"When we know better, we do better." Maya Angelou's wisdom has helped me through many moments when... I wish I'd known that!

I agree, Denise!

denise

Yes, it kind of surprised me how little those reviews seem to matter to readers. Many were rather cynical about them, in fact. That's quite a different attitude than among writers, who agonize over what Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly say about our books! My sense is that what people trust is the recommendation of someone who actually knows what they like, specifically. Not what the New York Times or Kirkus likes!

The question of the second book or "sophomore book," as it's called, is complex. I've also heard the opposite—that the second book tends to be a disappointment to readers, since it isn't a clone off the first one, which they loved! So here's another complex question: do I, as an author, look for my "style," my "brand," my kind of story, so I can (hopefully) build a following of those who know what they'll find when they pick up a book with my name on it? Or do I try to grow as a writer and explore different ways of writing? Over to you!

I'm glad the post resonated with you! Yes, first impressions matter. "Developing relationships in the book community" also means, of course, promoting the books of other authors. I've had to struggle a bit with this one. If it's a book I genuinely love, I don't hesitate to shout about it. But there are authors I know whose books I don't love, so that's tricky, especially if that person has already raved about mine. Hmm ... I see another post in the making!

What an interesting idea, to go back to an author's first book to see how he or she developed! They might have simply "changed," rather than "improved. But I do love authors who take risks instead of repeating ... which is the other side of the question i.e., an author's "debut" in a new genre or style!

Thanks for the promotion ideas!