But …

Writing is an emotional Roller-Coaster


It has certainly been a busy year, and already, autumn is approaching! I was thinking about the seasons in terms of the publication journey of my novel. I came up with this …

Spring - Budding and blossoming stage — the publication process

Summer - Out there in all its glory — released, time to flourish on platforms/marketing

Autumn - Harvesting — time to reap the rewards; fruits of the labour, or falling, like the leaves — reviews?

Winter - Resting and survival, time for regeneration  — embrace the process

So, the process …

Having a debut novel published gives rise to so many mixed emotions. Mine started with a frisson of excitement. My determination to succeed gave me a sense of pride; finally I had made it. I am a published author!

Then, while going through my process of publication, I experienced a whole mixed bag, from elation to self-doubt, satisfaction to disillusion, and everything in between.

Throughout this blog, I have shared the joys of my journey so far. 

As a writer, my emotional experiences find a way between the pages I write. Even when experiencing the unsettling emotions, I find some outlet to write, either in a brief diary entry (my musings, as I call them), a writing prompt, a scene, or a short story. All is grist for the mill later.

Some of the biggest ups and downs have come from reviews.

 

Reviews

My first review appeared on Amazon before the official publication date. It was a thrilling experience to read the first review of my novel.

nicky b.
4.0 out of 5 stars Ticks all the boxes 
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2024

What a great read! Works on so many levels it’s sure to appeal to lots of people. Whether you’re looking for an easy beach read with a romantic element, to those looking for a commentary on the struggle between mainstream and alternative, Bitter Pill has it all. It will challenge you as much ,or as little, as you want. Highly recommend ❤️ 

My second review was also exciting to read. That a male reader wrote it made it even more so. I hadn’t considered a male audience, and I was so thrilled that he liked it; the bonus was that it was from a different country.

From other countries

Michael Pantlin
4.0 out of 5 stars Complex relationships and secrets withheld 
Reviewed in the Netherlands on 25 August 2024
Verified Purchase

Bitter Pill is a story of opposites locked into intimate relationships that can only survive when secrets are kept secret. As the story evolves, unexpected turnings kept me reading and I couldn’t put the book down. The character’s emotional journeys are perfectly described making you love them and later disliking them. Well worth the read! 

The next review that I found was on NetGalley. Once again, a positive review. Bitter Pill was on a roll!

 

Then this five star review on Amazon, requesting a sequel. How exciting!

5.0 out of 5 stars
Grasping
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 September 2024
Verified Purchase
A wonderful story with true to lifetime event's. Extremely well researched capturing true emotions for unfolding event's. Kept me turning the pages from start to finish. Can't wait for the sequel, there has to be one ❤️

Then I discovered another 4 star and 2 more 5 star reviews on another platform. 

But, on that same platform, I read 2 disappointing reviews which really set me back and I literally had a feeling like a stone dropping in my stomach. 

My exuberance was well and truly silenced. 

It sounds dramatic, but it was akin to going through a grieving stage … 

Shock and denial — I definitely felt numb and couldn’t believe it. 

Then came the anger — how dare they be so cruel, not giving a thought to how their words can have such a damaging impact. 

Next, bargaining — trying to find reasons people set out to be cruel and hurtful, rather than choosing to be specific about the content and their reasoning behind their rating. 

Then depression — why am I writing, just to put myself out there to be attacked? Why have I spent years on this project? What makes me think I can write, anyway?

When reading a negative review, satisfaction can swiftly turn to disillusionment, and all those feelings of exuberance change from enthusiasm to dejection, followed by detachment and apathy.

After pouring my heart out to a colleague, she gave me some perspective. I went back to the reviews and noticed that although the comments were harsh; they had still given 2 and 3 stars, so not too bad after all.

Time to reassess... 

After a few days, I hovered around the acceptance stage — not everyone is going to like my book! It’s about the product, not the author. I had to take the emotion out of it and change my mindset. Then I discovered some better reviews, along with this one, on the same platform.



And this one:





Today, it has this rating:

The latest reviews below are on Amazon.

And, another nice one to quote!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2024
Verified Purchase 
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant! Struggled to put it down.
This book was fabulous. I don’t know what else write here without spoilers! I took it on holiday with me on a weekend break and read it all. Finished on the plane ….. there were tears ! Not sure if the people sitting next to me realised it was the book making me cry, but I was immersed. I hope there will be a sequel! Well done AJ Linney x

The important thing is, Bitter Pill is being read. That is what matters to me. I know readers are enjoying it — even requesting a sequel!

The novel covers controversial subjects and is therefore highly likely to have mixed reviews of the content matter alone. Indeed, one reviewer is expressing her thoughts on homeopathy — has the opportunity to post a review given her a sounding board for her own views?

To date, there have been more positive reviews (including another 5 star). So, I choose to Embrace The Process.

What do you think? Buy yourself a copy and decide for yourself. Is it a 2 star or a 5 star read?

What’s Next?

Talk Radio Europe has invited me to be interviewed about my book at the beginning of October. Additionally, I received an invitation to speak at a Literary Festival in Cornwall, which means I’ll be traveling to new places, meeting new people, and putting myself out there!

In my next post, I’ll share my experiences.

Until then, you can find out more about my book  here

And the information about the literary festival here