Friday, May 11, 2012

News, Reviews, Blogfests, Books, and the Kitchen Sink!

NEWS FIRST!

For those who missed it earlier this week, Cassie put together the most incredible special feature for me at Falling For Fiction. Morgan, Mark, David, and Leigh all contributed and I felt like a celebrity. Thank you all – this Ninja was very honored by your words!

I also had a special interview/feature with Callie Leuck this week, and she was so creative the way she put it together. Thanks, Callie!

Don’t forget the First Loves Blogfest is Monday, May 14! For details and to sign up, go HERE.

The A to Z Challenge Reflections List will be open through Saturday if you’ve not added a link to your post yet. Lee will be compiling participant's thoughts, ideas, and concerns at the main A to Z Blog in the coming weeks.

I’ve been trying to update both my blogroll and the Awesome Authors page. If you are a blogger buddy (regular commenter) and you do not see your blog or current book listed, please let me know!

REVIEWS

The Avengers
One word – awesome! Joss Whedon masterfully worked together storyline, action scenes, and character development to bring us the perfect super hero ensemble movie. For me, the Hulk stole the show. “Puny God!” I rarely see films twice in the theater, but this will be an exception. 3D BluRay DVD purchase for sure! (And currently it is $702+ million world wide – almost $100 million ahead of The Hunger Games.)

Handling Negative Reviews
I learned a new trick for handling negative book reviews this week and thought I’d share it with you guys.
Another blogger/soon-to-be author posted a one star rating of CassaStar on Goodreads this past weekend. At first it bothered me, and then I remembered the movie Good Will Hunting. There’s a scene where Matt Damon’s character says something awful about Robin Williams’ deceased wife, and the next time they meet, Williams tells him that at first it bothered him – and then he though, “He’s just a stupid kid.” And that’s how you should view reviews like that, because one star with no explanation is meaningless. Maybe that person didn’t like your book. Or maybe he just doesn’t like you or anyone else. Or maybe he gives out one star reviews to almost everyone. Regardless, it’s not worth stressing over.
Maybe I’ve just coined a new term for meaningless, crappy ratings – “He’s just a stupid kid!

BOOKS!

I’m not through reading it yet, so I can’t offer a review, but hopefully everyone has picked up M. Pax’s new book, The Backworlds!
Here’s the synopsis:
After the war with Earth, bioengineered humans scatter across the Backworlds. Competition is fierce and pickings are scant. Scant enough that Craze’s father decides to hoard his fortune by destroying his son. Cut off from family and friends, with little money, and even less knowledge of the worlds beyond his own, Craze heads into an uncertain future. Boarding the transport to Elstwhere, he vows to make his father regret this day.
Available from: Amazon Smashwords and Feedbooks

Lynn Rush’s new book, Awaited, is now available. Congratulations, Lynn!

And Laura Pauling is currently on tour for her new book, A Spy Like Me. Congratulations, Laura!

Wow! See what happens when I take a day off? Ready for Monday’s First Loves Blogfest? Have you seen The Avengers – again? Seeing Dark Shadows? Prepared now for the “just a stupid kid” reviews? Reading M. Pax’s book? Is there anything I missed????

130 comments:

Annalisa Crawford said...

I've got my Backworlds copy - and I'm really looking forward to the blogfest. Have a great weekend!

Annalisa Crawford said...

First!! I made first!! My first first, and this is my first second :-)

Civil War Horror (Sean McLachlan) said...

I've also picked up M. Pax's novel. I haven't had a chance to start it, though, I'm still playing catch up with work after spending four days in DC at the awesome Gadling travel bloggers summit!

Not So Simply Single said...

Was thinking about the Avengers. Maybe this weekend...

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Ah fifth today: Looking forward to the blogfest on Monday. The ony dark shadows I see is under my eyes...lol

Yvonne.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Hi Alex me again you have my first book "Negative V. Positive" on your list but not my latest one "Written From The Heart".

Have a good week-end/
Yvonne.

