tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486982825443227235.post819785334962776882..comments2023-05-31T00:35:29.027-07:00Comments on Word Affair: Wednesday Women: The Girls et al. by Sunny AlexanderBarbara Winkeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795363728054352174noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486982825443227235.post-81115898734384286762015-03-12T07:49:51.651-07:002015-03-12T07:49:51.651-07:00I have received a variety of reviews ranging from ...I have received a variety of reviews ranging from glowing, to "I wish there was a rating less than one star." I think I learned more from that one-star review than all the others. That review is what led me to write my initial response (sometimes, a great dislike still means that the reader has been impacted.). I was somewhat shocked when I first read the review, but after reading it several times I felt that something in the book had hit the core of the reviewer. I'm purposely not being more specific, because I also respect the anonymity of the reviewers. <br /><br />I would like to share this experience I had prior to publishing my first novel.<br /><br />Early into the process of writing Flowers, I submitted a sample for review and feedback. The reviewer was beyond harsh and tore the book and my writing style to shreds. I felt depressed and put the book in the bottom of my desk drawer... for about a month. During that time—after a bucket of tears— I thought what is it I need to change? What can I learn from this experience? I took the review out and read it line-by-line trying to turn what felt like lemons into lemonade. That became my journey in writing what must have been 20 first drafts. <br /><br />Long answer to your question, yes? Here's the short answer, not only about writing, but the way I try to live my life: as long as I am breathing in and out, I won't give up. <br /><br />Thanks for clarifying your question. It made me think about that incident. As much as it stung, I do believe it made me a better writer. <br />Sunnyhttp://www.sunnyalexander.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486982825443227235.post-81511794047606205802015-03-11T09:54:52.224-07:002015-03-11T09:54:52.224-07:00Hi Louise, thanks for your questions.
My inspirat...Hi Louise, thanks for your questions.<br /><br />My inspiration often comes during my morning walks when I am entering a semi-meditative state. It could be around a social injustice or just something I am very curious about. It may come from a current situation or one that I have experienced through my many years as a psychotherapist. <br /><br />In Flowers from Iraq, it was about PTSD and child abuse. In The Girls, it was the right to marry as well as spousal abuse. Claire's Song was a little different, I kept thinking about the secrets people keep... so often filled with shame that the secret prevents them from entering a place of true intimacy. <br /><br />That's how a novel begins with a troubling thought that sticks around. Then, I begin to see scenes and characters and the story evolves.<br /><br />I was taken with your second question. My reaction to a reader’s feelings about my books is one of interest and curiosity. The word "likes" can mean so many different things. Does the reader not like the style or is it the subject matter? Sometimes, a great dislike still means that the reader has been impacted. I am always open to hearing more about a reader’s reactions to my books. And as an author, more than anything, that's is my goal in writing. <br />Sunnyhttp://www.sunnyalexander.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7486982825443227235.post-55228467063094332052015-03-11T07:26:14.496-07:002015-03-11T07:26:14.496-07:00Welcome Sunny
Where do you get your inspirations ...Welcome Sunny<br /><br />Where do you get your inspirations for your books?<br />What is your reaction if someone likes one of your books, and than don't like another book ?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184249047097687560noreply@blogger.com