Beem Weeks's Blog - Posts Tagged "book-reviews"
Publicity For Our Work
Greetings, all. I hope everybody is enjoying this day--or evening, morning, or night, depending on your location.
If you're on this site, chances are you've written something of which you're extremely proud. It might be poetry, short stories, essays, or even a book or two. Maybe you just love to read. But if you've written something you're trying to share with the world, well then, this is the place to be.
I've said in previous postings that the difficult part isn't in writing the story, it's in getting word out about this labor of love that is our creation. Check out all that minute-by-minute tweeting, telling anybody who's following you on Twitter to BUY THIS BOOK! It works, sure, to an extent. I've moved a few copies through the use of the Twitterverse. And it's really raised my profile as a writer. One tweet can send a dozen new readers to my homepage for a quick read of a short story I've just posted. We see the increase in traffic at the site. But what about the bigger picture? How do we expand on this notion of moving even more copies of our work? How can we make our name stand out beyond those 140 characters we're limited to on Twitter? Facebook is fine--if you have the friends.
What every good writer needs, though, is reviews. That's what I'm getting at. REVIEWS! Having a site like Goodreads is fantastic for scoring reviews. We writers often trade them like kids trading baseball cards on a hot summer day. These reviews are vital. They give potential readers an educated opinion on whether the book at hand is worth the money or not--if the review is truthful. But what about reviews that aren't bartered? How do we score those?
Sometimes reviewers come looking for us, as has happened to me twice in the previous few weeks. (A couple of reviews and interviews can be found at http://www.tinyurl.com/cd7ptt4 and http://www.prideseries.com/blog.html )
However, as indie authors, we can't sit around waiting for the emails to fill our in-boxes. I can't afford a publicist to do the footwork for me, so I have to solicit these reviews myself. And this is the tough part, tracking down reviewers that possess a strong following and a good reputation. There aren't any trades involved this way, which means the review will certainly be honest, maybe even negative. But don't be afraid of a bad review--those WILL come, no doubt about it. Nobody has written that perfect novel, a work that's enjoyed by every soul who's read it. Even the greats get bad ink from time to time.
What we must do is take those reviews and pay attention to what's been pointed out as a fault in the story. If the reviewer found the lead character lacking credibility, make the protagonist in your next story more human. Add flaws and irritations. Learn from these criticisms. Don't just scan for the superlatives and disregard the rest. How will you ever become a better writer? Be proud of the good reviews, though. Post those links on Twitter, your blogs, Facebook, and your website. Let the world know what other people are saying about your work.
So, then, where do we find these reviewers? How do we convince them to give our work a chance? We could beg, I suppose. If that worked, I'd be a begging fool. But there's an easier way. My publisher sent me a link to a site that lists dozens of review blogs. I've only just started using this list so I can't give a progress report yet. I'm not a professional at this publicity stuff, either. I'm learning as I go along. What have I learned so far? If you're self-published or working with a small publisher, don't waste the time, money, or effort on getting your work to mainstream newspapers. I sent 35 copies to newspapers around the United States and have yet to hear a word back--not even a rejection. Besides, the internet is where the real action is these days.
I've also learned patience. If the work being promoted is good, a few readers is all it takes to get the publicity ball rolling. Word of mouth these days utilizes the internet, reaches worldwide, and remains out there long after it's been posted.
One last thing on the idea of trading reviews: This is a GREAT way to get your work in front of potential readers. I highly recommend this route. You'll discover some really amazing writers who'll quickly become favorites. However, if you agree to trade reviews with a fellow author, hold up your end of the deal. There's nothing as rude and inconsiderate as one writer stiffing another. I speak from experience. I took the time to BUY a writer's novel, read it, posted reviews on a couple of sites, and I haven't heard a peep from the other guy in over a month. (He promised to have my book finished and reviews posted by the end of February.) I won't remove those reviews; he earned them. But I won't buy his work again, either. So now I give to you a link. Use it to it's fullest potential. Chase those reviewers down and ask for some recognition. Have fun with the process, because if it's not fun, it's not worth doing!
http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/
If you're on this site, chances are you've written something of which you're extremely proud. It might be poetry, short stories, essays, or even a book or two. Maybe you just love to read. But if you've written something you're trying to share with the world, well then, this is the place to be.
