Remember how I left my debit card in the ATM on the way to the airport on Wednesday? I called the bank from PDX and they immediately canceled that card and started processing the other. We got back into town late Sunday night–after giving Chip MacGregor a lift home. 🙂 Monday afternoon’s mail held the new card.
Great timing as we had run out of toilet paper and if I couldn’t go shopping, it would not have been pleasant.
Speaking of pleasant …
Remember when I, with blushing cheeks, pointed you to my three-star review on amazon? Well, I followed the reviewer’s online trail to her website and left a comment on her blog thanking her for taking the time to read and review and that I thought we’d taken care of the logic lapse, but I’d have to reread my copy to be sure.
There is an iron clad rule in publishing and it is this: NEVER shove your proposal in front of an agent’s face when he’s standing at the urinal. Especially if you’re a woman.
A lesser known but more practical rule is this: NEVER contact a reviewer about a “bad” review.
Really, though it received a low ranking, Debbie didn’t give me a bad review. Also, I reasoned, I left comments everywhere else when people discussed my book. Why shouldn’t I with a not-as-positive one?
Harry Kraus had said in his devotion on the first day of ACFW that the world does not need more “righteous” Christians, but more honest ones.
I could only leave a comment thanking her if I was honestly thankful. So I prayed until I was at a point where that was true. Do I wish I had only 5-star reviews? Sure. But her lower ranking legitimizes the others by showing I’m not “rigging” the reviews. Plus, I had been waiting for a lower one, so she did me a favor by ending the wait. 🙂
Anyway, she and I back-and-forthed over email a bit and she left the following statement on her blog:
- I hereby state that Christina Berry is an awesome, gracious person. She sent me a nice e-mail which pointed how she had indirectly dealt with the “major spoiler” logic problem I pointed out in my review. I’ll state again that I agree what she had in the novel would probably satisfy most people. 🙂
Isn’t that cool? I think I might have made a new online friend in an unlikely situation!
Today’s tour takes us to the highly popular Word Vessel blog, hosted by Cathy Bryant. She has a new twist on the 3 x 5 note card plotting method.
Bette Bantz posted a review of The Familiar Stranger, as well. Â
That’s very cool. I always think it’s wise to thank someone, esp. if they’re just being honest with an opinion. Go you!
Also, congrats on getting your card in the mail so soon. What a relief. 🙂
Hi Christina –
What a relief the bank took care of your debit card problem so quickly! I’m sure they made big points with you and with those who heard about their customer service.
I’m glad all went well with the 3-star reviewer. She found out what we all know – you’re a classy lady. 🙂
Blessings,
Susan
that is way, way cool. I’m glad you were able to connect with someone that way!
My bookstore called yesterday and said your book is in, but they’re closing until Monday. I’m disappointed! I’ll buy it on Monday.
You won a blog award on my blog. FYI.
Hi there, I’m getting ready to read your book, but between work and writing again I’ve been too busy. But, I want to say thank you so much for the mention in the book (Barbara told me?. I am truly honored. Again, thanks. Also, I have an all employee meeting next Wednesday that I forgot was planned so I will not be able to be at the book signing; I’m so sorry.
It was a little nerve-wracking to head to conference with the one credit card I have left to my name after the divorce. I mean, with the roll I was on, what if I lost it too?? 🙂
Tamara, thanks for the award. I’ll come check it out right now … and sorry it took me so long to get to this.
Ernie, we’ll miss you!
It is rather interesting for me to read the article. Thank you for it. I like such themes and everything connected to them. I would like to read more on that blog soon.