Tremendous news and why it makes me nervous

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Michelle Garren-Flye

It seems like my whole life I’ve been writing stuff hoping somebody would pay attention. That’s what we writers do, no matter what we say we’re doing. We write because we have words inside us that need to get out (writing is kind of like belching), but we publish because we want people to pay attention, to give us feedback, to read those all-important words that are, after all, a part of us.

This is why I don’t want to review. Reviews can hurt. As an editor, I read a lot of stuff that just made me want to fall down on the ground and cry, “Why? Why do you think you can string two words together in a coherent fashion? Seriously?” I never did that. I sent rejections that were as kind as possible. If all else failed, I fell back on form rejections, even though I hated to. I never enjoyed the selection process, and I often felt that it sucked a little of my own writing verve away from me with each rejection I sent.

I’ve gotten as far away from that as possible. I limit my editing to proofreading and editing after selections are made. That’s usually fun and writing life affirming. In helping other writers fine-tune their work, I often learn a little something that helps me along the writing path.

What does all this have to do with awesome news that makes me nervous? Well, although I don’t review, I have tremendous respect for those who do stick their necks out there. Some in particular. I recently approached a few of my favorite reviewers to ask for a favor: review my newest book. The very first of the reviewers I approached was Sarah of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. I have read a number of the reviews on this site, and let me tell you, these chicks are not easy to please. I figured if I could get even a C grade on this website, it would be worth bragging about. Hell, if I could just get reviewed it would be neat.

Well, I’m not reviewed yet, but today my editor tweeted me with this link: 3 Must-Read Summer Romances, written by none other than Sarah and listing my book on her “Can’t Wait to Read list”. Sarah says in the article, “While usually nebby townspeople bug me, I’m so curious about this book because of the newcomer vs. longtime resident dynamic, and the way in which the characters struggle with the way other people see them.”

I’m fighting the self-doubt. Are my townspeople intriguing enough and did I address the issues Sarah mentions in a cogent enough way for her to love my story?

The truth is, I know there is no way to answer that. I mentioned earlier that I got one two-star review on Goodreads. That bothered me for about ten seconds, and then I realized, I can’t help the way somebody else reads my book. I can’t help the way it makes them feel, and anyway, aren’t I supposed to have thicker skin than this by now?

To be honest, I don’t know how I’ll feel if a reviewer I really respect comes out and says they don’t like my book. It probably won’t be easy. Which is why I don’t review (and why my Goodreads page is a wasteland). And why I respect the people who do. If it’s tough for me as a writer to get a bad review, I think it’s probably ten times harder for a reviewer to give one. I’m certain the really good reviewers out there put a lot of thought into their reviews, and I respect that.

All I can say right now is, it’s gratifying to be listed as a “must read” by such a reviewer, and I’ll keep you posted if Sarah does review WHERE THE HEART LIES.

Crystal Reads gives Where the Heart Lies 4.5 stars!

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Michelle Garren-Flye

Every day I get more and more nervous about the release of Where the Heart Lies. Every book I put out there is important to me in some way. I’ve gotten seven advance reviews on Goodreads so far, all ranging from 2 stars (only one of those, thank goodness!) to 5 stars. Which just goes to show it really is subjective. But at least I know people are reading and reacting to it. That’s better than being ignored!

Speaking of which, the fabulous Crystal of Crystal Reads has just given my book 4.5 stars. Here’s my favorite quote from the review: “I really enjoyed this book!!!” Seriously, that’s what I want to hear. That’s what’s important from every one of my reviews, although I definitely appreciate the in-depth critiques, as well. It’s very, very interesting to find out what people think about my characters and the situations they’re in. But to elicit such heart-felt praise as Crystal gave Where the Heart Lies can only make me smile.

If you’d like to read the whole review, you can find it here: Crystal Reads Reviews Where the Heart Lies. While you’re there, have a look at some of Crystal’s other reads!

Release day approaches and the return of HONEOWP

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Michelle Garren-Flye

Hi everybody. I’ve been struggling some with my writing since summer began. I think I’m just going to take a breathing moment and spend the summer with my kids. I know the writing bug will strike again, but until then I’m just going to relax, work on finishing up a couple of manuscripts and marketing my upcoming releases. I have two that I can lay claim to. Of course, you know about WHERE THE HEART LIES by Carina Press, but there’s also the Turquoise Press anthology FOREIGN AFFAIRS, which I’m thrilled to say includes my short story “Agapi Mou” (translation: “My Love” in Greek). FOREIGN AFFAIRS will be out sometime this fall, and as soon as I have a cover and a release date, I’ll let you know.