Kyra Lennon said...

I saw the feature on Falling For Fiction - very well deserved!

Unknown said...

Have my copy of Backworlds and am looking forward to reading it! Yes I did notice your absence yesterday, but Alex it is okay! You a welcome to have a day off!

Old Kitty said...

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm in!! I'm in Cap'n Ninja's blog without big bad red warnings everywhere! Yayyayayayyy! Off I go to swoon with all the excitement...!! Take care
x

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Annalisa, first and second!

Sean, sounds like you're still on a high from that summit.

Yvonne, I will fix that!

Thank you, Kyra.

Thanks for noticing, CM.

And now I have my morning Kitty and a smile fix!

Mina Burrows said...

My husband has seen Avengers 3 x already. And I'll I want to see is Dark Shadows. :)
Congrats on your Falling for Fiction feature! Have a great weekend, Alex!

Ciara said...

Wow, lots going on. I'll go back and look at those posts. Congratulations to the new releases!! I received a one star rating on Goodreads with no review. It was strange because the person had just joined Goodreads, had no picture up and only rated classic books and then mine. I ignored, there is nothing you can learn from that. I like your phrase.
Okay, question, do you think kids can see Avengers? My boys are BEGGING!! Thoughts? I'm a bad parent, so they've seen all the Star Wars and Star Trek movies. :)

RaveAir said...

I'll take a try, so I sing up for the blogfest.

Unfortunatelly, I haven't got oportunity to watch The Avangers yet, but I really want to. Maybe next week...

Alex, don't take seriously every negative critics. This guy is definatelly NOT your fan, but maybe envy with you about your success.

RaveAir said...

Ohh... and check this photo about a must-buy category, Chineese Avengers t-shirt: http://m.blog.hu/ro/roziamoziban/image/chinaavengers.jpeg

Rek Sesh said...

I need more time to read the books on my shelf...I have much catching up to do on the reading list.
Avengers, I want to see it badly.
I wish I could be half as productive as Mary and the others.
Bad reviews are here to stay, my IWSG post was on the topic of Amazon reviews to be specific. Maybe he is too much of a geek and expects complex world building and technology or maybe he got a query rejection...
Two indie published books, a third on the way(gosh, sounds like pregnancy talks)...no one can take that away from you. :)

Laura Pauling said...

Even some of my best most loved books get 1 and 2 star reviews. I think you've taken the best approach to it as possible - ignore them! And what a wonderful post about you from Falling For Fiction!

Thanks for the mention!

Creepy Query Girl said...

the hubs went and saw avengers sans moi wednesday night. But hopefully I'll get to see it soon! I've only heard good things!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Great phrase. There are people who are experts at everything, people who dont like us or people are grumpy in general that are critical about everything. I try to file 13 those things that are not constructive or good for my soul.

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE AVENGERS. Can't wait.

You're an awesome writer, Alex.

T

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

The Avengers was near perfect. I've seen only two film twice in theaters in my life (Zhang Yimou's Hero and James Cameorn's Avatar), and this will be my third.

Looking forward to the blogfest! :)

The Angry Lurker said...

Definitely thinking of seeing The Avengers again!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

That reviewer is OBVIOUSLY a stupid kid! My husband is currently deep into your Cassa series and he's loving them. So there :P
And I think we're taking the boys to see Avengers this weekend. They've been chomping at the bit.
Now, off to check out your fabulous celebrity-ness. Of which you are, btw.

Tonja said...

I haven't seen Avengers yet but we rented The Hulk last week - I resent the way it's so animated. I love the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno Hulk and am having a hard time accepting the new one. One Star - but I'm not a stupid kid! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mina, I have some catching up to do then!

Ciara, did they see the other movies? Like Captain America? If they've seen the last couple of Star Wars movies, I'd think they could handle Avengers.

Zoltan, maybe! And will check out the t-shirt.

Rek, my books are definitely not high tech. I do have two books with a traditional publisher and you're right - no one can take that away.

