I have three things to share today and I promise they’re connected—though it may not seem so at the outset.
FIRST, a video.
In 2016, one of my publishers asked me to make a quick 1-minute video containing my best and worst review to date that would then be shown to the sales team during their conference. This video is the result. I’ve never shared it publicly, but am sharing it now for fun—and also for a timely reminder as we enter the New Year.
Ah the joys of anonymous reader mail! LOL
Seriously though, this letter has provided such enjoyment through the years. How you might ask?
Well, first, my publisher said the video got the biggest laugh at the conference. And since laughter ranks high on my list that was huge!
Secondly, I worked the phrase “something is (was) terribly wrong” into my next two or three books just for kicks! So if you ever notice that phrase in one of my books, you’ll know the inside story. : )
Thirdly, a writers group I’m in has an annual tradition of sharing our worst reviews with each other. It’s a way to laugh and remember not to take them too seriously. Well, I won that particular year with this anonymous review letter. LOL Long story short, we named our worst review contest the Something Is Terribly Wrong Award and ordered an engraved medallion that we bequeath to the subsequent winner each year. What fun!
Here I am bequeathing the award to the lovely and ever-so-sweet Kim Vogel Sawyer the next year. If I remember correctly, she won with a reader letter that likened her books to “Satan’s tools.” (Well, alrighty then!) : }
All that to say…
When 2022 brings bumps and bruises your way—and it’s certain to because bumps and bruises are simply part of this earthly journey—remember to keep things in perspective. Especially when it involves someone else’s opinion. I mean, we all have them, right? Do I wish everyone liked every book? Sure. But that’s not simply not reality.
So the next time something happens that could make it a really downer day or be a discouragement to you, try to see the lighter side of the situation. And have fun with it!
SECOND, an ebook.
Remember the best review reader letter I read from in the video? It was for my book, A Lasting Impression, the first novel in the Belmont Mansion series.
A Lasting Impression is a Kindle Monthly Deal for January. Yep, all month!
Incidentally, some years back when my daughter Kelsey and I were in the Netherlands promoting A Lasting Impression when it released there, readers were certain that was Kelsey on the cover. Granted, there IS a strong resemblance. : ) While we explained that it wasn’t her, they still wanted her picture with the book and her autograph too. And of course, if you know Kels, you know she played along! It was such a fun trip!
THIRD and lastly, a giveaway.
Two weeks ago in my post, I mentioned a sale on tear jars on a friend’s ministry site. As I shared then, in the biblical world, Jewish women used tear jars to store their tears in times of grief and lament. I love it that the Creator of the Universe chose a commonly known practice to communicate the depth of his love and compassion for us (Psalm 56:8). Especially when life brings bumps and bruises that can oftentimes hurt and discourage us.
Several of you wrote me saying that you tried to buy one. But that by the time you checked, they were all gone. Well guess what? I nabbed one and am giving it away on my website this month!
So if you’re interested in winning the tear jar, sign up today. Or if you know someone who could use this encouragement, sign up “for them” and then gift it when you win!
So, a video, an eBook, and a giveaway. All connected. Just like I’m SO grateful we are!
THANK YOU for being part of the Inspired by Life & Fiction Community, and blessings in this New Year!
From Nashville with love,
Tammy
I hope you had a great Christmas and New Years.
Were you able to get with family and friends? I hope so.
Here are some glimpses from ours..
Daughter Kels, son Kurt & his wife Kellie
Tamera Alexander
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Tamera, this post was such a blessing and so timely. I received a rejection yesterday from an agent who’d requested my manuscript. I’d had hope for an acceptance (of course). We’d connected and she seemed so excited over the premise.But, alas, she did not get drawn into the story as she’d hoped to do. She did give suggestions for improvement and detailed the parts she disliked which was kind and very helpful, so I’m thankful for that. But your reminder that it is an opinion and not a declaration of doom is a balm for my soul. Thank you!
LORD of Heaven’s Armies, we ask that you reveal your will for Rebecca’s writing, that in your perfect timing you open doors for her desire to glorify your Name through writing. Refresh her hope, Holy Spirit, and write upon her heart (as you have written upon mine time and again) that “Every ‘No’ along the way is really part of Your final YES! when Your perfect timing is reached.”
Thank you for sharing this today, Rebecca. I so appreciate your openness. And believe me when I say you’re in good company. I’ve faced many rejections in my writing career, and I’ve learned that the sun still rises. 🙂 Stay on the course! Live postured to hear God’s direction by keeping in his Word and know that I (and many more here) are praying for you. Much love, friend.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your prayers and will not give up. I know perseverance will pay off in perfect timing.
Perfect timing. I just binged The Belle Meade Plantation series over the Christmas chaos. Now I need to go review it on Goodreads. LOL. Thanks for the laugh on reviews.
Thanks for sharing a laugh with me today, Susan. And for reading and for those reviews! So appreciated, friend.
Oh good grief was my first thought! You are an excellent writer and one of my favorites! I think anonymous was having an off-day for sure. If they took the time to write the note and spend postage money the least they could have done is sign it. Oh well you definitely have the right attitude and I say, ‘keep writing, I will keep reading!’ Have a blessed day!
Exactly, Linda. Never let one person’s opinion hold you back. Run the race that God’s set before you and do not be deterred! Blessings to you! 🙂
Oh, Tammy, this made my day! Thanks for the great reminder. Our books will touch some, but not all. And that’s perfectly all right. Love you, friend! Happy New Year!
Thanks, Deb, for laughing with me then, and now! 😉 Happy New Year to you and Ken and your precious family (including your 1,789.8 grandchildren). : )
Oh, dear! I love how you’ve allowed that terrible letter grow into an award you share in your group! And an award on that book that birthed the negative feedback! And lots of fun and laughter as you encourage the writers in your life. Well done.
God is so good to lift our gaze and recenter it on Him, Angie. Where it should always (and will forever) be. Blessings to you!
I loved the Belmont Mansion series – all beautifully written!
Good use of the bad review. Sometimes when I read bad reviews of books I’ve read, I wonder how the person could be talking about the same book. I challenged a review once, but never again – such hate and vitriol was unleashed on me. I decided that those people have the right to be wrong and make fools of themselves.
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing, as always.
LOL, Betty. I love your reasoning on that. And yes to never challenging a review. Life is too short! Move on and keep spreading the Good News of Jesus. Blessings to you, friend.
Beautiful Pictures Thank You for sharing Happy New Year Tamera!
Thanks, Sarah, and to you too!
Thank you for sharing. I love your books and don’t understand how people can write unkind things. Blessings
Thanks, Lucy! Some people just can’t be as sweet as us, I guess. Hugs from Nashville, friend.
Happy New Year, sweet Tammy!
Well…I’m 3 days behind (LOL) but wanted to say how much I enjoy this post (including the “terribly wrong” video–HA!) and family photos! 🙂
I hope the year ahead holds special blessings for you and your dear family.
Hugs, Patti Jo