 stars was ripped from me at receiving the 1 star, but so be it. We each have our own likes and dislikes and if my novel was not for them, than I shrug my shoulders and remember there are many out there who do like my books.

By posting a review, just a few short words will do if you do not feel like writing a longer piece, helps other readers to find a book they may like and it helps writers know what their readers want.

So remember to review! Authors really do appreciate it.

5 Sentence Fiction.

Each week, Lillie McFerrin shares a writing prompt, challenging writers to use the prompt BUT there is a rule. The fiction piece must be only 5 sentences long. 

This weeks prompt is VILLAINOUS.

Below is my take on this writing prompt, I hope you enjoy.

I never liked him, he was the most obnoxious, detestable, unpleasant, depraved individual I had the misfortune to meet. Living in the apartment below him was hell, he never cared for my sleeping, always playing wild music until sunrise. He constantly borrowed coffee, cigarettes and even pizza, yes, Pizza! Meeting him on the stairwell, he would grunt as he pushed passed me, not caring if he knocked me to the ground.

It did not stop me from falling in love with him.

To read more 5 sentence fiction from other wonderful writers, follow the link provided here and enjoy. 

http://lilliemcferrin.com/five-sentence-fiction-villainous/