Anne Rice's Position on Reviews

[raingriffin]

Seldom do I really answer those who criticize my work. In fact, the entire development of my career has been fueled by my ability to ignore denigrating and trivializing criticism as I realize my dreams and my goals. However there is something compelling about Amazon's willingness to publish just about anything, and the sheer outrageous stupidity of

Comments

[arcee8]

What book is this that is being slandered? I'm not fond of her work as well, in fact, I find her writing to be very boring.

But I feel that yes, while this is completely in her right, it is a little juvenile and beneath her as a very well-known published author to write a response on the Internet to some one who doesn't like her work. I'd have to see what they posted though...it could have been warranted.

[raingriffin]

Blood Canticle

Above, along with the reviews. From what I've read, most of the ones who disagreed with her with certain points were literate and thoughtful. There was the occasional slanderer, but not enough to warrant an attack like this. Perhaps, one per page of about three hundred comments? Most of whom enjoyed her book?

I mean, I don't think of her being childish as responding to this, but her childishness was responding in such a manner like this - kind of like the authors who write a chapter in their fanfiction blasting pretty much anyone who disagrees with them, instead of responding to each query individually or perhaps questioning why they thought this way. I love authors who ask why to their reviewers. It also picks out the good reviewers from the bad - the ones that can respond clearly and thoughtfully are the best.

[smirnoffmule]

Yeah, I was reminded of a whiny ficcer too. If people are accusing the work of doing being her own, I think she has a right to answer, but the rest of it really smacked of "OMG you guys are so mean! I don't want mean people reading my stuff anyway!" And basically that she doesn't care about anyone except for the people who say wonderful things about her. It does come off as really arrogant. A published author ought to be better at sucking up criticism than that, and God knows Anne Rice should have had enough practise ;p

[smirnoffmule]

Uh, that should read "if people are accusing the work of *not* being her own. I write English good.

[raingriffin]

It didn't just smack of it. Look closer - she actually said it.

"There are readers out there and plenty of them who cherish the individuality of each of the chronicles which you so flippantly condemn. They can and do talk circles around you."

[raingriffin]

For example, why didn't she just say;

"I respect your opinions, but I would like to ask why you think this way. We may have to agree to disagree, but I respect your right to review and post your opinions on the book."

[jigglypuff]

I second that. If I was a writer, I would enjoy being criticised -- it would give me a foundation upon which to improve. I think she has an attitude towards writing, though... you know, like a Suethor defending themselves.

[jigglypuff]

Oh, and it was indeed very childish. No matter what the reviewer said, she should not have attacked them. It gives her a bad image, especially for an old lady.

[raingriffin]

Exactly! I mean, criticism is good. Of course, flaming is not, but questioning the reviewers tends to eliminate the flamers. There were a few reviewers who attacked her personally, but most fanfiction writers have read worse in their reviews.

[jigglypuff]

Exactly, and most of them are mature enough to rise above it.

[raingriffin]

Which brings up the question of how an author of twenty five bestsellers can be so immature. The Suethors have infiltrated the published word!

I'm going to read her books, out of curiosity. I'm not actually going to buy them - I work at a public library nearby and I'll crack one open tomorrow.