I've said in previous postings that the difficult part isn't in writing the story, it's in getting word out about this labor of love that is our creation. Check out all that minute-by-minute tweeting, telling anybody who's following you on Twitter to BUY THIS BOOK! It works, sure, to an extent. I've moved a few copies through the use of the Twitterverse. And it's really raised my profile as a writer. One tweet can send a dozen new readers to my homepage for a quick read of a short story I've just posted. We see the increase in traffic at the site. But what about the bigger picture? How do we expand on this notion of moving even more copies of our work? How can we make our name stand out beyond those 140 characters we're limited to on Twitter? Facebook is fine--if you have the friends.
What every good writer needs, though, is reviews. That's what I'm getting at. REVIEWS! Having a site like Goodreads is fantastic for scoring reviews. We writers often trade them like kids trading baseball cards on a hot summer day. These reviews are vital. They give potential readers an educated opinion on whether the book at hand is worth the money or not--if the review is truthful. But what about reviews that aren't bartered? How do we score those?
Sometimes reviewers come looking for us, as has happened to me twice in the previous few weeks. (A couple of reviews and interviews can be found at http://www.tinyurl.com/cd7ptt4 and http://www.prideseries.com/blog.html )
However, as indie authors, we can't sit around waiting for the emails to fill our in-boxes. I can't afford a publicist to do the footwork for me, so I have to solicit these reviews myself. And this is the tough part, tracking down reviewers that possess a strong following and a good reputation. There aren't any trades involved this way, which means the review will certainly be honest, maybe even negative. But don't be afraid of a bad review--those WILL come, no doubt about it. Nobody has written that perfect novel, a work that's enjoyed by every soul who's read it. Even the greats get bad ink from time to time.
What we must do is take those reviews and pay attention to what's been pointed out as a fault in the story. If the reviewer found the lead character lacking credibility, make the protagonist in your next story more human. Add flaws and irritations. Learn from these criticisms. Don't just scan for the superlatives and disregard the rest. How will you ever become a better writer? Be proud of the good reviews, though. Post those links on Twitter, your blogs, Facebook, and your website. Let the world know what other people are saying about your work.
So, then, where do we find these reviewers? How do we convince them to give our work a chance? We could beg, I suppose. If that worked, I'd be a begging fool. But there's an easier way. My publisher sent me a link to a site that lists dozens of review blogs. I've only just started using this list so I can't give a progress report yet. I'm not a professional at this publicity stuff, either. I'm learning as I go along. What have I learned so far? If you're self-published or working with a small publisher, don't waste the time, money, or effort on getting your work to mainstream newspapers. I sent 35 copies to newspapers around the United States and have yet to hear a word back--not even a rejection. Besides, the internet is where the real action is these days.
I've also learned patience. If the work being promoted is good, a few readers is all it takes to get the publicity ball rolling. Word of mouth these days utilizes the internet, reaches worldwide, and remains out there long after it's been posted.
One last thing on the idea of trading reviews: This is a GREAT way to get your work in front of potential readers. I highly recommend this route. You'll discover some really amazing writers who'll quickly become favorites. However, if you agree to trade reviews with a fellow author, hold up your end of the deal. There's nothing as rude and inconsiderate as one writer stiffing another. I speak from experience. I took the time to BUY a writer's novel, read it, posted reviews on a couple of sites, and I haven't heard a peep from the other guy in over a month. (He promised to have my book finished and reviews posted by the end of February.) I won't remove those reviews; he earned them. But I won't buy his work again, either. So now I give to you a link. Use it to it's fullest potential. Chase those reviewers down and ask for some recognition. Have fun with the process, because if it's not fun, it's not worth doing!
