tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post9199689145854315415..comments2024-03-18T22:57:04.768-04:00Comments on HEY NATALIE JEAN: SHIRLEY JEAN MEETS HEY NATALIE JEANNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698804808966036834noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-89405361141747705662015-03-31T14:47:10.744-04:002015-03-31T14:47:10.744-04:00Whenever you're ready for that reuben, complet...Whenever you're ready for that reuben, complete with infertility and extra messy thousand island, we'll be here. Until then, thanks Natalie. Your ham sandwich is something to be proud of. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04586966612447395528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-69158526687048161392015-03-26T21:08:06.717-04:002015-03-26T21:08:06.717-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Rhondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05380926995540744601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-8388383248009755682015-03-26T21:00:30.635-04:002015-03-26T21:00:30.635-04:00I loved your book. I picked it up while killing a ...I loved your book. I picked it up while killing a slow morning and found a chair between the science fiction/ manga aisles and skim read while sipping my Starbucks coffee. Your essay of Moscow, your own private Idaho convinced me to buy the book as I find myself in a new city following my husbands career, after another new city --wondering if in this city I will finally kick infertility to the curb. I'd have likely bought your Reuben, Apple Steak too. You have an excellent voice as a writer. Also I love your style. And I adore New York. Rhondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05380926995540744601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-38421134120181015922015-03-26T13:52:04.256-04:002015-03-26T13:52:04.256-04:00This spoke to me. Thank you. This spoke to me. Thank you. Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07183229965944369610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-65663706827402480212015-03-26T11:15:24.790-04:002015-03-26T11:15:24.790-04:00Ha, I don't do name calling. In my opinion, if...Ha, I don't do name calling. In my opinion, if you're mean on the Internet, you're a mean person. And I like to think I'm nice! And maybe all the mean comments are what give me the idea that blog readers aren't always literary geniuses. ;) And some readers probably are! But not all. I see what you mean about this book having a specific audience, and that their opinions matter. But I've read some of the reviews and most weren't helpful. That's all I meant. I'm a big fan of people being true to themselves as they create, and using their individual voice, so I was wanting to convey that to Natalie, who I really think is a talented writer. Also it feels weird to talk about her on comments on her blog. Like I'm talking about her while she's in the room. So hey, Natalie!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11506218462286998085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-17842537524114960152015-03-26T09:39:14.993-04:002015-03-26T09:39:14.993-04:00I agree partly with what you're saying, howeve...I agree partly with what you're saying, however, this is where publishing a book due to the popularity of a blog vs submitting a manuscript as an unknown author differs. The book would never have been made if it weren't for those blog readers (and who is anyone to say they aren't literary geniuses!). Therefore a product (which I think is a key word here) is specifically being made with that audience in mind and if that audience (whom I would assume are already fans of the blog) aren't happy with the end product then their input, however 'non literary' is important as it will be taken on board by the publishers. To put out a book that an author feels like they have sole control over I think self publishing is the obvious route. Or if they want to write a work of fiction and have it not judged against their blog persona then write under a pseudonym? For what its worth I appreciate the discourse without resorting to name calling. Blog comment sections can get heated very quickly and its nice to not go down that path just because people disagree sometimes.rmfordehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02826223538493329171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-36907078743149795182015-03-26T08:37:55.589-04:002015-03-26T08:37:55.589-04:00Agreed! Critique is highly important to honing one...Agreed! Critique is highly important to honing one's craft. However, I think artists should only take seriously the critiques of those who actually know what they're talking about. And in this case, no one is really helped by comments like, "It just wasn't what I expected, so I don't like it." I haven't seen anyone actually give real literary critique that Natalie would actually be able to use for good. I never meant anything along the lines of, "don't listen to those haters," I only meant that I hope she keeps creating according to what she hopes to express. That she should be true to herself, rather than catering to blog readers, who are not exactly literary geniuses, or even publishers. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11506218462286998085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-60865947083071813292015-03-26T05:39:54.108-04:002015-03-26T05:39:54.108-04:00^^ah I worked with the Pina Bausch company a few y...