This Week’s Question:
Rie’s Answer:
Top 5 tips for Reviews:
5. Take notes as you read. You know that reaction you just had to this amazing/horrible thing within the book. Yeah, by the end of the book you’ll likely have forgotten how much you loved/hated it. I use my phone to keep my notes as it’s always at hand.
4. Write your review before starting another book. This is by far the hardest thing I have to do when composing a review. I’ll want to start on the next book in a series or the next book I’m itching to read but too many times I’m like “Of course I’ll remember.” Nope, I don’t. Hence why only the first book of Hunger Games is reviewed.
3. Keep a checklist. This checklist is just a list of points to go over within each review. This is the only way I can review those meh, whatever books.
2. Use Windows Live Writer: You likely have a format for your reviews that you stick to and with WLW plus Text Template you don’t have to type up the same info over and over.
1. Be Honest. Nothing is more important to your readers than the ability to trust what your saying. Not all books are amazing and you must say when they don’t live up to expectation. You can do this with class and not bash the book.
Rie
I'm a wife, student, and a dog-lover who reads when I should be folding laundry (bane of my existance), I write (rarely as academic papers consume my life), and love getting wrapped up in fiction.
Categories: Blog Hop
I love the idea of using WLW for your reviews. I always end up hunting through my archives for my format! (Seriously -- it drives me crazy every time. I don't know why I haven't switched to something like WLW and templates.) **Runs off to do so**
ReplyDeleteCheck out my TGIF and Follow Friday!
YES to #1. There have been times I've questioned my review as I'm writing it, and I always come back to the fact that I HAVE to be honest about what I liked AND disliked to keep my integrity intact. :) Great points, chica!
ReplyDeleteIf I see a reviewer compromising her integrity it's an instant reaction of questioning her reviews from then on, so I attempt to always be completely honest. It can be hard especially when you love a book but it has SERIOUS issues. Carrier of Mark was like that for me. I loved it so much, but I couldn't get past the fact it was like Twilight. And the insta-love.
ReplyDeleteUntil I got interested in design I could NOT figure out how to use Text Template and then when I began learning the basics of html reviewing got so much easier.
ReplyDeleteI think your tips are pretty awesome! And honesty, for sure, is the best policy (and not just for book reviews!). I always appreciate an authentic reaction from reviewers, especially if it's done diplomatically and respectfully. Not everyone will feel the same about a book, for sure.
ReplyDeleteGreat checklist! I haven't tried that before. Might be something to think about. I try to take notes but they're usually just page numbers, fractured thoughts. I'm a terrible notetaker, but even still, it does help. And I will definitely check out this Live Writer. Not sure how similar my posts are, but I am curious.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the top five tips!
I have seen the advice of taking notes now several times. I read a 300 pages think book in 3-4 hours. Normally I don't even stop for anything. Maybe I should change this ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday! My FF
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Note taking is a must for me! I feel like when my responses are immediate it's more natural.
ReplyDeleteIf you need help with Live Writer let me know. It can be confusing at first.
ReplyDeleteYeah, and I actually love reading reviews that have a different view of a book. Makes me think about different issues throughout the book. Great for discussion!
ReplyDeleteOooh, I am going to have to try Windows Live Writer. I hate formatting my reviews over and over again but haven't really found an easy way to do it. :)
ReplyDeleteHonesty in reviews is definitely the most important thing.
Thanks for the pointers! I downloaded WLW to try it. Here's my TGIF post for this week: http://geobobspinelli.blogspot.com/2011/12/tgif-5.html
ReplyDeleteI am new to book blogging and in need of followers! I really like your blog so I'm now your newest follower :)
Windows Live Writers is a lifesaver! If you need help setting it up let me know!
ReplyDeleteYour tips were so great! Taking notes is one thing I suck at. Writing my reviews before I start another book is something I suck at as well. Oh and keeping a checklist and using windows live writer are two things I never do. (I do hope I stay true to tip number one though!) So really, I did find your tips super helpful!
ReplyDeleteThis is good advice. I am a writer though, so when I don't like a book I feel bad commenting on it because I know the author has probably poured their heart and soul into their work. You are right, however, that it can be done tactfully.
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips. I have to say that I don't always write my review right away. I do take really good notes but if it's not coming to me, I can't force it.
ReplyDeleteI keep a notebook next to the bed because most of my best thoughts come right as I'm about to fall asleep...lol