http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/
New Book Reviews
Just a heads-up to those interested; I posted a few new book reviews here on Good Reads. Including a couple of classics.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another perfect novel, this one here. John Steinbeck had a way with words. The man just knew how to tell a story. The Grapes of Wrath paints a dark and gloomy picture of America during the Great Depression, when the Midwest became shadowed beneath a blanket of topsoil, blown away from fields of over-worked land. People went hungry, they died with their lungs filled with dirt that once provided sustenance, and families lost their land when the bank notes were due and money became scarce. It was a hard life for those who lived through this time.
Steinbeck captures the mood with his amazing talent. His use of metaphors and description wows even the most polished of authors all these years later. The characters and narration offer a rich taste of the struggle to live, to hold on to dignity in such undignified times. I highly recommend this novel to anybody who knows how to read.
View all my reviews
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant! A perfect novel. Perfect. I won't go into details about this book's content. Most everybody on the planet has some sort of idea about its plot. I'll just say, this is one of the top five greatest novels ever written.
Harper Lee was correct in leaving off with this as her only literary contribution. How could she ever come close to Mockingbird's perfection a second time? A first novel that reaches this high in the stratosphere is impossible to follow. Sure, she could have released a string of really good novels, cashed a few more checks, and been content with her portfolio. But a book like Mockingbird comes only once in a generation. Rare is the author who accomplishes such a masterpiece. The narrative voice of young Scout is pure and brilliant. Impossible to duplicate, this voice. A second novel wouldn't have stood in the long shadow cast by this American classic.
With well over eighteen million copies sold, it's a safe bet Harper Lee has never gone hungry. If you're one of the handful of people around the world who has yet to read this perfect example of literature; what's the hold up? And the movie version of this story? Perfect.
View all my reviews
The Grapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another perfect novel, this one here. John Steinbeck had a way with words. The man just knew how to tell a story. The Grapes of Wrath paints a dark and gloomy picture of America during the Great Depression, when the Midwest became shadowed beneath a blanket of topsoil, blown away from fields of over-worked land. People went hungry, they died with their lungs filled with dirt that once provided sustenance, and families lost their land when the bank notes were due and money became scarce. It was a hard life for those who lived through this time.
Steinbeck captures the mood with his amazing talent. His use of metaphors and description wows even the most polished of authors all these years later. The characters and narration offer a rich taste of the struggle to live, to hold on to dignity in such undignified times. I highly recommend this novel to anybody who knows how to read.
View all my reviews
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant! A perfect novel. Perfect. I won't go into details about this book's content. Most everybody on the planet has some sort of idea about its plot. I'll just say, this is one of the top five greatest novels ever written.
Harper Lee was correct in leaving off with this as her only literary contribution. How could she ever come close to Mockingbird's perfection a second time? A first novel that reaches this high in the stratosphere is impossible to follow. Sure, she could have released a string of really good novels, cashed a few more checks, and been content with her portfolio. But a book like Mockingbird comes only once in a generation. Rare is the author who accomplishes such a masterpiece. The narrative voice of young Scout is pure and brilliant. Impossible to duplicate, this voice. A second novel wouldn't have stood in the long shadow cast by this American classic.
With well over eighteen million copies sold, it's a safe bet Harper Lee has never gone hungry. If you're one of the handful of people around the world who has yet to read this perfect example of literature; what's the hold up? And the movie version of this story? Perfect.
View all my reviews
Selling Our Stuff!
It's a common theme among indie authors, this struggle of marketing our work to potential readers. It's a tough and clogged market, no doubt about it. But whoever said it would be easy? I think we all fantasize about being that one author who sells a million copies, capturing the attention of major publishing firms. That happens very rarely. So once the book is released, we adjust the fantasy, scaling it back to selling a hundred thousand copies. And after that first year passes, we adjust yet again, hoping to sell a few thousand, with hopes that word of mouth and reviews will add to those totals.
