• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Amish Romance
Romantic Suspense
Women’s Fiction
Kelly Irvin

Kelly Irvin

Strong Women. Powerful Stories.

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
    • Amish Romance Collection
    • Romantic Suspense Collection
    • Women’s Fiction Collection
  • Contact

Seek high road when criticizing songs, books

Home » Blog » Seek high road when criticizing songs, books
February 7, 2021 by Kelly Irvin

Recently I’ve been bothered by posts on social media by people I respect that have disparaged the songwriting abilities of certain Christian artists. “Listen to other Christian artists besides X and Y,” others have posted. These posts left a bad taste in my mouth, and I’ve been trying to figure out why. It’s no different than writing negative reviews of books or movies, is it? I guess not. Except I find reviews ripping up fiction hard to stomach as well. Here’s why. Many Christian artists, whether singers, songwriters, authors or filmmakers, see their work as their mission. Their talents are gifts from God to be

Rich Mullins quote about grace

used in His service. God works through us to speak to our audiences in our “mission fields.” Even those who take a more worldly view of their work still pour their hearts and souls into their writing, whether it be songs or novels.

As a writer I know the power of words. I have felt the sting of verbal abuse. I endeavor to use words for building up, not tearing done. Of course, that doesn’t mean our work is perfect.  My craft certainly isn’t and my storytelling abilities frequently fall short. But my desire for God’s light to shine through these stories never falters and God never fails.

I also don’t criticize the songwriting abilities of these popular artists because I once wrote a novel in which the heroine was a singer-songwriter. I penned lyrics that appear in that novel. I asked my editor what she thought of them. Her response was the equivalent of “don’t quit your day job.”  It’s easy to criticize others for which we ourselves have no aptitude. It would be like me critiquing Itzhak Perlman’s violin-playing.

In some regards, I fault social media itself for this phenomenon. It’s easy to be critical when negativity is the norm. It’s easy to whip out a snarky post that will garner lots of likes. The object of the post probably won’t see it. Likely won’t see it. Maybe won’t see it.

But what if she or he does? I know I’m not the only writer who has to work to rebuff voices in my head telling me my writing sucks. I don’t need any help in that department. That doesn’t mean I don’t welcome constructive advice in a more private forum, I do.

Social media is a beast that feeds best on negativity. The very seams of our society have been ripped apart in the last few years because of the extraordinary political divide in our country. Under the veil of the first amendment, folks spew their versions of “truth,’’ with no shame across a multitude of social media platforms. Some days it has taken every ounce of will to keep from retorting to those who expound on political beliefs that are far from my own. Especially when folks assume I share their beliefs. But I’ve quelled the kneejerk reaction and scrolled on by. It is possible, you know, to let it go. To not feed the beast.

Worship music being performed.
Different songs speak to different people. God is at work in those moments.

My point is that a song that doesn’t speak to me very well may speak to another. It may be just the message that hurting, lost child of God needs to get through the day. To put down the razor and pick up the phone to call a pastor or a suicide prevention hotline. The novel I closed because I couldn’t stand the author’s head-hopping and backstory dumps (something only writers are likely to notice), may be the story that brings another reader back into God’s fold. God’s the one doing the work, and He can work through any song or story—however flawed.

Yes, if a story is truly bad, this ought to be shared, but it isn’t necessary to rip the author to shreds in the process. Or tag him or her when you post the negative review. I don’t have to imagine how that feels. I know, having received my share of bad reviews. This is a clear case of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Tearing others down shouldn’t build us up. It shouldn’t make us feel superior or smug. If you’re planning to post a negative comment or review, at least take the time to examine your motives first. Is it simply not your own taste in music or fiction, or is there really something wrong in your opinion with the song or the novel or the movie? There’s a difference between snarky or glib comments and observations that offer solid reasons for giving a negative review. Personally, if I don’t like a book, I close it and move on to the next one. If someone asks me, I say it wasn’t my cup of tea.

Those of us who are Christians are called to be Christ’s ambassadors. To set the example. Nonbelievers are watching and judging. Above all else, remember the fruit of the spirit includes love, forbearance, goodness, gentleness, self-control and kindness. Be kind. That way when the shoe’s on the other foot, there’s a glimmer of hope others will treat you with the same kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Remember, the view from the high road is much grander.

What are your thoughts on writing negative reviews? Feel free to leave a comment, especially if you disagree!

Category: BlogTag: Christian artists, Christian fiction, Christians, critiques, fruit of the spirit, kindness, negative reviews, novels, reviews, social media, songs, songwriting
« Previous

About Kelly Irvin

« Previous

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Connie R

    February 8, 2021 at 3:07 pm

    I don’t generally leave a bad review. I might just say it wasn’t my style or something like that but most often just don’t post negatively.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 8, 2021 at 3:19 pm

      Good for you, Connie!

