It's Friday afternoon and it is hot here in Portland. I'm feeling pleased with myself because I got a long-overdue pedicure and eyebrow waxing and I'm sitting here wondering why self care is so hard for me. Which leads me to ponder why it is also sometimes difficult for me to receive…as in receiving love, receiving gifts (I'm always embarrassed to open them in front of people), receiving praise.
And, um, that last part, praise, is what this post is really all about. You see, I had two great reviews get published this week and I wanted to share them with you.
What this is really about for me is that I want you to visit the sites of the women who wrote (and filmed) the reviews. Because they took time, first, to read my book, and second, to put together a review and post about it.
And I SO appreciate that.
The fact that both are glowing reviews is icing on the cake. Or, since Emma Jean says I shouldn't be using a cliche, an extra present in the pile. One more day of vacation. Another glass of wine. You get the idea.
So here you go:
I've known Samantha Gluck for a couple of years now and always appreciated reading her blog and tweeting with her. (She is known as @texascopywriter on Twitter) Samantha not only wrote a review, she filmed a video! It's hilarious, and anybody who has read the book will appreciate it. Please go and watch it here. It is worth your time, I promise!
I met Ionia Martin through sheer, dumb, luck when I cold-emailed her to ask if she'd be interested in reviewing my novel on her book review blog, Readful Things. I've had such bad results in asking reviewers for reviews, I was stunned when she replied–and was gracious and friendly to boot. She gave Emma Jean a 5 star review!
What I love about both these women is that, while both are huge readers, neither of them have much of a taste for women's fiction. I'm so, so grateful that they gave Emma Jean a chance!
Samantha Gluck
Pedicures are a wonderful way to relax from anything oppressive, including heat! ;-) I just had one myself. Love being pampered like that.
I think women like us often have a difficult time accepting what we perceive as “taking” in a negative sense because we’re driven to give…give hugs, give time, give talent, give patience, give encouragement. It seems almost selfish to take a little time for ourselves. I’m lucky that Dragonslayer (who I’ve told you reminds me of a big Hebrew version of Riley) absolutely insists that I take a breath and take some time for myself, whether it’s at the spa, at the CrossFit gym, or just reading at the park alone. I still resist it because, somehow, it just feels wrong. I’m getting better at it, though (sometimes).
I’m heading over to Ionia’s (love her name) site to check out her review. I’m so glad to have become friends with you, Charlotte, and to have discovered the vibrant spirit of Emma Jean! xo
Square-Peg Karen
I LOVE both of these reviews – and they are SO right: Emma Jean rocks! (I gag a bit on a lot of what’s called women’s fiction, but Emma Jean thrills me!). Still smiling over Samantha’s video – and I am now an Ionia Martin fan – thanks for pointing to them, Charlotte.
Charlotte Dixon
Oh Karen I'm so glad to have introduced you to both Samantha and Ionia, two of my faves!
Zan Marie
Wonderful reviews, Charlotte! I really loved Samantha’s video. ; )
BTW, I’m back after my modem died and the renovations are finally slowing down. Now to read a bit more of my blog roll and catch up with everyone. ; )
Charlotte Dixon
Yay! I'm so glad you are back! You have really been going through it lately. And I'm glad you liked the reviews and video.
Jessica Baverstock
That is a funny video.
Isn’t it interesting after you were told so many times that Emma Jean wasn’t likeable enough, there are women out there who have such a strong attachment to her. Looks like you know your stuff when it comes to character building. ;)
Charlotte Dixon
Well, thank you. I do find it funny that people are reacting so strongly to Emma Jean while agents told me they wouldn't!
Samantha Gluck
Wow, Charlotte, darling! Thank you so much mentioning my amateurish (at best) video review of Emma Jean’s Bad Behavior. Also, I really enjoyed Ionia’s review over at Readful Things (love the play of words there). I am so blessed to have met you and to call you friend.
You mention that you find it difficult to receive love, gifts, praise, etc. You pondered this as you sat in a much deserved spa chair getting a pedicure and brow wax. I got a sense of deja vu when I read it because I’ve had the very same musings when I finally treat myself to a full mani-pedi-brow-waxing treatment. Why is it that some of us feel guilty for taking that little bit of time for ourselves? Anyway, I’m getting better at doing it (sometimes) only because my husband insists that I go. At least, I’m protesting with less conviction. ;-)
xo
Charlotte Dixon
"Protesting with less conviction." I love that! I always have this idea that my husband is going to think the mani-pedi-waxing is frivolous, but he's always supportive, too. By the way, I've been trying to get him to go for a pedi for years, with no luck, so maybe men are worse at self care than we are. Or they are just freaked out by nail salons.