I've already written blogs on this subject. But I feel compelled to do so again. The worse thing a writer can do is to grow frustrated by lack of sales. Frustration just comes at us, though. It's often something we can't control. But what we can control is the destiny of our work. This little invention that I'm using to tell you these very words you're reading, this Dell laptop computer, has the potential to reach hundreds of millions around the world. You are where you're at, and I'm sitting here in Lansing, Michigan, USA, sharing my thoughts with you.
While my sales of Jazz Baby aren't up to the level of my fantasy, I do receive emails and reviews from readers all across the world. It's mind-blowing to receive a message from Tehran, Iran, or Wales, or Ireland, or South Africa, or Australia, or Florida here in the States, messages from people who have actually read the very words I spent years molding and shaping into a story.
But a handful doesn't equal those big sales numbers I imagined. So what to do? Hmm. How did those few people around the world come to hear about Jazz Baby, a historical fiction/coming-of-age novel by a relatively unknown indie author called Beem Weeks? The answer is: the internet. Now, if I can see the full width this little invention reaches, I need to figure out how best to exploit it.
There are thousands of possibilities available to us indie authors. Koobug.com is a growing site that really has gotten it right. They support and promote indie writers and their work. They aren't corporate-owned. They accept zero money from advertisers (though if they ever do, to pay the bills, that shouldn't be an issue). It truly is about authors.
Twitter reaches something like 500 million people across the world. Sell to a tenth of that and you're set for life. But who do you follow, and who follows you? That's a biggie. If I'm selling my book, do I follow other authors, those who are selling their work as well? Sure. It's always good to get a fellow author's perspective, maybe learn a few tricks. But that should never be your core following. In selling a product, the seller must seek out those who are interested buyers.
On Twitter, each account offers a profile letting potential followers know what interests this particular person. Find those who tell you that they are avid readers, they love books and stories, they're always looking for the next great novel. These wonderful people are out there. The author just has to do the leg work.
But Twitter isn't the only option. Blogging is vital to getting word out about your work. I don't have a Beem Weeks blog site. I don't need one--yet. I use two main sites where I post these little tirades or tantrums:Koobug.com and GoodReads.com. As I stated earlier, Koobug is growing by leaps and bounds, and they are doing it the right way. GoodReads reaches millions. But I also use other sites like writing.com, readwave.com, and authorsden.com to post my short stories and to sprinkle breadcrumbs leading readers to my hard work. My publisher even has a Beem Weeks page at freshinkgroup.com. Every little bit helps.
Then there are the reviews. Book reviews are often the catalyst in igniting a reader's interest in your work. Somebody who has read it already is recommending this novel to others. The internet is filled with bloggers willing to read and review your work. Sometimes you'll have to send the reviewer a copy or a PDF of the work, but that's a worthwhile exchange. It's up to you, the author, to hunt for these blog reviewers. Avoid those who offer to review your book for a fee. They aren't worth the money or the knowledge that you've paid somebody to say something nice about your story.
The hardest part in the whole publishing experience is the part where we are now expected to market our work to the world--with little or no experience. The fact is, through your computer, the world is at your fingertips. Blog, tweet, seek reviews, use facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and any other site you can find. The greater your presence on the internet, the greater the chances some reader searching for a new book might give your work a try.
And writing short stories doesn't hurt, either. A short story is a sample platter of what the author is capable of creating. Write and post, let the world know what you can do. And whatever you do as an author, don't get frustrated. You might have to work hard for every copy you sell. If it's a good read, you'll likely have a repeat customer when your next book is ready.
Finally, I'll share a link to the mother-of-all-book-review sites. Click on this link, pull up the list of book reviewers, and get started. http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/ You're likely to find many bloggers willing to review your book. But be patient; some have a pile of books to read and may take awhile to get to yours. Pay attention to what the blogger accepts or doesn't accept. In other words, don't send your steamy erotica to the little old lady looking to review good Christian stories.
