Releasing the first book in a new series gives one a new perspective on things. While I confess I don’t get to read all my reviews, I did so as soon as the ARCs (advance reading copies) of Death on Dickens Island were released. I breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving wonderful reviews from names I recognized. These were reviewers and readers who loved my previous books. They “got” me. I was happy they liked the setting of Dickens Island and its residents as they ventured out on adventures amid murder and mayhem.
However, a few reviews included a different type of comment. “There’s too much involving interpersonal relationships.” Well, yeah, I thought. One of my main writerly themes is exploring my characters’ relationships with one another. Someone else wrote, “Every character has a problem.” Sure, every character has an issue he or she needs to resolve. Other comments reflected that since Death on Dickens Island was the first book in the series, it was understandable the author took the time to present the characters in their setting. After all, starting a new series means creating a new fictional world for both writer and reader.
Why should everyone love our books? is a question I think a first-time published author needs to keep in mind. After all, we, the reading public, have varied tastes. What I find hilarious, someone else might find silly. I’ve read some popular books and wondered how they ever made The New York Times Best Sellers list. Obviously, enough readers had enjoyed them and joined the word-of-mouth bandwagon to put them there.
I don’t expect to become a household name, but I’m more than content a number of readers love my books. They tell me so and post wonderful reviews. This spurs me on to continue writing, despite sometimes thinking I can never write another book. But that’s a discussion for another day.
A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and books for young readers. Her novels have received many accolades. As Allison Brook, she writes the Haunted Library mystery series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series and the Twin Lakes series. Among her YAs and books for kids are: Getting Back to Normal, Don’t Bring Jeremy, and Rufus and the Magic Run Amok.
