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When I go back and re-read my stories, I can't help but be grateful for the harsh (sometimes) but true errors/omissions tnbw members have pointed out to me. I'm getting better all the time, thanks to you all. TELL THE TRUTH. It doesn't help us to hear false flattery.

That being said, Janet's situation is more difficult--she knows the author personally. She can't give an anonymous critique and then turn off the computer. I would say to 1) acknowledge his successes, then 2) focus on the aspect you consider the most glaring 3) if the guy's ego can take it, continue with another point or two , then stop. Finally, (which you've already done) 4) offer your services for next time.

If he still wants your review, he'll tell you.

Sorry, Janet. It's a tricky situation, but that's life.  If there's negative fallout, remember--you still have us!  JP

Love ya, Anne! It's all about the differences!

Congratulations to the winners! JP

We've missed your sense of humor, Allen. There is a group called Texas authors you might like to try. Since I live in Arizona, I don't meet the membership requirement, but there are some good people in it.  JP

Good work. Jack! Although I wouldn't call Joe Friday a no-holds-barred investigator, seeing how he only wanted "just the facts, ma'am."

Come on, kids! We've been through this before.

Who's going to review the reviews to find out which are the "best?" Or does everyone just give points to the authors of the reviews we like best? You know, the ones that pat us on the back and stroke our egos. Are you still living in La-La Land that you believe we can be objective about our reviews? Or are we going to find an impartial third party to choose the "best" reviewers?

The whole concept of tnbw is that we take the good, the bad, and the ugly and work on improving ourselves, not mess around with who wrote the best review. Sheesh!

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
--W. Somerset Maugham

Leaves it wide open for the rest of us, doesn't it?

And the shows?

I know this happens; it's happened to all of us. My most memorable review was the one that took me to task for not describing the meal, who was there, what was eaten, the flavors, textures, aromas, etc. My response? Dinner was over; the meal was eaten in the previous chapter. There used to be a cautionary note about reviewing random chapters. Is it still there in the directions for posting reviews? I consider it bad manners to jump into  the middle of a book/ story/ novella for the purpose of writing a review.

I usually send a one-sentence response thanking the reviewer. Sometimes I don't reciprocate. Sometimes I review a short selection of theirs. The last time it happened I blocked that individual. (What can I say? He/ she made me mad, wasting my time.)

I think the problem may stem in part from the current custom of reviewing everything from handbags to garbage bags for online shoppers. In the case of written works, reviewers are cautioned not to reveal spoilers. That may influence new tnbw reviewers in their hesitancy to mention specifics. OF COURSE, THAT DOESN'T EXCUSE THOSE LAZY BUMS WHO PERSIST IN THEIR LAME REVIEWS.

We really don't want that kind of reviews. We are asking for critiques of our writing. We want specifics. We want to edit our work. We want to produce the best work we can. Maybe, for some, the solution is as simple as a change in nomenclature

Janet--I can't believe you didn't win! Your messages are so upbeat and motivating, we all voted our heads off. Keep going--your book covers have some gorgeous artwork.  JP