^^ah I worked with the Pina Bausch company a few years ago. They are truly inspiring!rmfordehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02826223538493329171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-73701222408723886462015-03-26T05:37:56.729-04:002015-03-26T05:37:56.729-04:00Um, why do you think theatre productions have prev...Um, why do you think theatre productions have preview weeks and films are shown to test audiences? Why do publishing houses have editors? I agree that making art and try to please everyone will never work and be pretty soulless. I also think the attitude of 'don't listen to those silly haters and their reviews' is disingenuous at best and mean and patronising at its worst. Writing a book is a huge achievement. Getting the opportunity to hopefully write a second an even bigger one. I would want to be included with those authors that inspire debate both good and bad. Otherwise what's the point of bookgroups and websites like Goodreads? I'm speaking from personal experience from working in the arts sector- I was always pretty bad at handling criticism and deflected it at any opportunity. However on my first really big job I got some pretty harsh feedback. I knew I'd done an ok job, not amazing, but just ok. I was totally unprepared for the critique I got but you know what? I've never made any of those mistakes twice and ever since I've made damn sure I've never thought just 'ok for now' is good enough. If I'd not had that feedback and taken it on board I wouldn't have had the career I have had. Not saying that Natalie thinks ok is good enough at all. I just don't like the attitude (from alot of people out there) that anything negative is a bad thing to be ignored. Well thought out and honest criticism is so vital (not being critical for the sake of it). Bloggers publishing books is a relatively new thing and I think its important for both blog writers and their publishing companies to see what translates well from a blog to print. rmfordehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02826223538493329171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-7599850758197264052015-03-26T00:45:50.414-04:002015-03-26T00:45:50.414-04:00I disagree with the people saying you need to take...I disagree with the people saying you need to take the bad reviews seriously. Creating art is for the artist, not the consumer. You express exactly what you want to as the creator. The minute artists begin to create solely based on critique from others, the minute the artist loses whatever it is that makes them special and unique. I love the way you put words together, and I'm so glad you're brave enough to do it. You must have a thick skin to do what you do, telling your story knowing that you'll get those negative comments and reviews. Keep at it, lady! And please come to Portland during your US tour!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11506218462286998085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-40704830062944372892015-03-25T22:53:10.160-04:002015-03-25T22:53:10.160-04:00It's a wonderful achievement to have published...It's a wonderful achievement to have published a book, but you shouldn't discount literary criticism. The whole point of it is that when you write to communicate certain ideas, you're taking part in a larger dialogue, and inviting others to do so. I've worked in publishing for years, and honestly I've never, ever met an author who felt that their work was so undeserving of any critique. I'm not saying that you need to be Tolstoy, but if you're so sure that there's nothing wrong with your work - you're aiming too low. Challenge yourself! (I always think of the only piece of advice Pina Bausch gave to one of her dancers, "You just have to get crazier.")Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-25870805236382303992015-03-25T22:43:11.957-04:002015-03-25T22:43:11.957-04:00Man, it's getting heavy in here. Natalie, well...Man, it's getting heavy in here. Natalie, well done on your sandwich! I am looking forward to your next sandwich, hot dog, ear of corn, ice cream sundae- you shove at me! I love your wit- keep it light hearted girl and carry on! People have wayyyyyyy too much time on their hands...Meghanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13170470267044439233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-74529511797476508072015-03-25T18:55:32.933-04:002015-03-25T18:55:32.933-04:00You really truly seriously freaking need to stop r...You really truly seriously freaking need to stop reading GOMI. It's having a negative impact on your writing in a really transparent way. Just stop. No good can come of it and this isn't like sneaking chocolate when you've cut down on sugar. It's like hitting the raw bar when you're allergic to shellfish. Food metaphor day! Seriously please stop reading there. Townhouse Townyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08153702369771710669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-28330168305240588712015-03-25T15:46:55.950-04:002015-03-25T15:46:55.950-04:00I really loved your sandwich! I really loved your sandwich! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14585015807079398860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-76279697905586205402015-03-25T14:51:30.970-04:002015-03-25T14:51:30.970-04:00I totally thought that a ham sandwich is to a Reub...I totally thought that a ham sandwich is to a Reuben sandwich as a scoop of ice cream is to a decked-out ice cream sundae. Katherine Akershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17516324485698393921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-74719997372031943992015-03-25T14:12:32.295-04:002015-03-25T14:12:32.295-04:00I love your ongoing metaphors and Brandon's on...I love your ongoing metaphors and Brandon's ongoing opposition to them! It's cute. I loved your book. I got it in the mail and read it immediately. I loved it immediately. It was a total ham sandwich. When I ordered it, I was expecting a ham sandwich. After reading your blog for 4+ years, I was ready to order and eat my extra large ham sandwich. It's a sandwich you can eat every day and enjoy, and when I order the first book from my favorite ham sandwich maker, I want it to be similar to what she serves me on the daily. It was light-hearted with some bites that were heavy on the mustard. YUM. I love those surprising heavy mustard-y bites. Hats off to the chef (author)!! I am now prepared to try your next sandwich! A reuben sounds delicious.erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16088935969409824860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-31126104072047887312015-03-25T13:39:58.424-04:002015-03-25T13:39:58.424-04:00I left a two star review of the book on Amazon, bu...I left a two star review of the book on Amazon, but because I purchased it at Barnes and Noble I won't be considered a "verified purchase." Because of that it makes me sad that my review will be discounted as a hate review, because that's not what it was at all. I've read Natalie's blog for years and have been a fan. But I disagree with a commenter above that says we shouldn't leave negative reviews. I think it is possible to leave a negative, yet valid and honest review, which is what I did. Her readers are what got Natalie her book deal, and out of respect to them, should she choose to write another book, I think those one or two star reviews left by fans are her most important critiques that she should be paying attention to. I just think the book was presented to us one way, and when it came out and was not what we were promised, pointing that out was necessary, when our purchases of the book are supporting her. Not every negative comment on the book is from a hater. Just my two cents. alexahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18309825803508561612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-14294665051212926312015-03-25T12:41:58.978-04:002015-03-25T12:41:58.978-04:00I'm so happy you chose to honour your grandma!...I'm so happy you chose to honour your grandma! My grandma was my hero, and I wish she could have know how much before she passed away when I was 17. I can't wait to read your book or eat whatever kinda sandwich it is... in real,non metaphor life, I used to hate sandwiches made with meat, and then a friend of mine ( who did not know I hated meat) made me this polish sausage sandwich, and I ate it because I didn't want him to feel bad, and you know... the thing tasted like love to me, like it was a literal ingredient. So. It's not really about the sandwich, it's what goes into the sandwich. That's what. :) Love yo crazy metaphors. Katrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04399005171006324853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-42345257781023655312015-03-25T09:11:45.334-04:002015-03-25T09:11:45.334-04:00I work on a popular TV show,with 1,000's of di...I work on a popular TV show,with 1,000's of discussion boards dedicated to it on imdb. The viewers dissect and tear apart the things they like and don't like. When I'm working on said show, I'm on a 90hr week, living in a different country from my husband, barely seeing my daughter. Do I get hurt that I put that much in and people still don't like it? Not at all. Now, I get that its different to writing a book but still, to say that those people shouldn't be able to discuss what they like and don't like is totally ridiculous. At the end of the day it's (the book) a product that people are going to spend their hard earned money on and they have every right to praise/criticise it as they see fit. It's totally different to going onto someones personal blog and saying you don't like what they write. Also, having worked in the arts for a long time, criticism is utterly necessary to the creative process. When I was a university we would visit the theatre so we could all later discuss what we liked/didn't like. Same as having a critique in front of your classmates. You can still be happy with your work, recognise it's faults and also be open to what others think. None of these are mutually exclusive. I haven't read the book so I'm not in a position to say whether I would like it or not, I just wanted to throw my thoughts in on criticism in the arts.rmfordehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02826223538493329171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-28471848237562646032015-03-25T05:47:35.535-04:002015-03-25T05:47:35.535-04:00Most writers ignore the one stars because not ever...Most writers ignore the one stars because not everyone is going to like what you do. <br />That doesn't equate to ignorance, the main thing is that Natalie's book has made her happy. She's as pleased with it as any critical writer can be, which I'm sure most will agree is never totally happy. It's also made a lot of people happy. It's healthy to let go of the one stars. You can't please everyone.<br />It's so hard to ignore the 5% that don't like your creation, it's incredibly brave to let it go. <br />Sorry you were disappointed, I didn't like Margaret Atwoods Oryx and Crake, I'm not gonna write on her blog and call her silly for ignoring my review, to be honest I would never give a writer a publicly bad review. I think it's bad form. Not everyone can be satisfied with every piece of art. <br />It's very self important to think your review means an artist should not be happy with their work.