Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.

Thanks again to Yahong for asking me another question! I could really use some more contributors!

Yahong brought up a commonly debated subject – negative reviews.

She tweeted me:

I have the issue of writing negative reviews or not… apparently writing neg. reviews ruins potential relationships?

I have a firm opinion regarding negative reviews, and that opinion is based on an equally firm belief: It is unavoidable that someone will dislike every book. It’s a time-tested truth that is actually brought up in books themselves. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury immediately comes to mind. When Captain Beatty is in the midst of his spiel on why their world is the way it is, he says:

Bigger the population, the more minorities. Don’t step on the toes of the dog lovers, the cat lovers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, chiefs, Mormons, Baptists, Unitarians, second-generation Chinese, Swedes, Italians, Germans, Texans, Brooklynites, Irishmen, people from Oregon or Mexico. The people in this book, this play, this TV serial are not meant to represent any actual painters, cartographers, mechanics anywhere. The bigger your market, Montag, the less you handle controversy, remember that!… Authors, full of evil thoughts, lock up your typewriters. They did.

I happen to be a couple of the minorities in the above paragraph. Just like everyone else on the planet, where, when, and how I have been raised (am continuing to be raised, for that matter), among other things, heavily contribute to my opinions on books, movies, politics, and life in general. On the other hand, there are traits that are purely mine and have taken root in my very personality that effect my opinion on those things.

Consequently, I have disliked books.

In fact, I received an ARC for review that I did not end up finishing due to my discomfort. I skimmed the last thirty pages and emailed my contact at the publishing house. I made it clear that I was thankful for the opportunity to read the book, but I had skimmed the last thirty pages. I asked her if she would still like me to review it.

And, wonderful, understanding person that she is, she told me yes.

I proceeded to review the book, and you can read that review here. You see that I made a point of remarking that others had quite enjoyed the book and that, though it clearly did not please me, that did not necessarily mean it wouldn’t please anyone else. I made sure to comment on the aspects of the book I appreciated but did not in any way compromise my opinion of the book.

No one’s screamed at me yet.

I think the key to writing negative reviews is to be kind. Never, ever let yourself get carried away to the point that you are being cruel. As in all areas of life, there is a respectful and positive way in which to do things – even negative things.

If you’re going to post a review that is mostly negative, make sure to link to positive reviews, touch on things you appreciated, and make it clear that you’re personal tastes will not match everyone’s – just as your taste for foods won’t be identical to mine. I, for one, love mushrooms with a fiery passion, while most people detest them.

If it is evident to anyone with half a brain that you are attempting to voice your personal opinion in the kindest, most positive way possible, I doubt you will be in danger of seriously jeopardizing any relationship. Authors are all about voicing opinions, staying true to yourself, and being thoughtful. It’s likely people will respect and admire you for the way you handle an obviously awkward and tender situation.

However, should you sign with an agent, I’d recommend doing away with anything too negative. Once you’re truly on the path to becoming an author, it’s time to reevaluate your online presence. You’ve stepped into a whole new arena and are no longer only a reader.