Laura, you are welcome! Good luck with your tour.

Katie, he needs to take YOU!

Teresa, thank you so much!

George, Avatar was the last film I saw twice. Can't wait to watch Avengers again.

Cathy, so glad he is enjoying them!

Rachna Chhabria said...

M Pax's book Backworlds sounds cool.
Need to see Avengers. Will also check out Falling for Fiction link.

Anonymous said...

I wasn't sure about Avengers at first, whether it would be a "shell out for the theater" or "just wait for DVD" movie, but with all the amazing reviews I'm hearing, I think it might be a theater movie after all.

Gossip_Grl said...

I wouldn't stress too much over a newbie giving a negative review. I read the link posted and am thinking a few books does not grant anyone all that experience ya know? I love the Dark Shadows series, but am unsure about seeing this movie. Love Johnny Depp, but not what they did to Dark Shadows.

Unknown said...

I'll check out Cassie's feature.
I think I've signed up for the blogfest but I best make sure.
I'm on your blogroll--thanks!

Alex, I'm not sure why you received a one-star--maybe it's not his genre. If he truly hated it, he should refrain from posting it especially because his book is coming out. That being said, I've often mistakenly given one-stars because my mouse hit the stars button and I didn't notice...until later. Maybe that's what he did. Hmmm, or maybe he thinks it's the progress bar...

I have been buying books left and right lately. It seems like May is the month to publish.

Anonymous said...

Hey, you can't make everyone happy. Shrugging it off and moving on is the best thing you could do. Have a great weekend.

shelly said...

I like your outlook on bad reviews. Lately, I've been reading all kinds of stuuf from other Indie authors who've received bad reviews. They're really upset.

No one should ever take anything personally. It's not worth the stress.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

I'm going to see AVENGERS tonight! I can't wait!!!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Congrats to Laura!

Yeah, reviews should have actual words in them. :) Try not to worry over it...happens to all of us.

Tara Tyler said...

great stuff! looking forward to seeing avengers =)

have a beautiful weekend!

jaybird said...

I'm super excited to go see The Avengers this weekend. Heard nothing but great things.

However you look at a bad review, without letting it get you down, is a good thing!

Looking forward to Monday's Blog Hop.

Bryan Russell said...

Looking forward to Avengers, so happy to hear the great review.

And as for reviews, you can't please everyone. No book ever will. Rowling may sell the most books and have the most fans, but she also has the most detractors. Comes with the territory. You just have to soldier on.

Karen Lange said...

As far as negative reviews go, I heard something last year that helped me. (Sadly, I forget who the author who said it was.) They said we need to remember that our work will not be everyone's thing. Just as we have books, genres, or styles that we don't care for, so do others. Not everyone will like our work, and we need to find the balance to be okay with that.

Thanks for all the news and links! Have a great weekend!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Can't wait for the blogfest or to see The Avengers!!!

michelle said...

And it sounds like the Ninja Captain is back, refreshed & ready to go-------------------

I'm the "movie-challenged-kid-on-the-block"... *sad face*
First Loves Blogfest - haven't signed up yet... do I need to embed videos etc. cos that's my nightmare (wonder if I can remember how I did it before?)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You just have to ignore the dumb reviews and the dumb reviewers.

I need to get my post ready for the blogfest.

Unknown said...

Hey, Alex, at least you have done something (wonderful) to have even been reviewed!!!

Anonymous said...

The Hulk definitely had the best scene in the entire movie!

Ella said...

I was surprised to see one of my favorite actors as THE HULK! I hope to go this weekend, either that or the beach. Weather be the deciding factor~
Looking forward to the blogfest on Monday! A first of firsts, how fun~

Sorry, about the stupid kid review. Life is like that, you took the high road! It always helps, to adjust our view~

Kela McClelland said...

I am ready for the blog fest. I've been doing so many new things on my blog lately, and it's all so exciting. :)

I haven't gotten a chance to get The Backworlds, but it's on my list.