Have fun with this. You are in a wonderful position to succeed at something you truly love.
I've already written blogs on this subject. But I feel compelled to do so again. The worse thing a writer can do is to grow frustrated by lack of sales. Frustration just comes at us, though. It's often something we can't control. But what we can control is the destiny of our work. This little invention that I'm using to tell you these very words you're reading, this Dell laptop computer, has the potential to reach hundreds of millions around the world. You are where you're at, and I'm sitting here in Lansing, Michigan, USA, sharing my thoughts with you.
While my sales of Jazz Baby aren't up to the level of my fantasy, I do receive emails and reviews from readers all across the world. It's mind-blowing to receive a message from Tehran, Iran, or Wales, or Ireland, or South Africa, or Australia, or Florida here in the States, messages from people who have actually read the very words I spent years molding and shaping into a story.
But a handful doesn't equal those big sales numbers I imagined. So what to do? Hmm. How did those few people around the world come to hear about Jazz Baby, a historical fiction/coming-of-age novel by a relatively unknown indie author called Beem Weeks? The answer is: the internet. Now, if I can see the full width this little invention reaches, I need to figure out how best to exploit it.
There are thousands of possibilities available to us indie authors. Koobug.com is a growing site that really has gotten it right. They support and promote indie writers and their work. They aren't corporate-owned. They accept zero money from advertisers (though if they ever do, to pay the bills, that shouldn't be an issue). It truly is about authors.
Twitter reaches something like 500 million people across the world. Sell to a tenth of that and you're set for life. But who do you follow, and who follows you? That's a biggie. If I'm selling my book, do I follow other authors, those who are selling their work as well? Sure. It's always good to get a fellow author's perspective, maybe learn a few tricks. But that should never be your core following. In selling a product, the seller must seek out those who are interested buyers.
On Twitter, each account offers a profile letting potential followers know what interests this particular person. Find those who tell you that they are avid readers, they love books and stories, they're always looking for the next great novel. These wonderful people are out there. The author just has to do the leg work.
But Twitter isn't the only option. Blogging is vital to getting word out about your work. I don't have a Beem Weeks blog site. I don't need one--yet. I use two main sites where I post these little tirades or tantrums:Koobug.com and GoodReads.com. As I stated earlier, Koobug is growing by leaps and bounds, and they are doing it the right way. GoodReads reaches millions. But I also use other sites like writing.com, readwave.com, and authorsden.com to post my short stories and to sprinkle breadcrumbs leading readers to my hard work. My publisher even has a Beem Weeks page at freshinkgroup.com. Every little bit helps.
Then there are the reviews. Book reviews are often the catalyst in igniting a reader's interest in your work. Somebody who has read it already is recommending this novel to others. The internet is filled with bloggers willing to read and review your work. Sometimes you'll have to send the reviewer a copy or a PDF of the work, but that's a worthwhile exchange. It's up to you, the author, to hunt for these blog reviewers. Avoid those who offer to review your book for a fee. They aren't worth the money or the knowledge that you've paid somebody to say something nice about your story.
The hardest part in the whole publishing experience is the part where we are now expected to market our work to the world--with little or no experience. The fact is, through your computer, the world is at your fingertips. Blog, tweet, seek reviews, use facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and any other site you can find. The greater your presence on the internet, the greater the chances some reader searching for a new book might give your work a try.
And writing short stories doesn't hurt, either. A short story is a sample platter of what the author is capable of creating. Write and post, let the world know what you can do. And whatever you do as an author, don't get frustrated. You might have to work hard for every copy you sell. If it's a good read, you'll likely have a repeat customer when your next book is ready.
