I just have to say it . . .

Bella Bryce's latest blog posts

I just have to say it . . .

18/2/2015

I can't resist, anymore. I absolutely have to comment. I'm bored of being told that I have to be a doormat and don't comment on reviews publicly because it's unprofessional. I don't mean to be unprofessional, but I would like to make something glaringly clear - - - us authors do not, nor will we ever, spell out EVERY.SINGLE.DETAIL in a book. We shouldn't have to.

The one that has been battered to death in arrogance:

"Brayden's name isn't even 'English' "

His parents are billionaires. Who spent years traveling before their son was born. They have extended relatives and friends living in numerous countries. Who also like names from other countries. So, no, 'Brayden' is not entirely English. So what? That is not the basis for criticism in a review. That, in no way, moves or shapes me as an author. I chose that name on purpose. I like it. Therefore, his parents like it. I don't need to explain the whole history of his parents' lives before he was born and why they chose the name to justify it to the reader. Here, let me make up something to appease those in peril over the matter:

One very typical day at Waldorf, a young Kathryn James lovingly ran a hand over her protruding belly. She liked the name 'Brayden'. It wasn't English, but that's okay because British parents are allowed to choose names from any country they fancy. Hell, the top thirty baby names in recent years for boys and girls included Hassan, and Nur. Both Arabic. Oliver liked the name 'Brayden' because he actually had a third cousin twice-removed who was American, with the same name.

I bet no one would have commented on his name if that was in the book.

Also, I'm apparently from Texas. Or, my books read like something out of the nation of Texas.

Guess my very unEnglish Brayden and my very Texan, untalented, self will ride into the sunset, y'all.

15 Comments

kate

18/2/2015 14:50:17

I think Brayden's name is quite British and you're a bloody brilliant writer and anyone who says otherwise is a git and a prat. And anyone who thinks you're Texan is a tosser. And they can bloody well get over themselves.

But in all seriousness, you're a wonderful writer and I promise your fans far outnumber your haters (so in a fight, the odds would definitely be in our favor. Just sayin....). Don't let the haters get you down because you really are wonderful.

Now, if you would only post another excerpt from book V you would be even wonderfuller.... :)

David

19/2/2015 08:54:32

kate!! please mind your language young lady!! however for your last paragraph, you might be excused the earlier vent.. :)

Bella Bryce link

25/2/2015 17:43:24

Oohhhhh!!! Kate!!! Uncle David caught you saying naughty words!!! Best mind what you say, he doesn't take lightly a loose tongue!

Hee hee. How delightful. For once, I'm not the one getting told off!!

Bella xx

25/2/2015 17:44:13

Kate, darling, I love you. You make me laugh and you make me smile. But! You must of course mind not to swear cheeky girl!

Bella xoxox

27/2/2015 20:43:37

Careful young lady! Uncle David is keeping an eye on your comments!

Ellienora

18/2/2015 20:25:09

I live in Texas. Have for five years now. Your writing sounds nothing like texas. Crazy people. Just keep doing your fantastic job.

25/2/2015 17:45:08

My Ellieboo,

Yes, I laughed out loud after I was cross, lol.

Thank you. I needed that.

Bella xx

Tina

19/2/2015 05:37:01

Some seriously made a comment about Brayden? That's crazy. Now I'm gonna have to check out the reviews. I think his name is perfect. I always get as why I named my daughter Shilynn? Where I heard it, why I choose to spell it the way I did and even how to pronounce it. I never once would question a name in a book

25/2/2015 17:46:28

I honestly cannot tell you how many times I've had the knit-picky 'Brayden isn't an English name' comment. It's so old, and completely lacking credibility with regards to giving me criticism to improve me as an author.

Bella xoxo

19/2/2015 09:06:16

Bella.. we are glad you are who you are, from wherever you hail.. keep on writing.. you don't need to apologise for how you put your heart into what you commit to paper or electronic white space.. your creativity, insightfulness, caring articulation and imagination are a beauty wherever you come from, and non one can steal that from you. I know you to be a fab and caring person. Im not sure much else matters.. a doormat you are most certainly NOT, nor do I believe any human being is..

25/2/2015 17:47:31

Uncle David,

Thank you! And also, I'm blushing. I can't handle compliments, as you well know, but I must try to digest your kind words even if I don't quite believe them. I know you believe them, so that counts.

Bella xoxo

Jo Jo

19/2/2015 09:12:24

Well my daughter's name us Mary-Camden. Now I get asked if I'm catholic because every catholic girl is apparently named Mary-(insert what ever name) I'm as far away from catholic as can be. However her name does come from a town in England. Because I wanted it! And I'm deep hearted southern so y'all is my language lol

26/2/2015 14:51:42

Jojo,

I love her name so so much! It's very sweet, but when she grows up it will be sophisticated, which is what I love so much about names. I'm very picky when it comes to names. I don't pick anything that I don't absolutely love or resonate with.

thank you for the uplifting comment <3 it was muchly needed!

Bellaboo xx

Morganna

20/2/2015 06:21:34

I'm from Texas and I fail to see the connection. Perhaps she thinks she's like the Mentalist and can determine how many cups of coffee and how many times you've been to the restroom and all sorts of other things simply by the words you used and in what order on a given day. Ignore her. I agree with Kate. She's a tosser (I'm not really sure what that means but it sounds like a fantastic slam).

26/2/2015 15:11:09

Morganna!

Thank you, too, for being part of the post. I definitely have had my encouragement topped up! The thing is, the guy is really very kind in his review for the most part, but some of his comments are just so off. He thinks he knows for certain - but his opinion comes across as fact, which is actually wrong (because Brayden IS an English name, whether it sounds it or not. Whether it hails from the US or not, it's roots are still English). Ugh. I'm just so bored of people trying to tell me what is going on in my own damn book! These are my babies - not theirs.

<3 Bella xx

I just have to say it . . .

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