What a brave and heartfelt reflection on a very timely question: Is truth a valid defence against critique, particularly when that critique arises from perceived cultural or political sensitivities? Perhaps, truth in storytelling is not always a defence against offence, but is a valid starting point. What makes literature (even children’s literature) powerful is its ability to evoke diverse reactions, to stir debate, to hold multiple meanings at once. Your story of single parenthood, of a child’s moment of bravery, of a slug sanctuary born from a moment of everyday chaos is no less valuable because it doesn’t tick every progressive box. It speaks to a truth. And that matters. In the end, what matters most is intention and openness. You’ve shown both. And perhaps the greatest gift a writer can offer is not a story that pleases everyone, but one that invites reflection, conversation, and even respectful disagreement. Lavender Pots seems to be doing just that.
That is the kindest, most lovely response, thank you Matt. I shall print those wise words out - that 'the greatest gift a writer can offer is not a story that pleases everyone, but one that invites reflection, conversation and even respectful disagreement'
I think you are absolutely right- intention is everything. Perhaps as readers we should give authors (particularly debut authors) the benefit of the doubt; that offence shouldn't be looked for, and no offence is intended unless it is unambiguously evident.
It is a lovely story and as they say, you can’t please everyone. Try to focus on the positive feedback and let grow of the negative. Every writer has critics, even the best, so you’re in good company!
Oh Pia as we say in America, WTF?? People out there looking for something to say for some criticism for some personal validation I guess maybe that's why it's so important but who cares! Sorry if it offended you, next. It's not what the story was about and if readers weren't so focused on finding fault, they would realize what a tender story, children being children, learning how to be a good person from a mom trying to be everything. Amen.
Aw thank you. It was A4 length and the most brutal and direct of 3. I guess I’m showing my debut author soft skin - for the first two days I moped around the house then ventured out and apologised to everyone one I met lest I had offended them somehow and finally settled with the narrative of following literary tradition and declaring myself an impoverished failed writer. Then my daughter said it was quite an achievement to have have someone write a review that was longer than the book.
Thank you so much for your support- substack is great! 💕💕💕
Hey it pissed me off. With all the craziness in the world, especially if you live in the US, you have to pick on a “debut author” about issues no one gives a shit about, it's old news. We have moved on. Go kick your dog. “ You do you” is the mindset these days sword, dolly it's like a feminist school teacher correcting your paper.Anyway I felt like how dare you, the focus should have been on how lovely to sit and read this story showing a mom who loves her children enough for two, that single parenthood is ok, that kindness is nice, in a world where bullying is such an issue, What the hell??? See this is why I say this all the time.
It was mean spirited, that's it. With so much gender fluidity who can keep track so who cares anymore! I mean, who writes these things? Frustrated feminists? Self absorbed intellectuals?Retired college professors?
Be grateful for who you are and for bringing something lovely into the world. Amen. And have a blessed day as they say in the south, I’m a northener, but I love that expression.
I know, sometimes I think people live in very different bubbles. I’m not against inclusion, viva la difference, but I think writers should have freedom of speech including for it not to be mandatory to nod to political persuasions. Thank you Fred.
Hi Pia! My take is that whenever you use the word “normal” you’re on a slippery slope. Maybe “traditional” is more accurate term for those of us within the social norms? “Normal” covers a lot of territory these days! Love your book - I was a single widowed mom of 2 little boys myself and it wasn’t easy!
I agree, I steer clear of ‘normal’ or ‘norms’ but it was what the reviewer said. We were watching Young Frankenstein recently and still giggle at the brain from Abby… Abinormal although 1970s humour would defo get you in trouble these days. I’m so glad you like the book though! Thank you so much Cheree
I have never heard that before! ( I thought it might be ‘A boy called Sue’ but that is now my number one favourite record and going to the top of my Spotify list ( I will start a new playlist called protest songs soon!) THANK YOU!
