Lit Blogs: What goes around, comes around

If you’re a literary blogger that writes harsh reviews of other author’s books, and you get your own book published, be prepared the same type of literary-lashing to come back and haunt you. This happened to Mark Sarvas, of The Elegant Variation – a blog I read quite frequently.

Mr. Sarvas recently published his debut novel Harry, Revised (aff link), and according to an article from the Seattle Times, the novel did not receive a warm reception by all:

His tour trailed in the wake of a New York Times review that took several pointed jabs into the guts of "Harry": "Hang-ups about class seem to be both a theme of ‘Harry, Revised’ and a motive for its composition, with Sarvas writing about ‘old money’ in a fashion indicating that he’s never met anyone in possession of it," said reviewer Troy Patterson.

However, the article goes on to point out that the novel did receive some good reviews as well, and mentioned that Mr. Sarvas has praised more books than he has criticized. It still goes to show that if you can’t take it (criticism), then you shouldn’t dish it out. I have no doubt, however, that Mr. Sarvas can take it and will probably publish many more successful novels in the future.

I think this shows just how harsh the literary world can be. Even in a debut novel, critics will waste no time in pointing out perceived flaws in your work. This reminds everyone, especially aspiring authors that a thick skin is a necessary survival tool in this business.

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• Review: Harry, Revised
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