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WRITING AND READING
Recently I attended an online workshop where a well-known author introduced the concept of generosity: the reciprocal generosity of writer and reader. The previous week, my awareness of such a “contract” was sparked by an indie author’s post on Instagram: She asked, “Do you give fellow indie authors one- or two-star ratings? Should you give indie authors poor ratings?” This author had realized that after posting a negative review she did not feel at peace, even though her rating was honest. But letting an author know how much she disliked the work left her feeling badly. She decided that in the future she would simply omit a rating or review if she didn’t enjoy the story.
Many people agreed with her decision, while some did not. Those who disagreed wrote that they found it helpful to read what others liked or disliked. One indie author commented that they enjoy critiquing books, so an author knows what to fix . . . I am fervently hoping that this author does not read my books. To me it seems ungenerous to insist on leaving unsolicited advice or critique. If I did not enjoy a book, does it mean another person won’t? Our opinions are subjective, and our opinions change. Who am I to say what works in a book or doesn’t?
Back in the day strict gatekeepers in the world of publishing decided what went to…
