For Whom the Bell Tolls

I really like that song. It’s so…relaxing. A good way to unwind after a hard day. I’m finding, as any author can tell you, that there is a certain amount of stress involved in this business. Sometimes stress is good; it helps people accomplish things (like me), and sometimes people stress over things they have no control over—like reviews.

I discovered this ‘talent’ I have, for learning when I get a review—my ear rings. Not for long, just enough to let me hear. I first noticed it when I was querying my novel and it drove me nuts. Now it’s happening again. At first, I tried to figure out what side meant what; did a ringing in my right ear mean a good review or bad, the same with my left. I found myself checking every site I had a book on for a review after my ears would ring.  After about a month, I gave up.

Unfortunately, not everyone does. Look, I understand how important a review is. Good reviews bring more sales, bad reviews are enough to squash the creative energy out of anyone, but instead of stressing over how many you have, or what rating that review gave your book, why not put that energy into searching out places that give reviews? Or research promotional sites? There are a number of things a writer is in control of, depending on what path your career is on, reviews aren’t one of them.

It’s okay. Let it go.