Emily R. McCormick's Blog
July 8, 2025
Dear Diary, This Is Me.
July 9th, 2025
Entry #1
I just got my first hate review on my debut novel...how am I handling it?
Hey there peeps!
Well, this certainly was not on the agenda for my next post, but in the spirit of relearning who I am, why not take a look at how I am going to approach feedback towards myself, and my work, in the future?
I kind of signed up to be scrutinized when I made the bold declaration of “I am going to be an author!” However, that does not necessarily prepare one for the shock of an individual boldly claiming they hate a part of yourself, because that is, in short, what a book you wrote is.
In the past, I would have responded by shutting down, crying for at least a week, and giving up. Back in my first attempted Holy Bliss days, I refused any kind of criticism. No beta readers, no feedback of any kind, no editing tips. So, it IS a wonder this novel has some of the problems it does, doesn't it?
Nevertheless, Holy Bliss is my baby. And like a proud mother, I want to defend my child. But I also want what’s best for my little nugget, and sometimes that means being harsh. So, let’s look at some things Violet Anderson said with a grain of salt, as now, in my advanced four years since publication, I find harsh criticism to be extremely helpful.
First, Holy Bliss, as the reviewer said *you can look her up on Goodreads if you want to, I won’t be deleting it*, “was written by an inexperienced author.” Since it was my first attempt at being a novelist, how could it be portrayed as anything else? I wrote HB in three weeks, published it in its first draft form, and it DEFINTELY shows, I agree with you there, which is the number one reason I pulled it off the market a year later.
Second, “the protagonist is annoying.” Ask my bestie how many times I have said the same thing about Landon Chalk; Boy absolutely irks me. 🤣 I ended up changing MC’s in the new draft I am working on, and its done wonders.
Third, “You can tell that the other reviewers are her friends and family, and are very fond of coddling her.” Well, I would sure hope that my close relations are supportive! Although, it does not come in handy when you need harsh truths, you got me there.
Fourth, and my personal favorite, “Emily McCormick, you have no real talent and should not dream of picking up the pen again. I hope this review helps you refocus your goals and find something else to do with your life.” I mean...it definitely reminded me that not everyone is going to love my work, but seriously, give a debut girl a break! I do still need to grow; it would be quite premature of me to quit dreaming of my words so soon.
Fifth and final comment I will be sharing, “This author likes to go on the internet and copy everything other indie authors are doing and has no real creativity.” Again, first attempt. I took inspiration from the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. But to say I go on the internet for my ideas? Ha. I go to other books and Pinterest, thank you very much. *snarky bow* Mortal Instruments is not Indie either, ma’am.
In all seriousness, though, I won’t pretend that Violet Anderson’s words did not sting, because of course they did, but I don’t disagree with her either. Well, except for the fact that I should retire, cause ain’t no way you get to influence what God has called me to do, lady.
What I am taking away from this is that I have a lot of growing to do, more so than I did in my four-year-studying-the-craft hiatus. Except, I have something far more precious now than I did back then: hope.
Hope is a hard thing to find and a hard thing to kill. Hope is the steppingstone for everything. I know several indies who have liked what I’ve written in the past few weeks, and a paper that states I was the top student in my Creative Writing College Class with a 4.0 and favoritism from my English teacher. Should my hope ever fail, I have physical evidence that backs up my dreams being plausible.
If nothing else, dear readers, let this be a reminder that another’s opinion of you can be important, but it should not define your entire personality, your self-worth, or your confidence. I am glad that FINALLY someone else acknowledges the flaws that Holy Bliss has, but it does not change who I am or who I want to be.
It will make the rerelease that much more spectacular, though, don’t you agree?
One last thing, since it seems like a good time to announce this. If you have read this far, I thank you and I am proud to announce that HOLY BLISS IS MAKING A COMEBACK! I have started writing it again, and all you should know as of now is that if you did happen to read the original story, forget everything about it. This tale now belongs to Tyler Morgan and Ginger Cane, and it is next to nothing like how I told it the first time around.
