One of the hardest things for an author to hear is that a story that they wrote wasn’t good enough. We writers want to create the story that everyone is talking about – the story that begs a sequel to. But what happens when the compliments don’t come? How should a writer feel when the story told is not that interesting? As a freelance writer, I was not accustomed to getting negative responses to my writing. The first time I received a negative review, I learned something very important about myself – that I didn’t handle criticism well. It was painful to know that someone didn’t like my novel, that they didn’t understand what I was trying to say. Not only did the person not like my story, they wanted to humiliate me and stop me from writing again. Who would expend so much energy to make a writer feel bad? Somebody did. But I listened, learn from it and moved forward. That was hard.

Feeling hurt because a critic cut your masterpiece to shreds? You're not alone. Criticism and bruised egos are inherent in publishing and communications. Communications consultant Deb Sistrunk offers tips on how to cope with critics. Click on the link to learn more: http://mediabysistrunk.blogspot.com/2 006/10/learning-how-to-handle-criticism.html

There are many marriages that encounter a best friend like Jasmine. You know the type – the “best friend” who goes after your husband. When Jasmine doesn’t achieve her goal, she moves from Los Angeles to New York, vowing to change her evil ways and to leave married men alone. She seeks a relationship with a soul mate sanctioned by God. Looking good after losing weight and buying some designer clothes with her newfound money, her intention is to attract someone who has money and is a Christian. But what happens when her old ways tempts her back into her old life?

Jasmine finds her dream man, but there are too many distractions – mostly brought on by her deceitful ways. Lying and dishonesty fit this woman like her own skin – a woman who is supposed to be a Christian. Will Jasmine ever learn that honesty is always the best policy?

Victoria Christopher Murray weaved an excellent story that mirrors so many women bent on getting and keeping a man at any cost. Deception and lying to keep a man while trying to be a Christian is hard, if not impossible, to pull off. This is an excellent story of determination, desire and redemption.