Happy New Year’s Eve!
I told myself I would stay off my computer this entire holiday week but I’m breaking that promise. I started to draft a fun TikTok video about how I handle negative Amazon reviews of my new novel. Let’s be real— we ALL get negative feedback about something important to us at some point in our lives—but we can’t let it get to us or hold us back.
Here’s what I do:
Get upset (duh)
Question my purpose and passion (obvi!)
Consider never writing another book (going a little too far?)
Realizing that is ridiculous—even my favorite authors have unfavorable reviews! I’ll go on their pages to read them and prove it to myself. Instant uplift!
Go back to my “bad” review and pull one good quote or something positive from it.
Turn that quote into a social media graphic and post it.
Move on! Remember that my writing isn’t for everyone and I’m writing for a specific audience of closed door readers so if one person doesn’t like it, that’s OK. I don’t love every book I read either (but I also don’t post a bad review to crush an author’s heart!)
Keep going! Read 5-star reviews, messages from people who LOVED my book and can’t wait for the next one. Start planning book #2 in the series.
Share this on your socials if you can relate!
5 Fun Facts
I’ve been reading holiday romance novels. My recent favorite is Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey. It’s the first book I read by this author but I just put all her other books on hold at my library. I really like her writing style.
Last night I watched Christmas With You. I haven’t seen Freddie Prinze Jr. on screen in a while and thought, “gosh he looks old now!” Then I realized he is not too much older than me! #aging Speaking of aging, more women need to talk about perimenopause. Anyone out there in this world with me?! It seems like every issue I have is SOMEHOW connected to perimenopause. But we can talk more about that at another time!
My husband and I recently traveled to Atlanta to see my favorite band, Marvelous 3, reunite to celebrate 25 years of Hey! Album. It was our first kid-free trip and I’m not sure I’ll ever leave the kids for a few days again until they are way older and don’t want to call me on their watches crying every two minutues. BUT I’m so glad I got the courage to go! It’s also crazy to think that I’ve loved Butch Walker and this band for 25 years and now my favorite frontman has gray hair. Do I seem like I talk about aging a lot now? I’m definately having a moment accepting that I am (blessed!) almost in my mid-40s (LOL). Here is something Butch told me many years ago during one of our interviews when I had my music ‘zine and TV show. It’s always stuck with me and inspired me. Share if it inspires you and tag me!
I joined a pool and took my first water aerobics class. Just me and the 60-80 year-old women! But I don’t care because it was fun and a workout I actually like. Also, it’s way harder than you think!
Working on my January stories for pets and parenting topics. Send ideas my way and pitch me at joelle@joellesperanza.com with SUBSTACK in the subject line!
We’ve all fantasized about dating our favorite boy band member and for one young divorced woman, that teenage dream comes true—but is falling in love with the “bad boy” whose posters lined her bedroom walls and now needs her to redeem his reputation worth the consequences?
The Comeback Tour is the romance novel for boy band fans and is filled with hidden references to boy bands and songs you know and love.
Check out what others are saying and get The Comeback Tour on Amazon.
This is the first novel in the Trash the Dress fiction series, where women chase their dreams post-divorce and find their happily EVEN after.
If you represent an influencer who loves boy bands, romance novels, or was divorced in their 20s, and is interested in reading my book in exchange for a social post and Amazon review, please reach out!
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and happy year ahead!
Always grateful,
Joelle
Blog and Books: www.joellesperanza.com
Instagram: @thejoellesperanza, @trashthedressbook @thecomebacktourbook
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