Sincerely,
Emily R. McCormick
Entry #1
I just got my first hate review on my debut novel...how am I handling it?
Hey there peeps!
Well, this certainly was not on the agenda for my next post, but in the spirit of relearning who I am, why not take a look at how I am going to approach feedback towards myself, and my work, in the future?
I kind of signed up to be scrutinized when I made the bold declaration of “I am going to be an author!” However, that does not necessarily prepare one for the shock of an individual boldly claiming they hate a part of yourself, because that is, in short, what a book you wrote is.
In the past, I would have responded by shutting down, crying for at least a week, and giving up. Back in my first attempted Holy Bliss days, I refused any kind of criticism. No beta readers, no feedback of any kind, no editing tips. So, it IS a wonder this novel has some of the problems it does, doesn't it?
Nevertheless, Holy Bliss is my baby. And like a proud mother, I want to defend my child. But I also want what’s best for my little nugget, and sometimes that means being harsh. So, let’s look at some things Violet Anderson said with a grain of salt, as now, in my advanced four years since publication, I find harsh criticism to be extremely helpful.
First, Holy Bliss, as the reviewer said *you can look her up on Goodreads if you want to, I won’t be deleting it*, “was written by an inexperienced author.” Since it was my first attempt at being a novelist, how could it be portrayed as anything else? I wrote HB in three weeks, published it in its first draft form, and it DEFINTELY shows, I agree with you there, which is the number one reason I pulled it off the market a year later.
Second, “the protagonist is annoying.” Ask my bestie how many times I have said the same thing about Landon Chalk; Boy absolutely irks me. 🤣 I ended up changing MC’s in the new draft I am working on, and its done wonders.
Third, “You can tell that the other reviewers are her friends and family, and are very fond of coddling her.” Well, I would sure hope that my close relations are supportive! Although, it does not come in handy when you need harsh truths, you got me there.
Fourth, and my personal favorite, “Emily McCormick, you have no real talent and should not dream of picking up the pen again. I hope this review helps you refocus your goals and find something else to do with your life.” I mean...it definitely reminded me that not everyone is going to love my work, but seriously, give a debut girl a break! I do still need to grow; it would be quite premature of me to quit dreaming of my words so soon.
Fifth and final comment I will be sharing, “This author likes to go on the internet and copy everything other indie authors are doing and has no real creativity.” Again, first attempt. I took inspiration from the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. But to say I go on the internet for my ideas? Ha. I go to other books and Pinterest, thank you very much. *snarky bow* Mortal Instruments is not Indie either, ma’am.
In all seriousness, though, I won’t pretend that Violet Anderson’s words did not sting, because of course they did, but I don’t disagree with her either. Well, except for the fact that I should retire, cause ain’t no way you get to influence what God has called me to do, lady.
What I am taking away from this is that I have a lot of growing to do, more so than I did in my four-year-studying-the-craft hiatus. Except, I have something far more precious now than I did back then: hope.
Hope is a hard thing to find and a hard thing to kill. Hope is the steppingstone for everything. I know several indies who have liked what I’ve written in the past few weeks, and a paper that states I was the top student in my Creative Writing College Class with a 4.0 and favoritism from my English teacher. Should my hope ever fail, I have physical evidence that backs up my dreams being plausible.
If nothing else, dear readers, let this be a reminder that another’s opinion of you can be important, but it should not define your entire personality, your self-worth, or your confidence. I am glad that FINALLY someone else acknowledges the flaws that Holy Bliss has, but it does not change who I am or who I want to be.
It will make the rerelease that much more spectacular, though, don’t you agree?
One last thing, since it seems like a good time to announce this. If you have read this far, I thank you and I am proud to announce that HOLY BLISS IS MAKING A COMEBACK! I have started writing it again, and all you should know as of now is that if you did happen to read the original story, forget everything about it. This tale now belongs to Tyler Morgan and Ginger Cane, and it is next to nothing like how I told it the first time around.
