Don't mind the artwork, I just thought it was dope. It has nothing to do with what's on my mind this morning.
First, Happy 2023! I've been a bit busy, as you can see from the new website design, but yeah, I've been busy LOL!
Now, to what's on my mind this morning...
The one thing I will never do as an author is belittle a reviewer for their opinion on any of my books.
The minute you push send to publish any book, short story, novella, or poem, you're opening yourself up to the interpretation of whoever decides to read what you've created.
To hear some of these up-and-coming authors (and veterans, too ... just wow) intruding into the reviewer spaces and deciding that because that reviewer didn't like the book, they now feel it is their RIGHT to put out a hit piece on them (it's happening on TikTok, Twitter, and Goodreads now) or they want to rile up their fan bases to bully the reviewer that put out their honest opinion on the book or series.
I've been called everything but a child of God in my literary career by reviewers, and not once have I responded or retaliated.
It's just bad business, and I don't take up residence in anyone's head to try to change their mind about what I've written, deadass.
I'm gonna make a deal with you, okay?
If you ever see me on any social media platform going off about a bad review, pull my coat and tell me to stand down. If I push back, just simply say "ANY publicity is GREAT publicity," and that should calm things right down.
That's it, that's all.
Thank you for coming to my Shakir Talk.