Authors responding to bad reviews - Don't do it!

I like to add new authors to my personal reading list. Just today, I was looking at some book reviews and saw that an author responded to an unfavorable one for his own book. This isn't the first time I've seen this. As a writer, it screams unprofessional. As a reader, it's a huge turn-off. All of us authors receive bad reviews now and then, but it's very unprofessional to post a response. Go hit a punching bag. Yell at your computer screen. Cry. Whatever. Just don't post a response. Period. Trust me on this. You'll thank me later.

Meniere's Disease clinical trial

I received an email about a Meniere's Disease clinical trial and was asked to share this information with my followers. They're looking for unilateral (one affected ear) patients. Unfortunately, I'm bilateral so I don't qualify for this one. You can read all about the study here:

http://menieresdiseasestudy.com/50.htm

Construction zone

It's been very difficult to work in a construction zone but I'm plugging away at my next novel. If my characters suddenly build an extra bathroom onto their house, readers will know why. In fact, I'm tempted to write an entire novel that takes place at a construction zone. Maybe magically enchanted hammers. Or ladders that fly. Um, I really need the guys to finish before I totally lose it.

Writers inspiring writers.

This week, I received a touching message from a reader who said my work has inspired her to take up her own writing again, after many years away from it. A few years ago, a close friend and two acquaintances pursued publication and are doing very well right now. They said it was because I inspired them to keep at it.

I'm not sure I can take credit for their success, since they already had an interest in writing before they met me, but it's nice to know that maybe I gave them a little extra nudge in that direction. I can honestly say that I've been motivated throughout the years by many writers, so it feels great to think I can pay it forward through my own work and help others reach their goals. =D

Dana's free May 2014 newsletter

Dana's free May 2014 newsletter is available at

http://www.danadaviswriting.com/Monthly%20Newsletter.htm