First reviews are in and I can breathe out!

Reviews are starting to dribble in thanks to early readers. Putting your creative work out into the world and having it critiqued is daunting. Part of the deal, but a little scary all the same.

I have been warned by other authors, my agent, my publisher and my publicist to AVOID READING REVIEWS because ultimately these are for readers, not writers.

But who has the willpower for that?

I've only peeked into Goodreads once (I promise!) and thankfully, I haven't had too many shockers just yet. I know they will come, because it is impossible to create something that everybody will love. And that is the beauty of the arts. The diversity and the scope means there is something out there for everyone.

Still, it was nice to read these 5-star reviews and reassure myself that there is a readership for my story. Thanks to Cassie Hamer and Jodi Gibson for their early reviews.

How do you deal with feedback—positive and negative—on your work?