by: Staci Stallings
First, I was a student back in the day, and back then, I got a variety of grades. Most of my grades were in the A-range—90 and above. Not all. Just most.
While my grades were 90 and above, I was still often disappointed when they weren’t a 100%. And if I didn’t get a 100, I knew two things—one, I should have worked or studied harder, and two, the 90 or above grade would average out high enough that I would be okay. It worked. I eventually graduated at the top of my class.
Fast-forward a few years and I became a teacher. For many of my students, they were not interested in getting grades at the 90-or-above level. They were simply interested in passing (70%) or passing high enough to play sports (75%). This drove me a little nuts because, honestly, I knew most of them were capable of much higher levels of work, but they were simply not willing to put in the effort.
However, their mindset wasn’t something I could fix, and although it did make me feel less-than-100%, without an actual grade to go by, I didn’t have a scale-measure of just how far from 100% I was or how to increase my “grade” to a higher level. Oh, I tried, but I don’t know how successful I was.
The other day, now being an author, I realized something about myself and particularly my writing. While I strive for that 100%, it is nearly impossible to reach. And a “grade” in the 90’s doesn’t feel like an A. If it’s not 100%, it feels like the readers think I’m not even trying.
Think about it. Out here in the writing world, to get a 100%, I have to write a 400+ page book with no errors or even perceived errors (you see, not all readers are English majors, and some have actually been *gasp* taught wrong themselves!). Some of those readers who are “grading” my work are those 70% students I had in high school.
That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with that. In fact, I’m quite glad they are reading. But one of the most frustrating things is writing with no good way to have a conversation afterward. Because some of them decide to write reviews, and some of them decide to mark a book down, sometimes way down, and they write things like, “This book was filled with erors.” (sic) They get the names of characters wrong. They complain there were “so many” errors, but at times you are left with the impression that the errors they “found” weren’t errors at all.
This is not to say my books are 100% right. A long time ago, God (thankfully!) freed me from my obsessive need to always be 100% right (i.e. perfectionism syndrome). He very graciously explained to me that my worth with Him is not predicated upon how perfect I am. It is merely a reflection of how perfect He is.
However, I’m not going to say these reviews never hurt. Unfortunately, I cannot go back to the reviewer as I could a teacher and ask why. I cannot go back and explain or even ask for clarification so I can “fix it” next time. Worse, very often what one reviewer will mark me down for is in direct contradiction to what another praises.
All I get is the feedback that the book wasn’t perfect, and everyone moves on.
I will tell you that even an author whose aim is 98% accuracy, it’s not always easy to deal with not being completely perfect.
Interestingly, I am coming to learn in the last week or so how well my characters reflect this very dynamic. Not all of them are still in school. Many are years removed from it. Not all were stellar students, but all are dealing with a world that “grades” them and always finds them lacking.
For example, Sage Wentworth in “Mirror Mirror” is the golden girl who is the envy of all the girls in a small town. So envied, in fact, that the others see no harm in tearing her down. Why? Because she’s perfect, and they can’t stand how “close to perfection” she is.
Of course, Sage isn’t perfect although she’s desperately trying to be. Worse, the barbs and criticisms go far, far deeper than anyone knows. Oh, she’s learned to smile through them and put on a good face, but behind closed doors, it is a very different story.
And now, at the end of August, “When I’m Weak” will debut, featuring Sage’s sister, Jaycee who has grown up now but is still fighting those same demons. Funny how when I think about this book now about to go out in the world, I get a little trepidation in my chest. Readers liked Sage so much, will they like Jaycee? Will they even give her a chance? Will they like that we leap forward in time? Will they judge her as harshly as she is judging herself? Will they be upset that the story isn’t quite as long as the first one or that…? Okay, you can fill in the blank.
Maybe I’m a weird author, but every time I put out a new book, I get that same “have to breathe it down” trepidation. This isn’t about some math formulas that I don’t really care about. It’s not about some names and dates of long ago happenings. For me, this is right here and right now. Important on an eternal scale of hoping readers get what I’m trying to say, and important on a 98% right isn’t perfection scale.
Letting go of the second doesn’t always make dealing with it easier. It is a step-for-step process—remembering to keep my eyes on Him and not on the “erors.”
How about you, in your life? Does getting life 98% right bother you too? I know it does Sage and Jaycee, and I feel like they can’t be the only ones. I guess in that way, they are a reflection of the author whose name is on the cover of their stories. I don’t know that to always be the case, but I suspect it is more times than not.
So, dear readers, I do hope you like my stories. Just know, they came from someone who wanted a 100% but probably didn’t get there. That’s the “other side of the conversation” you probably don’t hear very often and the one I’ve been wanting to say for a while now. Now, maybe that I’ve said it, I can move on and just write. That would be nice.
