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This morning I woke up, feeling down in the dumps: my marriage broke up recently; I am about to move homes, as we had to sell our matrimonial home; in the next few months, I will be facing a legal battle with the ex... well, you get the picture.

I was feeling sorry for myself and wondering why life has to be so difficult at times. Anyway, I made myself a coffee (coffee always helps to hold misery at bay, especially if you're a writer. LOL), and then I switched on my computer to check my emails, and I found this lovely, wonderful message from an author who apparently read my book "The Soul Bearers". This was not a "giveaway" copy or a solicited review at all; this came from the reader's own experience after she read my book (which I assume she must have purchased). The double bonus is that she's an author herself--and I know that we authors make the hardest critics. Therefore, I am honoured, thrilled and grateful to have received this review. It certainly made my day--and made the last 13 years that I spent working on this novel worth every minute of it (yes, it took that long because I went crazy with drafts and edits and more edits. Hehehehe).

So here is what author, Gloria Antypowic, had to say:

"Sylvia--I just finished "The Soul Bearers" last night. This book really touched my heart--and I want to hug you. It truly is "a story about great human courage and unconditional love in the face of adversity". It is controversial subject matter, but real life for many in this world. I think this is one of those stories that needs to be read. It is a wonderful book that should make people think about how circumstance, judgement, betrayal, deep friendship and unconditional love and great human courage can affect lives. I have a wonderful daughter-in-law who I am going to buy this book in paperback for; she will feel the same way I do about it and she will share it with many. I did leave a review on Amazon for your book. Thank you for your work."

When a writer gets wonderful feedback like this, it certainly makes the months or years we spend toiling over a book worth every second.

I wrote back to Gloria, and informed her that The Soul Bearers is not out in paperback format yet, but if her daughter-in-law wants to read it, I'll be happy to give her a complimentary copy through Smashwords and she can download it to her computer, if she doesn't have an e-reader.

Well, thanks to Gloria, I am now going to have a wonderful day! :-)
 

 


Comments

10/21/2011 18:01

I certainly did buy your ebook. Sorry to hear about the trials in your life--divorce is never pleasant. Betrayal is heart breaking. Wonderfully though, deep inside each of us is a strength we find when we must--or someone comes into our lives to help us make it through--or both-just like in "The Soul Bearers." My daughter- in-law, Loni is not much of a computer gal and she isn't an e-reader. But if you would send me a PDF file that I could print off for her that , I know she would love it

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10/21/2011 18:32

Thank you, Gloria. I will generate a Smashwords coupon for your daughter and you can download it as PDF and print it for her. I hope she enjoys reading it, too :-)

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10/22/2011 04:07

Hello my dearest Sylvia. I think this is a wonderful review. I agree that a review like this really is special coming from a fellow author. I can also relate. My first novel was a very long time in coming to fruition as well. Godspeed and many thanks for sharing. DJ Humphrey

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10/22/2011 15:31

Hi DJ,

I've had some wonderful reviews from fellow authors, but of course most of the time we give a complimentary copy to our colleagues and hope for the best. Of course, I always hope my fellow colleagues give me frank feedback on what they read, so don't get me wrong. I appreciate their feedback all the time; and to date, it's been frank and honest.

But when an author buys our book, doesn't tell us about it, and then leaves a glowing review; then, we can enjoy the pride and joy that we get from someone who was not solicited by us to review the book.

I've also been fortunate enough to get this from readers. I had a lady from the UK who read my book "Like Casablanca", and she loved it so much that she not only posted a review in UK Amazon, but also US Amazon. I was tickled pink!

Another reader, who posted as "anonymous", so I don't know who it was, left a fantastic review for me on Barnes&Noble about The Other Boyfriend.

Anyway, as writers, I guess we live for moments like these; just as actors live for acclaim from critics, and the ultimate: The Academy Award.

Sorry to waffle on. I just love being creative! :-)

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