Hope you have an awesome weekend, Alex! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tonja, Hulk is played by someone different in the new movie and they handle the character differently.

Louise - go! It's worth it.

Gossip, very true!

Clarissa, exactly! That's why I don't post reviews of books I don't like.

Shelly, no it's not.

Caroline, you are going to really enjoy it!

Jaybird, glad you're on board for the blogfest.

Karen, and that is so true.

Michelle, you can do whatever you want for the blogfest. And if you need help with the videos, just let me know.

Candylynn, that is true!

Ella, do both.

Thanks, Kela!

Cassie Mae said...

I can't get enough of the Avengers!! The hubs let me go see it by myself the other day when we couldn't find a sitter. He totally gets me like that :)

And yup, shake off the review that wasn't really a review and remember how freakin' awesome you are and how many people LOVE your books :)

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I may have to try and hit Avengers this weekend as my next few will make it difficult. I'm really intrigued because even my artsy-fartsy and equally movie snobby friends said it was worth both the time and the money. Often it's only worth one.

Thinking of weekend plans now...

Anonymous said...

I saw Avengers 3D on Wednesday and it gets an A for Awesome from me! I'll definitely see it again next week.

And good luck to M Pax with The Backworlds!

Leovi said...

First Loves Blogfest interesting, as a filtrate on the A to Z.

Julie Dao said...

I haven't seen the Avengers yet, but from all the good reviews, I gotta go soon!

Budd said...

Avengers was indeed awesome. Sorry about the one star review, I think you are looking at it correctly. I have read your book and it was well written, for what it is worth.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cassie, I'm shaking it!

Tasha and Julie, go see it.

Budd, thank you - I appreciate that.

Gwen Gardner said...

One star is just plain mean. I like your attitude toward it. I'll try to remember it when my book comes out. And just yesterday I was reading a blog about all the meanness and pettiness going on at GoodReads. Make's me not want to put my book there.

Juliana Haygert said...

Agh, you guys are killing with the gushing over The Avengers! Stop it lol

"He's just a stupid kid!" << Love it!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Underworld was on last night. Although I love Ms. Kate in all her kick ass glory, I feel I must take a moment to say how in love I am with Bill Nighy. Brings so much believability to the movie.

Anyway. Awesome news and info all around. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I'm not ready for Monday but I will be. :)

I haven't seen the Avengers yet. I know. I've only been counting down for a year. Waiting on my better half to come home to NY so we can watch it all together.

Thank you! HMG

Heather M. Gardner said...

Underworld was on last night. Although I love Ms. Kate in all her kick ass glory, I feel I must take a moment to say how in love I am with Bill Nighy. Brings so much believability to the movie.

Anyway. Awesome news and info all around. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I'm not ready for Monday but I will be. :)

I haven't seen the Avengers yet. I know. I've only been counting down for a year. Waiting on my better half to come home to NY so we can watch it all together.

Thank you! HMG

Charles Gramlich said...

I've got to check out "falling for fiction"

Tyrean Martinson said...

Avengers rocked! My family and I really enjoyed it, and thought that the pacing of the plot, character development and action was perfect. And I think Hulk stole the show a few times too. "Puny god," was hilarious.

Loved your take on the "stupid kid" reviews. When a few of my poems have been published at Every Day Poets, I've gotten some bad reviews because they have an instant feedback section . . .and I think I've felt about the same. Sometimes people don't know what they are talking about, or they are having a bad day. And maybe what I write isn't their "thing."

Jeff Beesler said...

I'm actually looking forward to my first one-star review. It's not the negativity surrounding the number that I'll enjoy obviously, but rather that the person thought highly enough about my work to even rate it at all.

I'm fine with whether a person loves my work or hates it, because those are two sides of the passion coin. It's the indifferent shrug that scares me more than anything.

Unknown said...

