Releasing the first book in a new series gives one a new perspective on things. While I confess I don't get to read all my reviews, I did so as soon as the ARCS of Death on Dickens Island were released. I breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving some wonderful reviews from names I recognized. These were reviewers and readers who loved my previous books. They "got" me. I was happy that they liked the setting of Dickens Island and its residents as they ventured out on adventures amid murder and mayhem.
However, a few reviews included a different type of comment. "There's too much involving interpersonal relationships." Well, yeah, I thought. One of my main writerly themes is exploring my characters' relationships with one another. Someone else wrote "Every character has a problem." Sure, every character has an issue he or she needs to resolve. Other comments reflected that since Death on Dickens Island was the first book in the series, it was understandable that the author took the time to present the characters in their setting. After all, starting a new series means creating a new fictional world for both writer and reader.
Why should everyone love our books? is a question I think a first-time published author needs to keep in mind. After all, we, the reading public have varied tastes. What I find hilarious, someone might find silly. I've read some popular books and wondered how they ever made The New York Times Best Sellers list. But obviously enough readers had enjoyed them and joined the word of mouth band wagon that put them there.
I don't expect to become a household name, but I'm more than content that a number of readers love my books. They write to tell me so and post wonderful reviews. This spurs me on to continue writing, despite sometimes thinking I can never write another book. But that's a discussion for another day.
