Red Room Where the Writers Are

People are busy these days and don't have time to read and critique a book, thus even my family has not responded to my calls for assistance. I understand though. I've decided that it doesn't really matter. I will keep writing (I can't stop myself), I will keep editing and over time I will get better. At some point I'll be good enough for people to enjoy my writing which is really all an author wants. It would be nice to get constructive feedback, because I think I could grow faster, but eventually I'll get there. Its just a matter of time.

This leads directly into my topic for today's blog post. For the first time I have bought a book written by another Lulu amateur author. Its called, "Terrible Tooz." You can read more about it here: http://www.lulu.com/content/2869529.

Its written by a woman named Colleen Serra and illustrated by her husband, Will. She promotes it as a children's book so I thought it would be really cute for my three and a half year old. I bought a paper copy and received it earlier this week.

The drawings are really good. However, as a children's book, its more for older kids. Personally I don't think my three and a half year old would get it. Colleen uses big words and a lot of prose to tell the story. I think its too complicated for children. I also think its too long and wordy. Its more like an adult's children's book, if that makes sense.

The question is: what do I do with my opinions? Do post a review on her page? It might come across as harsh. I can't do that. I don't want to be mean or discourage her and I don't want to chase people away either. Yet I'd really like to see her distil it down to about half its length with much simpler rhyming because I know my three and a half year old would enjoy it that way. Plus, I'd like it to be less scary and show less ill will between the sibling characters. Sibling rivalry is not something that a book should show if it wants to help end it.

Perhaps I'm just being picky. Perhaps its just not my gig. Perhaps other parents would not see it the way I do. Perhaps my opinion is in the minority. That's why I hesitate to do a review.

I wish I could send her an email and see how open she is to feedback. I could post in the forum where she announced it, but that may be too public as well.

I could post my email in the forum and see if she'd contact me for feedback... Very foreboding though, huh?

I thought about writing a review that says nothing but positives but leaves holes for where the negatives would be so people can read between the lines. But that's for would be purchasers, not for her. I want to send her a healthy message about how to improve her book for my child. I want to toss my opinons at her and let her catch the ones she finds useful.

I still don't know what to do.

So, professional and amateur authors, do you like to receive feedback? What do you consider healthy feedback?

What would you do in my shoes?

Brian

Update: While looking for a pic to use from Colleen's website I found her email address, should I email her?