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Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of The Reluctant Writer, I'm talking about something that every author dreads: the dreaded one-star review. You've spent months, perhaps years, writing your book. You've edited it, polished it, published it, and sent it out into the world. Then someone comes along and gives it one star. Ouch. But why do we take bad reviews so personally? Should we respond to them? Can we learn anything from them? And why is it that ten glowing reviews can be completely overshadowed by one person who absolutely hated your book? I'm sharing my thoughts on negative reviews, why they're an unavoidable part of being an author, and why we really shouldn't let them get under our skin. Whether you've received your first one-star review or you're still nervously waiting for it, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why negative reviews hit authors so hardWhy not every reader will love your bookThe temptation to respond to bad reviewsWhy one-star reviews aren't necessarily a bad thingLearning to move on and keep writingFind out more about me and my books: https://robradcliffe.com If you enjoyed the episode, please follow The Reluctant Writer, leave a rating, and share it with another writer who might need reminding that one bad review isn't the end of the world.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 22 unfinished books. One abandoned at 40,000 words. And somehow, I've still got more ideas. Welcome to Episode 2 of The Reluctant Writer, where Rob Radcliffe attempts to explain why his computer is full of unfinished manuscripts, his head is full of fictional people, and finishing one bloody book before starting another seems completely beyond him. From time travellers and serial killers to lottery winners and psychological thrillers, there's always another character demanding attention. And just when a book is going well, along comes another idea that absolutely cannot wait. In this episode, Rob talks about the graveyard of abandoned novels, the unexpected consequences of writing a series, readers who insist on sequels, and the ridiculous places writers find inspiration. Because apparently, inventing imaginary people, giving them complicated lives and expecting complete strangers to care about them is a perfectly normal way to spend your time. In this episode: The 22 unfinished manuscripts lurking on Rob's computerThe 40,000-word novel abandoned three years agoWhy readers keep demanding sequelsHow a short story turned into an entire book seriesThe fictional characters who refuse to leave him aloneWhy new ideas always arrive at the worst possible momentThe strange, wonderful madness of being a writerJoin the conversation How many unfinished manuscripts have you got? Are you disciplined enough to finish one book before starting another, or is your WIP folder a complete bloody disaster too? About The Reluctant Writer A funny, occasionally sweary podcast about writing, publishing, creativity and the absurd business of being an author. Hosted by Rob Radcliffe. Website: https://www.robradcliffe.com New episodes exploring the highs, lows and occasional complete nonsense of the writing life. Writing books. Making excuses. Carrying on.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does a writer do when he’s avoiding writing? Apparently, starts a podcast. Welcome to The Reluctant Writer. I’m Rob Radcliffe, and in this first episode I’m introducing the podcast and the question behind it: why am I not writing? An honest conversation about writing procrastination, author life, and trying to find our way back to the page. Follow The Reluctant Writer to join me for future episodes.