tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post5261862893219027928..comments2024-03-28T16:35:05.327-05:00Comments on Joan Reeves: How To Write a Book ReviewJoan Reeveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-7970224279522420162014-04-23T17:15:08.164-05:002014-04-23T17:15:08.164-05:00Hey, Dan. Your comment posted twice so I deleted t...Hey, Dan. Your comment posted twice so I deleted the duplicate. No apology necessary about not reading my books. It's like Sly and the Family Stone sang: "Different strokes for different folks."<br /><br />Btw, I write nonfiction--mostly for writers--children's books, and romance novels. I'd wear a smiley face if you just read my blog! *g*<br /><br />Thanks for dropping by.Joan Reeveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-67942935385876207292014-04-23T17:12:19.699-05:002014-04-23T17:12:19.699-05:00Thanks for dropping by, Pamela.I know it's sai...Thanks for dropping by, Pamela.I know it's said that some authors create their own reviews or get their friends to write good ones, but I can honestly say I've never personally known this to happen. I'm sure it probably does, but fortunately most of the authors I know have enough integrity to not do this.<br /><br />Now, I have known of a few authors who posted scathing reviews on another author's book. In their peanut-sized nodule of brain tissue, they think this cuts down their competition. Well, bless their hearts. *g* I guess they'll just get to hell faster than the other sinners.<br /><br />Imho, life is too short to be so petty in this whole nefarious review business. I just don't believe any of this dishonesty is ultimately rewarded. Karma is a bitch, and she'll bite your head off when you least expect it.<br /><br />But back to the writers reviewing other writers. You are so right about our being tougher on fellow authors. We know that a book either works or it doesn't work. Sometimes, despite having all the necessary elements, a book just doesn't come together.<br /><br />I've been very honest about the fact that I do NOT post a review unless I can wholeheartedly give 4 or 5 stars to the book. My reviews are honest. You don't see reviews for the books I disdain because I don't post them.<br /><br />I've been in the business more than 25 years, and I know too many authors. I also know how hard it is to write a compelling book, and how hard this business is. It can crush your spirit if you let it. <br /><br />I refuse to rain on another author's parade. This business is hard enough. Life is hard enough! I don't feel the need to show my superiority by trashing another author's book. Trust me, if an author wrote a crappy book, there are more than enough people who will delight in pointing that out.<br /><br />The bottom line? I'd rather be an uplifting force in an author's life and maybe help them to improve rather than a destroyer. Joan Reeveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-31226641667961649592014-04-23T16:50:47.917-05:002014-04-23T16:50:47.917-05:00Hello! Thanks for linking to the post. My goal is ...Hello! Thanks for linking to the post. My goal is to take away the intimidation process from reviewing books. *g*Joan Reeveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-28117278263803432692014-04-23T14:58:00.037-05:002014-04-23T14:58:00.037-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Dan Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00351067215410679263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-39052971557229048422014-04-23T14:56:08.733-05:002014-04-23T14:56:08.733-05:00I hardly ever leave a review, because like you sai...I hardly ever leave a review, because like you said, I have no clue what to say other than I loved the book. Now I have some guidelines to help in that process. Thank you. No, sorry I don't read your books. They are not in a genre I read. Kimberly A. Bettes sent me here. LOLDan Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00351067215410679263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-33656360676038845942014-04-23T14:48:23.024-05:002014-04-23T14:48:23.024-05:00Excellent points. I think reviews lost much of th...Excellent points. I think reviews lost much of their credibility when authors began 'padding' their own reviews by writing their own under assumed names, by writing and posting them under friends' names, etc. As readers we must be able to trust the source of the review as unbiased and fair.<br />I also wonder if, as writers, we are not hesitant to write reviews on other authors because we are naturally inclined to be 'harder' on writing than a straight reader would be. Interested in hearing your thoughts on these issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-5739909808368752502014-04-23T14:44:58.937-05:002014-04-23T14:44:58.937-05:00This is a great post. I know it's like asking ...This is a great post. I know it's like asking for volunteers for a root canal to get reviews sometimes. I posted a link to this on my blog too so maybe it'll help. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-18357995810014736282014-03-30T18:00:09.078-05:002014-03-30T18:00:09.078-05:00You're welcome. Glad it proved useful.You're welcome. Glad it proved useful.Joan Reeveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11856692.post-81582891640693627062014-03-30T07:54:12.395-05:002014-03-30T07:54:12.395-05:00This makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the reviewi...This makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the reviewing pointers!Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04546161337366365635noreply@blogger.com