Sincerely,
Emily R. McCormick
June 5, 2025
My Next Book
It's been almost five years since the release of my debut novel, and two years since I took it off the market to "polish it." This is not an update on that book (although that will come soon), but instead the reveal of a whole new project!
“An Alice and Chester romance is kinda intriguing.”
Surprise!! My next book is going to be a retelling of the iconic Alice in Wonderland. This is a retelling I never thought I would do, if I am being honest, as the original film scared me when I was a child.
And now, here we are, writing my own version and collecting whatever merch I can get my hands on.
That quote I included up top is something I said to my best friend after she made me read Beyond the Isle of the Lost by Malissa De La Cruz. It is in reference to the main character, the queen of hearts daughter, and her best friend the Cheshire Cat, but they left out the main character in her own tale! Alice was nowhere to be seen. And since the queen of hearts daughter had her own guy, I thought to myself...lightbulb.
Are you as excited for this as I am?
“An Alice and Chester romance is kinda intriguing.”
Surprise!! My next book is going to be a retelling of the iconic Alice in Wonderland. This is a retelling I never thought I would do, if I am being honest, as the original film scared me when I was a child.
And now, here we are, writing my own version and collecting whatever merch I can get my hands on.
That quote I included up top is something I said to my best friend after she made me read Beyond the Isle of the Lost by Malissa De La Cruz. It is in reference to the main character, the queen of hearts daughter, and her best friend the Cheshire Cat, but they left out the main character in her own tale! Alice was nowhere to be seen. And since the queen of hearts daughter had her own guy, I thought to myself...lightbulb.
Are you as excited for this as I am?
April 3, 2025
Food for Thought
If you are not comfortable with baring the deepest (and sometimes darkest) parts of your soul, then you might want to reconsider perusing writing as a career. That stuff you want to keep hidden is typically what creates the best sellers. And if you think people will never know because it's 'fiction', you would be wrong. You have to understand it to write it well. What we do is beautiful, even the ugly parts. ESPECIALLY, the ugly parts. 🖤
December 31, 2024
Happy New Year!! 🖤
206 books read and here are the top three favorites of 2024:
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
The Perfect Blindside by Leslea D. Wahl
You guys, it KILLED me to take The Maze Runner off the list; it has been my favorite book for six years! But it had to be done this year. These books earned their spot. Petition for TMR to make a comeback in 2025? I can definitely see a reread.
So, without further ado, the best book of 2024 is Heir by Sabaa Tahir.
!!!!
I did not expect to love this one as much as I did, AT ALL. Literally, the only reason I ended up reading it is because my Fairyloot subscription made it so dang stunning that I was looking for an excuse to keep it. AND THEN IT GOES AND BECOMES THE FAVORITE? Unreal. Like, who gave you permission. 😂 Despite what I say though, this book totally deserves all the hype. Sabaa is one heck of a writer. It was without a doubt, the best book that I have ever read. Full review to come!
Happy New Year, peeps!
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
The Perfect Blindside by Leslea D. Wahl
You guys, it KILLED me to take The Maze Runner off the list; it has been my favorite book for six years! But it had to be done this year. These books earned their spot. Petition for TMR to make a comeback in 2025? I can definitely see a reread.
So, without further ado, the best book of 2024 is Heir by Sabaa Tahir.
!!!!
I did not expect to love this one as much as I did, AT ALL. Literally, the only reason I ended up reading it is because my Fairyloot subscription made it so dang stunning that I was looking for an excuse to keep it. AND THEN IT GOES AND BECOMES THE FAVORITE? Unreal. Like, who gave you permission. 😂 Despite what I say though, this book totally deserves all the hype. Sabaa is one heck of a writer. It was without a doubt, the best book that I have ever read. Full review to come!
Happy New Year, peeps!
December 29, 2024
My 2024 Indie Gem of the year! ❤️
Where Iron Meets Flame by Louise Everett.
This book...has not left my head since I read it back in May. That is how fantastically hooked I am. The setting, the characters, the romance! Louise weaves a tale I will wait decades for if that is what it takes her to finish this series.
