Ceci Giltenan, Author

Please pop over to Ms Ivy’s Book Nook http://seawitchreviewsfromthebookshelf.wordpress.com/ where I am a guest today and read the interview posted. I created the interview myself to help Ms. Ivy out, and I address such earth shaking topics as “if I was given $10,000 to spend in one store, only on myself where would I spend it?” I also provide readers with the answer to a question that I’m sure has been keeping everyone up at night, “If I could eat one food in any quantity for the rest of my life without suffering ill effects what would it be?” 😉

The last week has been exciting. Highland Solution was released on Tuesday September 3, and thanks to the help of a few truly supportive authors and bloggers, I am delighted to tell you it seems to be doing well. As I write this, it is ranked number 28 in medieval historical romance and 31 in Scottish historical romance sub-genres on Amazon (US). It is also thrilling to see three 5-star reviews on Amazon (and 1 on Amazon.co.uk). In fairness the first two were written by people who know me. However, I do not know the person who wrote the third review. She writes:

“This book is exactly what I look for in romances. Great plot, amazing characters and good drama. I’m really hoping this author writes many more books like this one. I’m waiting!”

To the reader, if you happen to see this, thank you. I am so happy you enjoyed it and left this feedback.

I find myself waiting and hoping to see more reviews, preferable only 5-star reviews, but I am not so naïve as to think that is what will happen. Every reader is not going to love this book and I expect that I will hear from them. I like to be prepared so I looked through the reviews of some of my all-time favorite romances to see what other people didn’t like about them. My how enlightening. This is a letter to myself for when those inevitable negative reviews come in.

Dear Ceci,
I suspect you are feeling a little down. I would like for you to remember a few things about negative reviews.

1. You can’t please all of the people all of the time. Do you recall seeing comments such as “not enough about history and surroundings,” on a book you loved? What was one reason that you loved it? It focused on the relationship between the hero and heroine and didn’t have too much about history and surroundings. The reviewer of another book complained that it was “90% dialogue.” Highland Solution is heavy on dialogue and doesn’t have tons of history or descriptions because that is the way you like it. Not everyone will.

2. There are some people you can never please. It seems many negative reviewers only seem to leave negative reviews. When you get a negative review, click on “see all my reviews” for that reviewer and take a look. It is hard to know what they might have liked because frequently they don’t seem to like anything.

3. Some people review books in genre’s that they clearly don’t like. If they don’t like historical romances set in the medieval highlands, it stands to reason that they won’t like your book. Do you remember one person who panned a romance that you loved as a “cheap romance” but gave 5 stars to a book in a completely different genre that you thought was overly padded with garbage?

4. There are people who choose to take things personally, try to ignore. You read a review by someone who didn’t even read the book in question but among other things criticized the Celtic designs on the cover because the clan in question was “Norse,” and made the statement that the fictionalized clan in the book “didn’t do intrigue.” Honestly, do I need to go on?

Now, go back and read the positive reviews.
Love,
Ceci

Many people know that my husband and I are in the process of moving from New Jersey to Florida. This weekend I flew to New Jersey to finish the last bit of packing and cleaning before we settle. Did I pack and clean yesterday? Of course not. I went to The Wood Street Fair in Burlington City. The artisans there were as spectacular as ever.

I discovered Rochelle Rose, a local company who makes hand crafted bath products http://www.RochelleRose.com. They have a rosewater body mist that has a lovely, light, single note rose aroma. Absolutely delightful!

Another great discovery was Country Herbs http://www.countryherb.com. They produce a variety of wonderful herb blends that I can’t wait to try. That is of course if my children don’t spirit them away with them.

Another great discovery was a new local bakery Victorian Savories http://www.victoriansavories.com/ located in Burlington Center Mall. Yummmm.

Today I am also not packing and cleaning. There’s still time right? 😉

Today it is my pleasure to be a guest on award winning author Laurin Wittig’s blog http://laurinwittig.com/blog/. I discuss some of the more nerve-wracking aspects of dreams coming true. Has realizing a dream ever had hidden consequences for you?

While you are there take a look at Laurin’s newest book, Highlander Betrayed. I have enjoyed Laurin’s other romances and this one is next on my reading list. Hidden deep in the rugged Scottish Highlands lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic guarded for centuries by clan MacAlpin. It is said the Targe can shield the heart of the Highlands from invaders and now, as part of his plan to crush the Scottish rebellion, the English king wants the Targe for himself…

Please visit NYT and USA Today best-selling author Karen Ranney’s blog, Warm Fuzzies http://karenranney.com/blog-2/ to read my thoughts on the question. As with the other blogs that I have visited this week, I will be giving away a free copy of Highland Solution to one reader who leaves a comment. I am also giving another copy away to a reader who leaves a comment here today.

Thanks to everyone who has read (or started to read) Highland Solution and left such wonderful comments. I would very much appreciate any reviews you wish to post on Amazon!

Please visit Manic Readers today http://manicreaders.com/blog/ for a humorous look at the reaction of some of my young family members to the fact that as a romance, Highland Solution does have a slightly steamy side. All Romance eBooks (https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-highlandsolution-1271320-156.html) gives it 3 flames out of 5 on their “heat index” so clearly Highland Solution is a bit on the mild side, but still it led to some interesting conversations at home. Leave a comment on Manic Readers for a chance to win a free digital copy of Highland Solution. This giveaway ends at 12am eastern time on 9-6-13.

You can leave a comment or ask a question here for a chance to win a free digital copy today.

As of 9:30 this morning, Highland Solution is available from the following sources:

Amazon Highland Solution.

All Romance Books (https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html).

Champagne Books http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=680 .

It should be available elsewhere over the course of the day, I will keep this updated.

Leave a comment here for another chance to win a free copy.

I am a guest on USA Today bestselling author Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s blog Tartan Ink http://tartaninkblog.wordpress.com/. Stop by there and leave a comment too. Another free copy of Highland Solution will be given away to a random reader who leaves a comment.

Tomorrow is the big day. Please be sure to join me at USA Today best selling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s blog Tartan Ink http://tartaninkblog.wordpress.com/. Please stop by and leave a comment.

Highland Solution is available today for pre-order at All Romance https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-highlandsolution-1271320-161.html. Pop over there to read another excerpt.