With these upcoming releases, I have decided it’s time to revive HONEOWP. If you remember, I began HONEOWP as a way of doing something good with my writing. I’d love to think that my writing somehow makes a positive difference in the world, but I have no illusions. I don’t really write change-the-world type stuff. So I decided to donate my royalties for a year to charity. During the course of that year, I managed to donate over $300 to charity (which doesn’t say much for my book sales). I also wore myself out researching charities and keeping up with posts about how much was donated to which charity. Not that I minded, but toward the end, it felt like it was slowing my writing down a bit.

So I’m simplifying things this time around. I’ve chosen one charity, No Kid Hungry. However, once again I’m inviting all other writers, novelists, editors and bloggers to join me in the effort. If you’d like to join up, send me your information and I’ll add it to my HONEOWP role call. You don’t have to pledge all your royalties, and you don’t have to even tell me how much you’re donating. Just post about HONEOWP and the charity of your choice on your own blog/Facebook/Twitter. I’ll blog about you and your charity and your books (if you have any) on BREATHE. If I have time (which I probably will), I’ll send you a few questions about you and your charity of choice.

So welcome back, HONEOWP, and don’t forget to join me right here on July 16 for my release day celebration!

Second Review of Where the Heart Lies: Lori’s Book Blog

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Michelle Garren-Flye

Lori’s Book Blog just reviewed Where the Heart Lies, and I’m thrilled to say she liked it! In fact, Lori said, in part, “It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that sucked me in as quickly and as deeply as Where the Heart Lies did and I have to say that I look forward to reading more by Michelle… especially if her other books are half as good as this one. I love books where I can connect with characters and I definitely connected with these characters to the point where I was sad to see their story come to end.” To read the entire review, click here: Lori’s Book Blog: Where the Heart Lies Review.

Thank you to Lori for taking the time to read and review Where the Heart Lies!

Punchbuggy/Slugbug Rules

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Michelle Garren-Flye

1. Punchbuggy/Slugbug points are awarded when a participant spots a punchbuggy/slugbug (also know as “Volkswagen Beetles” or, less commonly, “dragon’s beetles”) and shouts “punchbuggy” or “slugbug”. Since “slugbug” is faster and easier to say, a participant who shouts “slugbug” will often win the point over one who shouts “punchbuggy”, even if both participants begin the call at the same moment.
1a. It is acceptable to split a point in the case of a tie.
1b. Often, Punchbuggy/Slugbug participants accompany their shouts with punches or slugs. It is best to decide ahead of time if all participants are amenable to this.

2. A Punchbuggy/Slugbug game lasts as long as a trip to your ultimate destination. If you stop on the way to the destination, the game is still in effect. Therefore, a trip to the grocery store actually lasts as long as the trip to the store and back home since home is your ultimate destination. However, a six-hour trip to the beach ends at the beach. The trip home from the beach is a separate trip.

3. Some punchbuggies/slugbugs are worth more than one point. For instance, old slugbugs (Type 1, produced 2003 or before) are always worth two points). Old slugbugs being used in displays located more than ten feet off the ground are worth two points, even if only half the slugbug is used. New Beetles are only worth one point, unless decorated with peace signs or flowers. Beetles produced in 2012 or later are only worth half a point. However, any slugbug painted like a pumpkin or yellow smiley face is worth two points. Additional points may be awarded for old slugbugs with rusted holes, any slugbug painted like Herbie, or any slugbug which obviously reflects the owner’s attempt to display his/her individuality.

4. Stationary slugbugs are still fair game. Therefore, if you pass a slugbug in the same parking lot every day, it may still be called. However, no slugbug may be called more than once per trip, even by a different participant.

5. A Punchbuggy/Slugbug game lasts until a participant reaches ten points. At that time, the game is called and/or a new game begins.

6. Point disputes will be settled by the driver. The driver’s decision is final, even if the driver is a participant. (Drivers almost never win since they need to keep their eyes on the road and can’t be constantly looking for slugbugs.)

7. Participants may “give” a slugbug to another participant. This is especially true for the driver for the reasons stated in rule #6. Participants may give all or part of the slugbug at their discretion.

8. Winners are allowed to gloat since all a winner gets from the game is bragging rights. However, losers are not allowed to whine. Ever.

Booked Up Reviews interviews me!

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Michelle Garren-Flye

Recently, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Booked Up Reviews, the one website that has reviewed all four of my books. Unforeseen website difficulties delayed the posting of my interview, but I’m happy to say Booked Up is back on track now. You can find the interview here: Booked Up Reviews interviews me! Among the items we touched on include how I manage to write and be a mom, Where the Heart Lies, and how I research my books.