Alex, CassaFire's on my TBR list (sorry, it's taking me a while, but I want time to savour it!) One star reviews are written by nitwits. If it was so bad, why'd he pick it up to read it? I can't for the life of me ever imagine I'd produce one. I mean if I don't like a book I just won't review it - especially when I see so many good reviews attached to it. I just put it down and think, oh well, this wasn't for me. Glad you're taking it positively because you sure don't deserve such a review!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I think we all get 1-star reviews. The thing is, I don't know about you, but I don't read reviews when I buy a book. I've asked other readers who aren't writers and they don't either. You have a good attitude about them. I've kind of done the same thing and just said "whatever".

M Pax said...

Yay for festing. I will have to go check out your other posts. The one wasn't up yet the other day, then I forgot about it.

I heard the Avengers is awesome. Glad to see Whedon back at it.

Not your audience. Move on. Sometimes I stick my tongue out at the screen. :) And say something like, you're stupid. Even the classics get negative reviews. You're in great company.

Thanks for the shout out. Much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Hi, it's been a while, so I thought I'd pop on over and say hi! Hope you're doing well and writing like a ninja (of course you are on that last one!)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gwen, life is too short to be mean.

Juliana, glad I could amuse you! Now, go see the movie.

Heather, Bill Nighy is such a great character actor. And I have faith you will be ready.

Tyrean, he did steal the show. And maybe some people are just having a bad life.

Jeffrey, and the satisfaction is in the fact that person paid for it.

Thank you, Susan. Yeah, if I don't like a book, I never finish it.

Michael, and that's the best thing we can do!

Mary, you're welcome. And I can see you sticking out your tongue.

Hey, Mel!!

nutschell said...

I seriously don't know how Joss Whedon does it, but he seems to rock everything he writes. I have yet to see Avengers though (can't wait actually).
And yes, my head does feel lighter!

Happy weekend!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Rusty Carl said...

Spot on review of the Avengers. I like how you've dealt with the unfair review you received.

Johanna Garth said...

I'm really looking forward to reading Backworlds!

Nancy Thompson said...

Welcome back! Missed ya! Well that review is a crummy thing to do. I mean, if you think a book deserves only 1 star, then elaborate why. A rating like that without an explanation comes off as trite & is certainly ineffective. I am worried about receiving reviews like that come October. I can only hope the good reviews will overshadow the bad.

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

I've already got my copy of The Backworlds, and I'm looking forward to the blog hop! (My post has been written and scheduled since April - teehee).

Matthew MacNish said...

Isn't that grumpy? No wonder he goes by that name.

TL Conway said...

Sigh.... a 1-star review would seriously bum me out, but then to have NO feedback or reasons? I'm sorry, Alex. But I'm happy to see you have a great attitude on it!

On to more fun topics, like movies.

Truth be told, I was kind of waiting for your review of The Avengers before I went. I've liked many things you recommended and if you thought this was horrible, I would've added it to my Redbox list. But now you make me think I should go--and soon!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Yeah on the Avengers... I hope to see it more on the big screen!

Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
My New Book:
Retro-Zombie: Art and Words

Dani said...

Can't wait for Monday.

Exactly ... Stupid kid! Reviews are opinions and only that.

I haven't seen the Avengers yet but I'm dying to.

I'm lovin most of you Ninja Army's! Some very familiar names. Great taste!

Andrew Leon said...

You read my review of Avengers, so you already know my take.

You should email me...

Christine Rains said...

I'm ready for Monday's blogfest! And yes, stupid kid. Your book was great.

I'm one of the deprived folk that haven't seen The Avengers, and I don't think I'll get a chance until it comes out on DVD. Yes, I'm pouting, but other things come first before movies like a happy little boy who's doing so well in his new toddler bed.

LynnRush said...

I get to see Avengers TONIGHT! I can't wait! Thank you for mentioning Awaited! You're so sweet! It's been a fun release week!!!

Happy WEEKENDING!!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nutschell, that was a lot of hair they cut off your head!

Rusty, not much else I can do anyway.

Nancy, they do - I got two five star reviews last weekend, which totally trumped that one!

Jaycee, you are so ahead of the game.

