Frank Dutkiewicz is a writer and critic for AtomJack Magazine. Not too long ago he reviewed “Sha’Daa Tales of the Apocalypse” and gave my story: “Way of the Warrior” a glowing review. In fact, he was so kind that I thought I’d drop him a “thank you” note and we began corresponding about writing, the state of publishing, and trying to break through to the next level. I liked Frank and decided to send him a copy of short story collection “Digital Daydreams 2.” I told him that I hoped he’d enjoy it. He wrote back and asked if I wanted him to review it once he got it. I said sure. He said he’d try to get the review done and have one of the sites he works with post it. I sent him the book and a few months went by.
Frank contacted me to thank me for the book and to ask me a few questions about my process, my writing history, even what I intended to do with my stories over the next few years. I suspected he was trying to work something out — get a handle on me and my work — and knew that his review would be interesting. After he showed me his completed review my comment was: “When did you start channeling my wife, my friends, and my mother?”
I was joking of course. He had made an honest attempt to really review the collection and to explore what he saw as my potential. It is quite a compliment that he was willing to say a few of the stories were good, some were bad, most could have been better and that he thought I had the ability to do that — to do better. Despite the lukewarm review, he thinks I got potential and worries that I may never hit it. (I think that’s my mom talking through him.)
The review is honest. And for that I can only be grateful. Do I agree with him? Not a 100%. Frank doesn’t love a few stories that other readers have absolutely adored. I have gotten fan mail on some from as far away as Osaka, Japan. But that’s ok. It’s impossible to please everyone. But to still convince them that you have an ability is far more important. So, read Frank’s review. Compare it to your own thoughts on my stories. Do you agree with his overall assestment? Let me know. It’s all good and it all helps.
For Frank’s review, click here: http://blog.atomjackmagazine.com/?p=167