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16461654054343891443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-26863040184267638272015-03-25T05:09:56.597-04:002015-03-25T05:09:56.597-04:00I'm sorry but I'm prone to agree with that...I'm sorry but I'm prone to agree with that novel of a comment above^ & your response, Natalie, just validates some things for me.<br /><br />I bought your book, read it, & gave you one star. The fact that you say "most of us know not to take those 1-star reviews written by people who hadn't actually bought the book all too seriously" tells me you just don't really care to receive constructive criticism from your fans, & would rather just shrug it off as "haters/trolls" or people who didn't read the book, when that's not the case. <br /><br />If you want to be considered an author, take your fan's reviews/opinions seriously. Every comment that doesn't worship the ground you walk on isn't a hater. Every comment expressing disappointment isn't from someone who wanted a different kind of sandwich. You publicized the book as something much different, but now you're sort of sliding the blame on the publishers for wanting a 'coffee table book'? What? Why didn't you just say that's what it was from the beginning (or once they started cutting out all those big essays...)?<br /><br />Some of us have been fans of your blog for years & are just disappointed by the fact you spent so much time "writing a book" that ended up being regurgitated blog posts & basic tips on how to do your eyebrows & buy a bunch of stuff. The fact that you say "oh, it's because you wanted a different kind of sandwich" or "oh, my publishers are responsible for why the book isn't what I said it would be" just validates my decision to be honest with my 1-star review. Some people don't find the book worth 20 bucks. That doesn't mean they're haters/trolls.laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09424959848327193137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-31905423842277884722015-03-24T23:35:56.552-04:002015-03-24T23:35:56.552-04:00haha, love this. I think the trouble comes in the ...haha, love this. I think the trouble comes in the value we are assigning to this lunch meat, haha. we must all keep in mind, not everybody likes a Reuben. that's a lot of fat and grease, you know? hard on the heartburn. I don't even think I could i'm good conscience say a Reuben is even any tastier, or better in any way than a really good ham sandwich! maybe m fault lies in choices of lunch meat. maybe i should have said one was the finest toro sashimi fresh from Japan and the other is a really great cut of steak involving truffle oil somehow. cause really. all I meant was that they were different foods, and not necessarily fair to blame one for not being another. apples/oranges? hahaha.<br />anyway. I truly DO think both sandwiches taste equally pretty great and carry exact similar worths. not even lying. maybe I should reevaluate my feelings on lunch meat. Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13698804808966036834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-58354157394355196492015-03-24T23:30:50.142-04:002015-03-24T23:30:50.142-04:00I died a thousand happy deaths when saw that pictu...I died a thousand happy deaths when saw that picture. I'm an avid reader, and also I work with low-functioning geriatrics (read: all the dementia) as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital. The fact that your grandmother got dressed and held a book and smiled all in the same moment? Woman, you are exactly right in saying that this was a huge image for you to cherish. How lucky you are that she is still so functional! She is gorgeous, as are you. Love, Lindsay @ funnyloveblogAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-65922005043250755212015-03-24T23:23:45.592-04:002015-03-24T23:23:45.592-04:00Thank you for understanding where I am coming from...Thank you for understanding where I am coming from. My belief that you "blamed"(Behold! Irony quotes) came from this quote: <i>"There may have been a bit of song + dance to make sure as many essays as possible could make it in the final manuscript--Abrams wanted a ham sandwich, light on the infertility; I was prepared to write a Reuben--but you know what? Ham sandwiches are really, really good. Are you kidding me?</i>"<br /><br />Which read as if you were prevented from writing your 'ruben' because of Abrams. And that: Hey, I didn't really want this ham sandwich, but they gave it to me, and I'll have to eat it but, I'll enjoy it 'cause it's still a ham sandwich and I know that the 'ruben' awaits <br /><br />I am proud of you, as I said before. And now more so, as you say you lay no blame on Abrams. <br /><br />So...take that ham sandwich, enjoy the heck outta it and know that the Ruben? It's just waiting for you to chomp down on it, enjoy the dribble on your chin and all the readers that will enjoy it too(some never giving one whit to the juices dribbling down their chin--the messier a ruben the better. No cloth napkins nope, thin paper napkins that get holes in them when ya pick 'em up. Perfect!)<br /><br />All my love and pride to ya!<br /><br />(For now on it'll. be "reach for the Ruben" instead of "reach for the stars.")<br /><br /><br />Reachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02754035506383790802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2487616434221255778.post-55627294516535923532015-03-24T22:34:57.168-04:002015-03-24T22:34:57.168-04:00Amazing Natalie. Loved the part about your grandmo...Amazing Natalie. Loved the part about your grandmother. I think the book is perfect. -<a href="http://www.hannamarielei.com" rel="nofollow">Hanna Lei</a>Hanna Leihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925400078034072749noreply@blogger.com