Matthew, yeah, no kidding.

TL - go now! Now, now, now!

Andrew, all right.

Kelley Lynn said...

I thought the Avengers was awesome too!

Thanks for being on FFF! :)

Cherie Reich said...

The Avengers looks so good. I do hope to get a chance to see it in the movie theater.

Congrats to Mary, Lynn, and Laura for their book releases!

And I love your take on negative reviews. :)

The Happy Whisk said...

Hey Alex. I stopped in to say, boogie, boogie, boogie.

PS: Haven't seen The Avengers yet, but I am looking forward to it.

Cheers and more boogie boogies.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm going to remember your review advice the next time I receive a publisher rejection.

I can't wait for the First Love blogfest. It's going to be a fun follow-up to the A-Z challenge. And Avengers - AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Cherie!

Whisk, those boogies have been missed.

SL, that's really when you need to think that! And I saw Maurice was nice enough to mention both of our Avengers review today at his site.

Emily R. King said...

I am so excited to see The Avengers. I'm a HUGE fan!

Congrats to Mary!

Laura said...

I like your attitude to that one star Alex! Good for you (and clearly the guys has no taste!)

Looking forward to First Loves... and M Pax is next on my TBR list. Can't wait
Lx

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for the blogfest reminder. Happy weekend, Alex.

xoRobyn

Laura said...

ps - thanks for including me on your books page - that's so lovely of you!
Lx

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

My brother-in-law said The Avengers is the best movie ever made! I guess I'll have to check it out. :)
Looking forward to the blog hop!

Carrie Butler said...

That is an excellent trick for negative reviews. (And it's healthy, too!) :) Have a great weekend, Alex!

P.S. Congratulations to M. Pax, Lynn, and Laura!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Alex, even more confusing is the one-star review on Goodreads with the comment "not worth buying." It doesn't help readers or writers in any way. It's just snarky. :D

Unknown said...

What a brilliant book trailer, and I have been imagining that I could produce one for my children's books... so much to learn.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Laura! And of course you are there.

Rachel, go see it!

Patricia, no it doesn't!

Brinda said...

I must see The Avengers! I'm at a writers' retreat this weekend, so I'll have to wait another week. Oh, well.

Angela Brown said...

The Avengers is on my "must see" list. Everyone who's seen it raves about Hulk.

So much going on with writers putting out books. So going to my TBR to make sure I've it updated! Yeah!

As for the one star review, it happens. With me getting this MS together to self-publish NEVERLOVE, I'm trying to get my mind ready for the approval as well as the DISapproval I'm sure it will garner. Too bad there really isn't a way to please everyone, everywhere all the time...then again, it's kind of better this way. Different. Unique.

Huntress said...

I liked the Thor and Iron Man movies but figured putting all the super heroes together in one show would be, er, stupid.

Brother was I wrong! I haven't seen it yet but the reviews and ticket sales have me convinced.

Can't wait for your review of Dark Shadows *evil grin*

Martha said...

I'm looking forward to the blogfest and keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to bail out - been having computer problems, may have to take it in to be checked out. Have a great weekend and hope to see you on Monday (and you'll know what happened if I'm a no show)!

Golden Eagle said...

There's definitely a lot of hype around The Avengers and Joss Whedon--I have to see a movie by him sometime.

Still planning my post for Monday. I'm excited about participating in the blogfest!

alexia said...

Yes, wasn't Mark Ruffalo perfect as Hulk? I loved Hawkeye, too.

Arlee Bird said...

I had to check out Goodreads to see what the guy said. He didn't say anything. It wasn't a review, but it was a rating. There's nothing to qualify a rating so there's not much to go by. Now if an author get a whole bunch of one star ratings and none higher then that may be a problem.
Just finished my First Loves post. Now people can we just cut the cool blogfests for a while!


Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out

Unknown said...