It is just as good as Stalking Jack the Ripper and is the ONLY book that can make this claim!
My thoughts are all jumbled when it comes to this novel, so go read my review on Goodreads to get them all sorted in one place. 😂
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book...has not left my head since I read it back in May. That is how fantastically hooked I am. The setting, the characters, the romance! Louise weaves a tale I will wait decades for if that is what it takes her to finish this series.
It is just as good as Stalking Jack the Ripper and is the ONLY book that can make this claim!
My thoughts are all jumbled when it comes to this novel, so go read my review on Goodreads to get them all sorted in one place. 😂
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 26, 2024
Yearly Top Ten Favorite Books
With just five days left in 2024, it is time to announce my yearly top ten favorite books! Some are treasured books I have loved for years, while others are new.
🖤 Heir, by Sabaa Tahir. 2024 read. Sabaa shocked me with her stories this year and she takes a new spot on my list proudly. I don't know how the woman can write that good!! She is phenomenal!
🖤Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco. 2023 read. Cresswell. Need I say more?
🖤The Perfect Blindside/eXtreme Blindside by Leslea D. Wahl. 2015 read. Still the best Christian author I have had the pleasure of reading!
🖤The Maze Runner by James Dashner. 2014 read. A classic!
🖤Where Iron Meets Flame by Louise Everett 2024 read. I am STILL thinking about this book and I read it back in early spring!
🖤Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare. 2023 read. The Last Hours still managing to snag the spot for best Shadowhunter trilogy to date!
🖤A Beast as Dark as Night by Jennifer Kropf. 2022 read. her writing style is so whimsical and magical! I will buy anything she publishes.
🖤Foretold by Jana Oliver. 2021 read.
🖤The Shadow of Death by Mckenna Rowell. 2024 read. The eldest sibling rep is fantastic! Mckenna also has one of the best writing styles I have ever seen.
🖤The Keepers: The Harp and the Ravenvine by Ted Sanders. 2015 read.
In the coming days, I will be announcing my favorite indie read of 2024 as well as my overall favorite book of 2024, so keep a lookout! Any guesses as to which of these ten hold those two titles?
What are some of your favorite reads?
🖤 Heir, by Sabaa Tahir. 2024 read. Sabaa shocked me with her stories this year and she takes a new spot on my list proudly. I don't know how the woman can write that good!! She is phenomenal!
🖤Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco. 2023 read. Cresswell. Need I say more?
🖤The Perfect Blindside/eXtreme Blindside by Leslea D. Wahl. 2015 read. Still the best Christian author I have had the pleasure of reading!
🖤The Maze Runner by James Dashner. 2014 read. A classic!
🖤Where Iron Meets Flame by Louise Everett 2024 read. I am STILL thinking about this book and I read it back in early spring!
🖤Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare. 2023 read. The Last Hours still managing to snag the spot for best Shadowhunter trilogy to date!
🖤A Beast as Dark as Night by Jennifer Kropf. 2022 read. her writing style is so whimsical and magical! I will buy anything she publishes.
🖤Foretold by Jana Oliver. 2021 read.
🖤The Shadow of Death by Mckenna Rowell. 2024 read. The eldest sibling rep is fantastic! Mckenna also has one of the best writing styles I have ever seen.
🖤The Keepers: The Harp and the Ravenvine by Ted Sanders. 2015 read.
In the coming days, I will be announcing my favorite indie read of 2024 as well as my overall favorite book of 2024, so keep a lookout! Any guesses as to which of these ten hold those two titles?
What are some of your favorite reads?
December 25, 2024
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!!
💗
I am a writer who has always written her stories from the start of October to Christmas Day. To me, that is the most magical duration of the entire year. It just seems like more enchantments float around then, more opportunities to catch a story.
💗
For example, today. I had an idea when my sister got tired of me talking and stuck a bow to my lips saying, "Stick a bow in it." Bingo! My MMC just got himself a motherly figure and one heck of a scene. 🤣 I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit of family chaos that I will be incorporating amongst the pages.