Finally, I'll share a link to the mother-of-all-book-review sites. Click on this link, pull up the list of book reviewers, and get started. http://www.stepbystepselfpublishing.net/ You're likely to find many bloggers willing to review your book. But be patient; some have a pile of books to read and may take awhile to get to yours. Pay attention to what the blogger accepts or doesn't accept. In other words, don't send your steamy erotica to the little old lady looking to review good Christian stories.
Have fun with this. You are in a wonderful position to succeed at something you truly love.
A Fine Profession Book Review
A Fine Profession by Sarah Michelle LynchMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Though it’s billed as chick-lit, A Fine Profession by Sarah Michelle Lynch is much more than that simple genre tag allows. What I discovered between these electronic pages is an involved story that’s engaging in ways as to draw the interests of both sexes. To label it as mere chick-lit or erotica serves only to lure a certain segment of readers while keeping others at bay.
This is the story of Lottie, a practitioner of all things sexual, hence the erotica label. But the story delves deeper into the human condition, examining the choices made by this one woman. Lottie is the one telling the story of her own sexual awakening, spilling her secrets to Heath, a private investigator sent to track down this mysterious Chambermaid. The sex scenes certainly call for an audience of 18 years of age and older; but don’t be turned away.
Lynch has crafted a well-written story filled with fleshed-out characters that are as real as any literary characters I’ve ever read. We learn of Lottie’s childhood battle with illness, of her struggles with early-adulthood responsibilities, and of the true love she seeks. But just who sent this private investigator to track down the Chambermaid? You’ll have to purchase your own copy to get answers. This is a book I feel safe in recommending. I don’t normally read erotica, but A Fine Profession offers so much more than simple sex.
View all my reviews
The Honesty of Reviews
Reviews, be they for books, music, art, or movies, are important to the creator of the work in question. A good review alerts other readers that a particular book is well worth your time and money. A good review will help a singer or a band ease from struggle to success. Even in the restaurant business, a good review is often the difference between a full dining room and bankruptcy.
At the same token, a bad review can sink a Hollywood picture before it has a chance to open to the general public. Bad reviews are a part of the creative world that every participant will eventually experience. It’s just a fact of life. There’s no such thing as the perfect novel. Somebody somewhere will find something about your work they just don’t like. Even the Beatles found detractors when releasing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album many believe to be a masterpiece.
A review should be an honest, critical appraisal of another’s work. This appraisal will guide customers either toward or away from that person’s hard work. In today’s world of self-publishing, many books get published that aren’t necessarily ready for an audience. The story may be fantastic in theory but severely flawed in execution. (Pay the extra money for the editor!) But even in situations like this, honesty can be achieved without being rude. Something along the lines of: “I read the story and enjoyed it for the most part. The concept is quite entertaining. It could really use a thorough editing, to clean up the poor sentence construction, misspellings, and wrong punctuation. The author would do well to read up on Point Of View.” Civility allows others to know that, though the story is entertaining, there are issues within the text.
Civility! The Oxford American College Dictionary defines that word as: formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech; polite remarks used in formal conversation.
Are we capable of civility in today’s cyber world? There’s this awful thing called a revenge review, where people will post negative reviews of books or music just to draw down a particular work’s rating on, say, Amazon.com. Some people, without conscience, will trash a person’s hard work just for the joy of hurting another.
Recently, I became aware of a reader who actually changed her review of a book after it had been posted for some months. The reason? The reviewer had words with the author over something completely unrelated to the author’s work. This is a childish move, to be sure. But it’s also a dangerous slope to tread for the reviewer. By changing a four-star rating to a one, that reviewer loses credibility with those who read that person’s reviews. To change it after months alerts me that there’s something more going on. Did it suddenly dawn on you that the work deserved a single star rather than the four-star glowing review you originally awarded? Or are you being vindictive and childish because somebody called you out on an issue unrelated to the book in question?
A review should always be honest and from the heart. Once it’s been posted, it should be set in stone—unless the author has made corrections to the work, and the reviewer has re-read the book. To change a review—especially after a period of time—lets others know your word is not to be trusted.