That's a great perspective for handling bad reviews and something I'll definitely take to heart, and through quoting one of my favorite movies. Looking forward to Monday's posts!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Thanks for including me on your blogroll! I'll have to check out Cassie's feature on you! Julie

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi, Alex! Thanks for dropping by my blog and sharing the linky info with me. You know, I've been very flaky with your Insecure Writers group. Life has me going crazy. If you want to remove me from the list, you're fine, you should--I'm having a hard time juggling so many things right now.
Thanks for the chance to be in it!

:)

Happy Weekend!

elizabethmueller.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Lots of great news, except for the one-star review (but I like your attitude about it).

I must see The Avengers.

mooderino said...

You are pretty much a blog celebrity at this point. I expect to see photos of you falling out of a limo with no underwear on any day now.

I don't think the one star review will work against you, I think most people expect a certain background level of haters no matter what you do. Even the Avengers will get a bunch of one stars.

mood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
The Funnily Enough

Unknown said...

The Avengers was awesome! I'd go and see it again, but I can't afford it. sigh. I guess I have to wait until it comes out on DVD.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Brinda, that's a good reason to wait though.

Angela, it is better that way. Life would be dull if we were all the same.

Huntress, all of them together is even better.

Martha, I'm sorry!

Alexia, he was good!

Lee, my last one for a while.

Thanks, Michael.

Elizabeth, you're not flaky.

Moody, crap I hope you never see that!!!

Jaleh D said...

I just saw the Avengers last night--for the second time. :D Hubs and I watched it last week in 3D, and last night we went to the 2D showing and took our son. He loved it. His favorite character was the Hulk, too. "Hulk, smash." *big grin*

Anonymous said...

I was supposed to see THE AVENGERS yesterday. Didn't make it. Trying again today. That is definitely one I want to see in the theater.

Have a great weekend, Alex!

Callie Leuck said...

Alex, this is now the fourth time I've written out this comment, so you should know I am quite determined. Two separate computers independently shut down, and there was one instance of an internet browser crashing. Fourth time's the charm?

First, thank you for pointing the Ninja Army toward the feature, and I am very glad you liked it. I have quite enjoyed running the feature, learning about how other writers write, and interacting with some very cool people such as yourself.

Second, the Avengers. I almost never write about films, but my experience watching The Avengers really made me realize all the storytelling techniques used in film that all storytellers can learn from. One thing that particularly struck me was how the backstories of all of the characters strengthened each character and the story as a whole, despite the fact that I didn't even know many of the backstories. This argues against flat, undeveloped characters in a very strong way. Also, the Hulk scene you referenced was one of my favorites: I wanted to jump up and applaud. I went back and watched it again in theaters last night... the last time I watched a movie multiple times in theaters, it was Lord of the Rings.

Third, regarding ratings/reviews on Goodreads, I don't think they work the same way as Amazon reviews do. Lee made some good comments about it being a rating, not a review. I'd also like to point out that the way I use Goodreads is to rank books for my personal use, in order to find more books that align with my tastes, in the same way as I use Pandora for music. So maybe that's an idea -- this guy isn't saying that nobody should read your book; he's just saying that HE didn't like it. I understand how that can be upsetting too, especially if he knows you. Maybe he doesn't realize you (and everybody) can see his one-star rating of your book. Possibly, he's just thoughtless. Thoughtlessness is a common problem on the internet, I find.

Ok. Longest comment ever. Someone needs to write a post on how to leave short comments, because I am quite bad at it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jaleh, the Hulk was awesome!

Liz, hope you do.

Callie, thank YOU! And you are right about The Avengers.

Unknown said...

Loved the Avengers, and "Puney God!" was the line that did it for me! There were a lot of great lines in that movie and I will see it again as well. You do know how I fell about Thor and Loki so no words needed here. Looking forward to making lovey dovey eyes on Monday. Have a fun week-end!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Can't wait to see The Avengers. My kids all felt the Hulk stole the show too.
Trying to get my poor old desktop to keep up with the fest on Monday.

Unknown said...

The Avengers rocked! I want to see it again before it gets pulled from the cinema. But with the kind of cash it's making, I think they'll keep it around for a while.