Mirror Mirror – Buy from Amazon
When I’m Weak – Buy from Amazon
A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Although she lives in Amarillo, Texas and her main career right now is her family, Staci touches the lives of people across the globe with her various Internet and writing endeavors.
What a way to put yourself out there… As readers, I really don’t think we “get” how important these books are to the authors. I am also of the mindset that I can’t leave a positive review then I don’t leave one. I have just never understood people that need to tear others down to build themselves up, but I guess that’s neither here nor there. In my wotld, you are above the 98%. Thank you for what you do.
***if I can’t
Hmm, lots too think about, that strive to do our best, but being disappointed when our best is not what we expected…argh! I am a secondary school teacher, this year with the privilege of working with the year 12 group. You expressed it well- seeing the effort/lack of that is put in, reflected in their results that impacts in uni choices etc.
I am often reminded of Matthew 7:3- how can I criticise others, when I am so far from perfect. Praise God for His grace and mercy, and thanks for writing books that bring this out and point readers to Him.
Thanks for your honest blog, Staci. As a retired English, Journalism and Creative writing teacher, I think after doing our best in school and grading student writing; we often are too tough on ourselves. We demand better of ourselves than our students. I imagine this is even worse for writers.
Since being retired, I have more time to read, interact with authors through emails, Facebook, Messenger, and blogs, and write reviews. Reviews are important for the author, but unfortunately are misused by disgruntled readers. Some are written by readers, who have not read the work. These reviews should not be taken seriously. Amazon states “a verified purchased” and serious reviewers state “I received this work from the author for an honest review.”
As a reader, I do not take short reviews that state “filled with errors” seriously and I now mark that the review was not helpful. Sometimes I even leave a comment: “Be specific”. I hope that is helpful to new reader and especially the author.
Your inspirational romance Flight 259 had me in tears. I especially enjoyed the Michigan and Windsor setting, since I live in SW Michigan and have actually flown from the Windsor airport.
Blessings for this new week and month.
I appreciate your honesty in this post, Staci. I’m often shocked by some of the hateful reviews I read online. I always try my best and gave up trying to be perfect a long time ago, so I don’t except it from others. Seeking perfection is not only impossible, it’s exhausting.
Thanks for all the work you put into books for us to enjoy! I can tend to perfectionism, so I have to watch that in how I treat others. They can’t be perfect any more than I can! God bless you as you write for our enjoyment. I appreciate all the hard work. I especially appreciate all the inspyromance writers!
Staci, I love your books and your honesty. I take the reviews I write very seriously and try to be honest and kind and profuse in many cases. I have found some books that are not my style and decided not to leave a review. I decided to follow the mantra: If I can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. I, too, strive for 100% and love myself when I attain the 98. Keep the books coming and your eyes on the positive reviews.
Sadly some of those negative reviews have turned me away from probably a perfectly good book.
I must say though I do appreciate the reviews that stear me away from books with cussing and graphic sex. I’m often sucked in by a sweet looking book cover that’s not sweet at all.
I review every book I read and try to choose those that I know I will enjoy and can write good reviews for.
Thanks so much Joelle. So glad to count you among my readers and my friends.
Yes, the skating-by students can drive a good teacher a little nuts. God bless you for the work you do!
Thanks Renate! Flight 259 is still one of my favorites all these years later. And thanks for clicking “unhelpful” on reviews that really don’t help anyone.
Exhausting…. there’s a good word for it! I totally agree! God bless you!
Thanks, Diana! God bless you!
Thanks so much… I have to keep reminding myself God works all things to my good when I trust Him (and not the reviews. :) God bless!
I’ve learned that not every book is for every readers, and those kinds of reviews don’t bother me *too* much. It’s those that seem purposely written to rip the author apart because they think authors are celebrities who need to be taken down a peg. Those are very frustrating. Something I’m learning to live with, but still frustrating. :) God bless!
As a reader, I do appreciate a lot when authors take the effort to check their spelling and grammar, but I don’t understand how people can criticize one or two minor errors, especially when the story is so much more than that. I think a good story trumps any other issues.
As a writer (science, not fiction), I’ve also learned to aim for 98%. My graduate school mentors were all about the 100%. They obsessed so much about the 2% missing to perfection that I think they are the ones missing out. It was hard working with them (still is as we continue to collaborate), but I think I’ve learned to tone down.
However, I’m currently revising a paper from one of my students and it’s taken all of me not to tell him to re-write it all (every page is painful). Mostly I don’t want to turn into my mentors, but just like you I wonder where do I draw the line with my students (how far from the 100% it is okay to go–and how do I measure it?).
AMEN to every sentence!!! When I edit and I run into that… where I feel like editing every sentence, I often do go back, teach what I’m seeing most, and THEN have them re-write, inside the rules but with their own voice. It’s not an easy thing to do or to teach!