What a brave and heartfelt reflection on a very timely question: Is truth a valid defence against critique, particularly when that critique arises from perceived cultural or political sensitivities? Perhaps, truth in storytelling is not always a defence against offence, but is a valid starting point. What makes literature (even children’s literature) powerful is its ability to evoke diverse reactions, to stir debate, to hold multiple meanings at once. Your story of single parenthood, of a child’s moment of bravery, of a slug sanctuary born from a moment of everyday chaos is no less valuable because it doesn’t tick every progressive box. It speaks to a truth. And that matters. In the end, what matters most is intention and openness. You’ve shown both. And perhaps the greatest gift a writer can offer is not a story that pleases everyone, but one that invites reflection, conversation, and even respectful disagreement. Lavender Pots seems to be doing just that.
That is the kindest, most lovely response, thank you Matt. I shall print those wise words out - that 'the greatest gift a writer can offer is not a story that pleases everyone, but one that invites reflection, conversation and even respectful disagreement'
I think you are absolutely right- intention is everything. Perhaps as readers we should give authors (particularly debut authors) the benefit of the doubt; that offence shouldn't be looked for, and no offence is intended unless it is unambiguously evident.
But thank you :-)
It is a lovely story and as they say, you can’t please everyone. Try to focus on the positive feedback and let grow of the negative. Every writer has critics, even the best, so you’re in good company!
Oh Pia as we say in America, WTF?? People out there looking for something to say for some criticism for some personal validation I guess maybe that's why it's so important but who cares! Sorry if it offended you, next. It's not what the story was about and if readers weren't so focused on finding fault, they would realize what a tender story, children being children, learning how to be a good person from a mom trying to be everything. Amen.
Aw thank you. It was A4 length and the most brutal and direct of 3. I guess I’m showing my debut author soft skin - for the first two days I moped around the house then ventured out and apologised to everyone one I met lest I had offended them somehow and finally settled with the narrative of following literary tradition and declaring myself an impoverished failed writer. Then my daughter said it was quite an achievement to have have someone write a review that was longer than the book.
Thank you so much for your support- substack is great! 💕💕💕
Hey it pissed me off. With all the craziness in the world, especially if you live in the US, you have to pick on a “debut author” about issues no one gives a shit about, it's old news. We have moved on. Go kick your dog. “ You do you” is the mindset these days sword, dolly it's like a feminist school teacher correcting your paper.Anyway I felt like how dare you, the focus should have been on how lovely to sit and read this story showing a mom who loves her children enough for two, that single parenthood is ok, that kindness is nice, in a world where bullying is such an issue, What the hell??? See this is why I say this all the time.
Thank you so, so much 💕❤️💕❤️
It was mean spirited, that's it. With so much gender fluidity who can keep track so who cares anymore! I mean, who writes these things? Frustrated feminists? Self absorbed intellectuals?Retired college professors?
Be grateful for who you are and for bringing something lovely into the world. Amen. And have a blessed day as they say in the south, I’m a northener, but I love that expression.
Thank you again, and you too. We are windscreen wipers on racing for an earlier ferry … and home 💕❤️💕
Glad to help.
How many books has that particular critic written? How many kids has that particular critic raised?
I know, sometimes I think people live in very different bubbles. I’m not against inclusion, viva la difference, but I think writers should have freedom of speech including for it not to be mandatory to nod to political persuasions. Thank you Fred.
Hi Pia! My take is that whenever you use the word “normal” you’re on a slippery slope. Maybe “traditional” is more accurate term for those of us within the social norms? “Normal” covers a lot of territory these days! Love your book - I was a single widowed mom of 2 little boys myself and it wasn’t easy!
I agree, I steer clear of ‘normal’ or ‘norms’ but it was what the reviewer said. We were watching Young Frankenstein recently and still giggle at the brain from Abby… Abinormal although 1970s humour would defo get you in trouble these days. I’m so glad you like the book though! Thank you so much Cheree
Willie Nelson's take on a similar situation.
https://youtu.be/to51ggwBAvM?si=YBpuTedCjiwE6QS_
I have never heard that before! ( I thought it might be ‘A boy called Sue’ but that is now my number one favourite record and going to the top of my Spotify list ( I will start a new playlist called protest songs soon!) THANK YOU!