My first reaction ran along the lines of conspiracy theory. Who put this person up to writing such a mean, hateful review? This is a book, not some political campaign. Was it someone in the top twenty of romantic suspense trying to knock me out? Or perhaps an old critique partner who deleted my email attempt at patching up an argument because she was angry with me? (I think she still is. Great minds sometimes disagree.)

A consistent reader would never  write such spiteful, horrible things . . . would they? I mean, why? Seriously. I read books all the time (print published included) that leave me wondering what the author was thinking when they wrote the darned thing. And curious about whether anyone edited it.  Even when I was a regular reviewer for a popular site, I never gave anyone a one star simply because they completed a project about which many people boast “I can write better than that” but never do. It’s a major feat to write a full blown novel of 60k+  words. Not just for me but for any writer. I think the fact someone completed such a task is worthy of at least two stars, no matter how bad it is.

Nevertheless, I appreciate the time and effort this reader took to write their review. Even though it’s blatantly stated they’ve not completed the book but felt they “had to” so it could be deleted from their Kindle, I am amazed my written words generated  such repulsion. (Note to reader: I’ve deleted unfinished books without guilt.) This reader stopped in the middle of their day to ensure others did not fall for prey to the “hype”. I guess the hype is the other reviewers who ALL gave it five stars. Contrary to popular belief, I have no idea who these people are. I did not solicit reviews. I did not solicit the private emails assuring me Blood Storm was a great delight. I’m the kind of person who just puts her work out there and lets the public decide whether it’s good or bad.

That being said, I’m still kinda stoked about the fact this anti-fan found my story so “torturous”, they were compelled to write such scathing comments. I mean, how cool is that? To be able to evoke reaction, love or hate, is a  power trip. I would rather have ten reviews on opposite ends of the spectrum than the same number in three star reviews. (Okay, admittedly I would prefer the majority to be on the 5 star side.) Why? Because I created action. Positive, negative…it doesn’t matter. There is power in words and I created a maelstrom of emotion.

So thank you, anonymous reader, whoever you are. You truly made my day. I don’t think my book is as bad as you seem to believe, but it’s all good. I wish you Karma and may all your actions return tenfold with residual blessings.

In other news, and memorable phenomena, I will be releasing my sexy urban paranormal, The Gatekeeper, on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps my number one hater would like to present it to their ex with a bouquet of black roses. Black roses and a sick paranormal. Hate doesn’t get much better than that.

And just in case the book and roses don’t transmit the message, include a bottle of Coconut Water, which my husband assures me tastes like camel piss. I’ve declined to personally test his assessment but he seems like a pretty up front guy who wouldn’t pull my leg. Who knows? Love is blind. And without taste.

Blogging at Rix Cafe Texican about the ups and downs of Indie publishing. Stop by!

Deborah Riley-Magnus, Writeaholic.