243. How to Leave a Critical Review

This is the story of our first critic. Once upon a time in a coffee shop in Chicago when Christie was a brand new English Literature professor a stranger asked her a question about reading and writing. He was pointed. He had opinions. He was her first critic.  We've come a long way since then. And gathered many, many more reviews. And we've gotten better at receiving them. And learned a lot about leaving them.  This is the story of what we have learned -- about reading as much as about writing. And how it's changed the way we think about reviews.  This is a story for anyone who loves books as much as we do. Because to love books is to love authors and learn how to respond to their art with the reviews that we leave. And yes, we read aloud one of our favorite reviews -- not because of how it agrees with us. But because of how it kind of doesn't. And what a great lesson it taught us as readers and reviewers ourselves.  Podcast links: Follow Lisa-Jo on Instagram @lisajobaker and Christie at @christiepurifoy and please leave a review about what you think about today's podcast! Click here to join the conversations we have with listeners every week around the podcast. _______ Sponsor appreciation: We're so grateful to partner with show sponsors that keep making our work possible. Click here to visit Green Chef and use code ordinary60 to get 60% off plus free shipping! The #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well! Click here to treat yourself to the best shapewear on the market and save 20% Off on HoneyLove. Click here to visit Nutrafol to grow thicker, heathier hair with $10 off with the code ORDINARY! Click here to join Thrive Market today and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Click here to visit Stellar Eats and get 20% off your next order on healthy and tasty baking mixes!