Self-published authors have the option of who, what, when and where. But
when
readers voice a concern what do we do? Myself, I listen, and then make my
decision.
When GIRL
SPOKEN FOR came to life, I knew there would be some subject matter that
might draw criticism, such as when Tatum is sexually assaulted. As the
author I
kept in mind, “It’s not how it happens, it’s that it does happen.”
That’s the chance I felt I had to take with GIRL SPOKEN
FOR.
Not one ounce of GIRL SPOKEN FOR was for shock value, not one. However, I
did consider putting a disclaimer on the book, but opted not to.
The “negative” (if you want to call it that) feedback I got, that wasn’t
expected, was my blurb giving more of an impression this was a “mob” story.
Yes, there is a mob family, but this story is about Tatum’s life.
That doesn’t mean I do not aim to please. So, with the reader frustration on
my
hands, my publicist and I decided to change the blurb for GIRL SPOKEN
FOR. The truth be said, I never liked the original blurb on the book
anyway. There ya go.
But in book #2, GIRL DIVIDED TWO, I wanted to show those readers that I
listened. What I added was Zach’s POV. In doing so, you will be “in the
family.” Hear conversations with the Don who controls the Bertano’s. Hope
you
like it, because I found him the hardest to write. How does a mother of two,
in
a middle class family from St. Louis know what’s in the head of a Don from
Bologna, Italy? I’ll tell ya … a lot of Pino Grigio and testosterone!
So, to sum it up in a manicotti shell … I try to accommodate any and all
criticism I can without compromising my novel.
In my defense … Tatum and Zach made me do it!!
GIVEAWAY
Does controversy make you want to read a book? Share your thoughts below,
and Suzie is offering three winners an eBook copy of GIRL SPOKEN
FOR, book #1 in her Spoken For series.
Suzie T. Roos is from, and has settled in, St. Louis with her
husband,
two children and a number of foster pets at any given time.
She and her husband have lived everywhere from Philadelphia, PA to out West
in
Santa Monica, CA. They’re thankful they could expose their children to
different American lifestyles and cultures.
Besides writing, Suzie’s hobbies include movies, traveling, and especially
concert going with her husband and friends.
She’s always been an animal lover and animal rights advocate. She is
certified
by FEMA in IS-00011.a Animal in Disasters: Community Planning. She’s also an
active volunteer at the Humane Society of Missouri.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Goodreads
Life was supposed to get easier…
At least that’s what Tatum had hoped. New school year, great boyfriend…and
things with her and Zach were supposed to be wonderful. Fairy tale
wonderful.
They aren’t.
Zach’s overbearing family controls his every move—and worse, they want to
control Tatum. Now Zach is pressuring her to ‘speak for him’, which means
she’ll not only be committed to him but also his mob family. Where’s the guy
she fell in love with? To make matters worse, her friends introduce her to
Nigel, the new guy who is more tempting than Tatum wishes.
So which will Tatum give in to…coercion or temptation?
Read an
Excerpt
not really i like reading and what i do it read as i do thing with the computer and then i like the thought of having to figure the books out and then in the 2 or on that is the fun comes in i state as i do reviews on amazon bn and twtter fb and other place that i read it and recived the book as gift
(Desiree Reilly 1:01pm September 30, 2015)
It depends on the controversy. There is a vast difference between something like WWII and domestic abuse!
(Don Burkhead 2:12pm September 30, 2015)
It depends on the topic. I may have never read Harry Potter if it wasn't for seeing news stories where the book was being banned and even burned. I couldn't fathom why a children's book would get such a reaction so I had to read it myself. I loved it. On the other hand years ago I came across a discussion on a book with two siblings in a consensual incestuous relationship as the main characters. Some people were outraged. I wasn't outraged. Author can write what they want. I don't have to read it and in that case I didn't and never will. ICK.
(Kerry Shaw 2:55pm September 30, 2015)
I love the covers on these. I can only imagine how frustrating negative feedback can be but I think it's great you took it in stride and made something positive from it!
(Jennifer McKinney 2:32pm October 1, 2015)
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