The following is a response to a book review published in The Sunday Gleaner of February 22 under the headline 'Ok plot, poor writing'.

It is done by the writer of the book, A Victim Of Her Own Paranoia.

I was tempted to toss in the towel after such a harsh review, but I immediately pulled myself together, realising that I need not to. Criticism is aimed at helping the particular product or service improve itself the next time around, not to tear down, nor seek to destroy one's image, but to rebuild and to take the recommendations of the suggested critique and analyse its criticism and to do better.

I, however, did not feel that A Victim Of Her Own Paranoia was dealt with fairly. In fact, I thought the reviewer was so harsh that she sought to stop whatever writing ideas I may have in the future, in mentioning what she considered to be grammatical and editorial errors.

A scene she quoted as being so unbelievable, and I quote, "A reader may wonder where a helicopter could possibly land in Meadowbrook to pick up Tenika to go on a date." However, can one not imagine? The book was edited! I am not deterred, nor will I ever be deterred! I, however, do appreciate one's honesty. Come on, had you read the book in its entirety you would have seen the poetry section. This is not just a romance novel, it's a combination of a short story and a collection of poems, but did you read it?

Writer's imagination

The book must be critiqued in its entirety, cover design, cover outlook, yes, one may say that it's not important, but it is! It is what makes the story appealing to its readers. I end by saying that I will continue to write, but I do also hope that you also remember that "poor writing", as you say, does not necessarily mean that the writer cannot write, and it certainly does not mean that I also must toss in the towel. Predictability does not mean boring, it means trying something in a different way to achieve the same result. It too is creativity of the writer's own imagination so the reader may find the same result being shown to them in a different light.

I do, however, appreciate your time, thank you.

- Tina Brown