Well I don’t care what the other critics say!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR BOOKS!! For me, your books are 150%!!
HAHAHA! Thanks Carlien! God bless!
Joelle, I agree. If I can’t leave a good review, I won’t leave one. As an author I know how damaging negative reviews can be. They can stifle the authors creativity. Someone told me once that they are valuable and that I should glean what I could from them. That has never worked for me and they are very hurtful. So thank you for your sensitivity to the authors. God bless you for that. Oh, and Mirror Mirror is an amazing story!! I’m reading it through a second time. Yep, it’s that good. *smiling*
I’ve learned from you, Staci, that I don’t have to be perfect because HE is and only one vote counts…HIS. Thank you for that. I’m a perfectionist too. I don’t give myself any space when it comes to mistakes, but again, because of you, I’m learning and growing and heading in a positive direction. So thank you. Oh, and I’m reading through MIrror Mirror again. I think this one is your best…and that’s say a lot because all of your books are excellent. I think Mirror Mirror even trumps Dreams by Starlight, The Price of Silence, and Princess, and that’s saying a WHOLE lot!!!!!!!! Great post! You said what so much of us feel.
Thanks for the vote(s) of confidence! God bless you, and to all who feel the same way, KEEP WRITING FOR THE KINGDOM!
I try to only leave 4 or 5 star reviews for books. Most of the time when I would give a book 3 stars it’s not because there’s anything wrong with the book it’s simply not my style.
Every one of your books I’ve read is definitely 5 stars, I absolutely loved Flight 259! Both books in The Grace Series look amazing, can’t wait to read them!
Thanks, Staci! This was a very thoughtful review. I’ve read some of your books and have really enjoyed them. I am a perfectionist, too, although I’m trying to mellow out a little. My husband isn’t a perfectionist, so we kind of drive each other crazy sometimes. We just celebrated 48 years of marriage, though, so we’ve learned to get along!
I usually leave reviews for books I’ve read, because I do a lot of read/review for authors. I try to be honest, but as kind, supportive, and positive as possible. I really appreciate all you Christian fiction authors that share your time and talents. Thanks for all you do to write and promote good, clean fiction.
I wish all reviewers came at it from that angle. :)
Thanks, Lientjie. Flight is one of my favorites too. So glad you enjoyed it!
I reflect back on the fact that Jesus called the 1% back to him, those who strayed…you know, the one lost lamb. He left the 99 who were following Him to find that ONE! God also called those disciples who were no where near 100%, the broken, the trodden down, the poor, the lame, the blind…etc. So if He called them, he can use me…the one who often falls, who can’t achieve anywhere near 100% or even 98%!
Frankly, I like to read characters in a book who are flawed just like me. It makes the story believable and REAL. I can better relate to a character struggling not one who’s perfect….nobody’s perfect, but one Jesus! :-) So you keep on being that 98% Staci because God WILL use you to speak to someone out there like me!
Secondly, reviews are reviews and in no way reflecting you as a person or an author…at least in my opinion! I do write reviews, and I’m honest but fair if I don’t find a book to my liking 100%. And if I find it less than appealing, I’ll just skip reviewing it! No need to tear down an author who’s put their heart and soul into a story. I’ve had a couple of books that I’ve had to review for an author and when I got done reading it, emailed them to let them know that I chose NOT to review & gave them valid reasons. They appreciated my honesty. I was fair and (hopefully) gave constructive criticism. I had one that just went against my grain as a Christian, I couldn’t even read the whole book. I told the author why and she said she wondered if that particular thing in the book wouldn’t be crossing the line for some Christian readers. So I hope that maybe it made a difference in her writing (she is a Christian author).
My point in this is to hopefully encourage you as a writer to keep writing what God puts on your heart to write. It will speak to someone, and maybe each reader will get a different message out of it; exactly what God wants to speak to their heart at the time! :-)
I so appreciate this. I, too, like books with characters who struggle. I know too often in Christian fiction, especially romance, we were told not to have angry characters or characters with major flaws. Too often, for me, it felt like we were supposed to only write characters who had it all together and who always made the best choice. Not realistic in my world, that’s for sure.
I know also that what some of us see as being real, others will view as over the top. I’ve had that in a couple of my books, particularly with characters who used unhelpful coping mechanisms like excessive drinking or sleeping around. While I don’t condone either one, I also know there are people who do them to try to blunt the realities of their lives. I know that those things make some readers think the book is unChristian. While I appreciate that, and know that everyone has their own “lines,” I have to write what I see my characters doing or they will stop talking to me altogether. Hopefully, by the end of each book, they and the reader realizes doing those things didn’t help at all, and there was always a better way. But I do know what you mean about books with characters who do things that are outside of what you are comfortable with.
Thanks for the encouragement!!! God bless you!