💗
In other news, my family and I had a wonderful day together! I hope yours was as filled with as many blessings as mine was. Merry Christmas everyone!
💗
I am a writer who has always written her stories from the start of October to Christmas Day. To me, that is the most magical duration of the entire year. It just seems like more enchantments float around then, more opportunities to catch a story.
💗
For example, today. I had an idea when my sister got tired of me talking and stuck a bow to my lips saying, "Stick a bow in it." Bingo! My MMC just got himself a motherly figure and one heck of a scene. 🤣 I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit of family chaos that I will be incorporating amongst the pages.
💗
In other news, my family and I had a wonderful day together! I hope yours was as filled with as many blessings as mine was. Merry Christmas everyone!
December 19, 2024
Winter College Class and Writing Update!
Hello everyone! I hope your holidays are going well. 🖤 Tell me about them if you have a sec. I know mine certainly have been eventful.
💗
I started Winter classes for college this Tuesday! I am taking my English class, which is compressed from the original 16 weeks into 4. I am taking it early so that when spring comes around, I can sign up for a writing class they are offering!
💗
How is it going? Pretty well I think. Obviously taking a full course over just one month is a lot of work, but while it is time consuming, I am finding it rewarding and am really enjoying it. I feel that it is going to change how I plan my WIP's in a good way. Already I am seeing a difference just from reading the textbook and doing the daily essays and exercises.
💗
Well now I have brought up writing, so what's new with that? I am going to be honest and say that I have been a bit too busy to keep at it faithfully, so for now I am just working on outlines and notes. I plan to get that done over the next week so when CWW comes around next month I can write until my heart's content! *which is never in case you are wondering* I also had an idea for a new WIP, and before you come after me, I am thinking it would only be novella sized. No promises, but perhaps that means I can publish two books in 2025?!
💗
I started Winter classes for college this Tuesday! I am taking my English class, which is compressed from the original 16 weeks into 4. I am taking it early so that when spring comes around, I can sign up for a writing class they are offering!
💗
How is it going? Pretty well I think. Obviously taking a full course over just one month is a lot of work, but while it is time consuming, I am finding it rewarding and am really enjoying it. I feel that it is going to change how I plan my WIP's in a good way. Already I am seeing a difference just from reading the textbook and doing the daily essays and exercises.
💗
Well now I have brought up writing, so what's new with that? I am going to be honest and say that I have been a bit too busy to keep at it faithfully, so for now I am just working on outlines and notes. I plan to get that done over the next week so when CWW comes around next month I can write until my heart's content! *which is never in case you are wondering* I also had an idea for a new WIP, and before you come after me, I am thinking it would only be novella sized. No promises, but perhaps that means I can publish two books in 2025?!
December 5, 2024
A miracle *it feels like*
12 years old, and I finally got my baby brother to read a book. He even picked it out himself! He hasn't left the couch in the last eight hours and has breezed through three of them in just two days. Graphic novel for the win, because he likes books with pictures. He has moved onto the Wimpy Kid books; think we can get full length novels one day? I hope so.
But for now, we are counting this as one small step for a big sister, and one giant leap for the book community.
But for now, we are counting this as one small step for a big sister, and one giant leap for the book community.
December 4, 2024
Goodreads Choice Awards 2024
NINTH?? Heir by Sabaa Tahir got NINTH?? Okay, y'all, this SHOCKS me. This was the best book I have read in a long long time...and I wasn't even planning on reading it at first! This was a surprise read!! And I am hooked on the whole world now!! HOOKED!! NINTH??
No shade to any of the authors because I love most of these books that placed higher, but ninth really shocks me for this book. Heir deserves way way better.
I will be sharing my review soon. It deserves all the love. 💙
*None of my chosen books won sadly.*
No shade to any of the authors because I love most of these books that placed higher, but ninth really shocks me for this book. Heir deserves way way better.
I will be sharing my review soon. It deserves all the love. 💙
*None of my chosen books won sadly.*