      Reply
  2. Gail

    February 8, 2021 at 8:55 pm

    I agree with you.
    If I don’t like a song, I turn the volume down until it’s over. If I pick up a book and begin reading and it doesn’t grab my attention, I put it down. I can usually tell by the second chapter, if it’s to my liking. If it’s not, I put it in a box to give away. However, in either scenario, I’m not going to trash talk the author or artist.
    God made us all different, with different interests❤

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 9, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Absolutely agree, Gail!

      Reply
  3. Amy Lillard

    February 9, 2021 at 9:53 am

    Love it, Kelly! I refuse to leave bad reviews because as a writer it can look like sour grapes. But I encourage others to leave honest reviews even if that means that they didn’t like it. Honest is good, hurtful is not. Thanks for saying what so many of us are thinking! <3

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 9, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      You’re welcome Amy! It’s good to hear from you!

      Reply
  4. Susan Campbell

    February 9, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    I don’t give negative reviews as I have yet to read a book that I have not enjoyed.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 9, 2021 at 5:04 pm

      Good for you! I love it.

      Reply
  5. Barbara Wenner

    February 12, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    I never have left a negative reviews, I’ve always love reading your books.and a lot of others author I love to read. Stay safe. God is with us.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 12, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you, Barbara. I’m so glad you like my books. Stay safe!

      Reply
  6. Patricia Bradley

    February 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    I never leave a negative review. If for some reason, I don’t like a book, I don’t review it. What I might not like might be just the thing another person needs to hear.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 12, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      Same here, Pat!

      Reply
  7. Kate Kleinert

    February 12, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    I absolutely agree and I believe is goes back to sit coms with live audiences in the 80’s and 90’s. The better the “zinger”, the more the audience oohh’d and ahh’d. The “zinger” was always some type of insult or put down and somewhere during that time it became an artform. These days when relating a story of an unpleasant incident, people strive to be the most clever, the most biting, the most insulting to which the listener most often says “Good for you!” For Christians, our instructions are clear” “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Eph. 4:29

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 13, 2021 at 8:50 am

      That’s so true. I despise unkind humor too. I don’t watch many sitcoms these days because the humor doesn’t appeal to me. That’s a great verse to remember. You can never go wrong living by Scripture!

      Reply
  8. Monica H

    February 12, 2021 at 7:09 pm

    I am like you,I scroll by things I don’t agree with in social media. When it comes to reviews, I have in a few occasions pointed out things I thought made it hard for me to enjoy a book completely. BUT I always put positives with it. A few times, I was asked to review books that weren’t a good fit for me. So then I will say that I think the book would be a better fit for another audience. I try to treat others like I would want to be treated.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 13, 2021 at 8:48 am

      I agree that sometimes you that it’s possible to offer constructive feedback while being kind. It’s not even hard to do!

      Reply
  9. Cindy

    February 12, 2021 at 11:26 pm

    I, for one, never leave any bad reviews for anything. If it was not something I liked, I just pass on reviews. I don’t see putting bad,negative,or bashing reviews for anyone no matter what! Pretty much all books that I read are all great,so I leave excellent reviews for them. Authors work so hard on the books that they write and spend tons of hours on them, so I find rude reviews very mean,personally.
    I was taught growing up that if you didn’t have anything nice to say,then don’t say anything at all. So, I believe that’s how it should be with reviews.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 13, 2021 at 8:47 am

      I love your attitude, Cindy. I too grew up with that rule.

      Reply
  10. Judith Belanger

    February 16, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    The Golden Rule seems to have been forgotten in the midst of the current trend to “cancel” people with whom one does’t agree. Also polite manners seem to be a novelty on the 21st century social platforms.I suggest that we should pray for those whose consideration for others is soooooo apparent.

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 17, 2021 at 10:01 am

      Agreed, Judith!

      Reply
  11. Judith Belanger

    February 16, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    Oops, I meant “unapparent.”

    Reply
    • Kelly Irvin

      February 17, 2021 at 10:01 am

      LOL. I knew what you meant!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign up for Kelly’s newsletter today

Subscribe to my newsletter
Receive the first 5 chapters of Kelly Irvin's next release, The Warmth of Sunshine.
We respect your privacy. We will not share your email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Recently Released

The Warmth of Sunshine

The Warmth of Sunshine
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Audible.com
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Books-A-Million
Bookshop.org
Buy from Christian Book Distributor
The Warmth of Sunshine
Buy now!

About the Author

Learn More About Me

Post archives by year

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About Kelly
  • Books
  • Contact

Book Collections

Amish Romance
Romantic Suspense
Women’s Fiction
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS Feed
  • Twitter

Kelly’s Latest Release

When Delaney Broward finds her best friend stabbed to death a decade after her brother suffered the same fate, she must confront her painful past in order unmask a killer who isn’t done yet.

Learn More

Copyright © 2023 · Kelly Irvin · All Rights Reserved · Website by Stormhill Media