^^^Methinks a troll be lurkin' above. Someone get the nets!

kjmckendry said...

I am really looking forward to reading CassaStar and CassaFire! I just haven't gotten to them yet.

Some people are just mean and you can't let them get you down, they're not worth your trouble! You rock Alex!

And great feature on Cassie's blog! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Siv, it was a great line.

Susan, hope it can!

Jamie, nets are coming out! Sad they don't have the guts to not be anonymous.

Thanks, K! Appreciate that.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've got Mary's book waiting on my Kindle (I think the darn thing is going to explode with all the great books I've got waiting for me!!)

That's a great attitude for dealing with a review like that. I don't review anything unless I'm giving it at least 4 stars. Just because something's not for me doesn't mean I should damage the book's rep!

Leovi said...

Interesting your resource for Handling Negative Reviews.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jemi, Amen! That's how I look at it. I would never give out a one or two star review.

dolorah said...

Just stopping by to say HELLO, and to let you know that while I haven't been very active in the blogs lately, I do have my First Loves blogfest entry already scheduled for Monday, so when you're deleting links to inactive blogs; I'm hoping you remember I'm still here :)

I'll probably be late in responding due to a family crisis; but I will catch up.

......dhole

mshatch said...

the thing to remember with reviews is that there's no way everyone is going to like a particular story any more than everyone is going to like a particular piece of art. We all have different tastes - and that is a good thing :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, sorry about your family issues! And you know I would never delete you.

MsHatch, that is a good thing!

Helen Ginger said...

Backworlds sounds good -- and I'd not heard about it, so thanks.

I'm going to see The Avengers today. It's my Mother's Day request!

Leovi said...

First Loves. Delicious theme for Blogfest. I told him "I love you" to one woman. First and only love.

Unknown said...

Out of everything you wrote here, I like your take on bad reviews. Definitely the way to look at it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helen, lucky you!

Leovi, good for you.

Thanks, Donna.

Madi MacNish said...

Thanks for following my blog, Alex!

Wanda said...

It's never nice to hear someone doesn't like our baby. But it does us all well (rather one is author or not) to take both the cheers and jeers much like a grain of salt. Ratings/reviews are just like opinions, everyone has one.

Trisha said...

Gosh, I just read a book that was HORRIBLY edited, and even then I managed to give it 2 stars...though it probably deserved 1. I'm sure your book is far superior to that, though I have yet to read it - I will be! I can tell just from your blog posts that you are a great writer!

If someone gives a 1 star review but no justification for it, then yeah, "he's just a stupid kid." Also, I recently re-watched GOOD WILL HUNTING, and I still love it as much as ever. Great movie.

I can't wait to read M Pax's book, I've got it ready but I have so much else to read first.

Jennifer Hillier said...

Ha, I love your take on how to deal with negative reviews! I just wrote a post about reviews myself.

Your blog is always so full of good stuff. Sigh. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Madi, welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!

Wanda, that is so true!

Trisha, I could never give a one star. And yes, that is just a great movie. You will enjoy Mary's book - I'm almost finished with it.

Thanks, Jennifer!

Unknown said...

Working backwards! Avengers was incredible, wasn't it? I've just seen it for the second time in the theater this weekend. Took my mom for Mother's Day. She has a thing for Tony Stark. Who knew? LOL

Congrats to everyone on all the great news. We have an amazing community with so much talent. :)

Tracy MacDonald said...

Oh Man! I missed the feature on Cassie's blog- gotta get there. My husband and son saw Avengers while I managed a sleep over for my daughter. I need to get into the theater to see it- these are my kinds of movies! As far as your review- the tricky part about the internet is the ease of anonymous commenting and therefore a lack of accountability. I'd be more upset about negative comments on my blog, but that's only because I don't have a published book. Yet. :)
A2ZMommy and What’s In Between

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, as long as your mother enjoyed it!

Tracy, exactly! Easy for anyone to say anything with no accountability.