7/6/2021 How do you approach writing reviews?
Honestly, my method has changed over the years.
Back in the day, I used to take notes and list out my favorite/least favorite characters, favorite quotes, favorite scenes, and so forth.
I've simplified over the years. I will take the occasional note esp if it is an anthology. I'll do sticky notes or write in my journal. Overall, though, I try to just jump on my computer or phone and quickly write my initial thoughts. I'll return a few hours later when I have a few moments or the next day and refine my thoughts and make it look better/sound better.
I wait until I have refined everything and then I pick an overall rating. When I am unsure or can't pick a rating, I'll make a list and rate certain parts of the book (ie character-development, plot, narrator if applicable, etc) and do some math. I'll get an average and go from there.
Once in a while, I'll do a review I call the Good/The Bad and the Ugly/Conclusion. This is where I simply bullet point the good parts and the bad parts and write a quick conclusion. I usually do only a handful of reviews like this a year. Why? Eh - I'll do this version when I'm pressed for time OR I feel like changing it up. Keep it fresh ya know?
I could ramble on about my madness I call reviewing but I'll leave it there ;)
I alwyas do the same, I read the book, I do my review not too long after because I forget easily, I write it in French, I send it to a friend so she can correct my mistakes and after that I translate it in English
ReplyDeleteRambling about your madness, awesome. Rambling in any form is great
ReplyDeleteMel, best to do type asap so not to forget anything
ReplyDeleteB, agreed!
I have tried over the years to do the quickie reviews or a version of good, bad, ugly... but I just don't have it in me. I'm too set in my ways.
ReplyDeleteJen, I haven't done that formatting in a LONG times.
ReplyDelete