Reviews are important. And even though some authors like to downplay their importance, we know reviews help sell books. It’s a simple fact. So when writing your reviews, be kind—even in your criticisms. If a book needs work, approach your review as a teaching opportunity, sharing whatever wisdom and knowledge you possess. Civility goes a long way—and not just for the author, either.
At the same token, a bad review can sink a Hollywood picture before it has a chance to open to the general public. Bad reviews are a part of the creative world that every participant will eventually experience. It’s just a fact of life. There’s no such thing as the perfect novel. Somebody somewhere will find something about your work they just don’t like. Even the Beatles found detractors when releasing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album many believe to be a masterpiece.
A review should be an honest, critical appraisal of another’s work. This appraisal will guide customers either toward or away from that person’s hard work. In today’s world of self-publishing, many books get published that aren’t necessarily ready for an audience. The story may be fantastic in theory but severely flawed in execution. (Pay the extra money for the editor!) But even in situations like this, honesty can be achieved without being rude. Something along the lines of: “I read the story and enjoyed it for the most part. The concept is quite entertaining. It could really use a thorough editing, to clean up the poor sentence construction, misspellings, and wrong punctuation. The author would do well to read up on Point Of View.” Civility allows others to know that, though the story is entertaining, there are issues within the text.
Civility! The Oxford American College Dictionary defines that word as: formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech; polite remarks used in formal conversation.
Are we capable of civility in today’s cyber world? There’s this awful thing called a revenge review, where people will post negative reviews of books or music just to draw down a particular work’s rating on, say, Amazon.com. Some people, without conscience, will trash a person’s hard work just for the joy of hurting another.
Recently, I became aware of a reader who actually changed her review of a book after it had been posted for some months. The reason? The reviewer had words with the author over something completely unrelated to the author’s work. This is a childish move, to be sure. But it’s also a dangerous slope to tread for the reviewer. By changing a four-star rating to a one, that reviewer loses credibility with those who read that person’s reviews. To change it after months alerts me that there’s something more going on. Did it suddenly dawn on you that the work deserved a single star rather than the four-star glowing review you originally awarded? Or are you being vindictive and childish because somebody called you out on an issue unrelated to the book in question?
A review should always be honest and from the heart. Once it’s been posted, it should be set in stone—unless the author has made corrections to the work, and the reviewer has re-read the book. To change a review—especially after a period of time—lets others know your word is not to be trusted.
Reviews are important. And even though some authors like to downplay their importance, we know reviews help sell books. It’s a simple fact. So when writing your reviews, be kind—even in your criticisms. If a book needs work, approach your review as a teaching opportunity, sharing whatever wisdom and knowledge you possess. Civility goes a long way—and not just for the author, either.
My Review of Ivy
I first discovered the immensely talented indie author and poet Lee Robbins on the Koobug writer/reader web site. Robbins has a knack for creating amazing poems that touch down in utter darkness and set sail into the light. They paint pictures both pretty and ugly. Life is quite raw and very much on display in these short pieces of brilliance.
Robbins, with the skill of a surgeon, dissects reality in ways that most writers will quietly envy. His works are at times quite humorous, and yet can often be shocking in their stark observations. Lee Robbins strings together words that are bold and truthful, raw and delicate, delicious and bitter.
Cautionary tales stand side by side with notions of revenge. Daytime TV and drug addiction square off in competing pieces. Nothing is off limits in the fascinating worlds created by a true gem in the world of indie authors.
If you haven’t discovered Lee Robbins, I urge you to visit his page at Koobug and sample a master finding his own rhythm. Then buy this book; it’s one you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again.
Find it right here: http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Lee-Robbins...
Robbins, with the skill of a surgeon, dissects reality in ways that most writers will quietly envy. His works are at times quite humorous, and yet can often be shocking in their stark observations. Lee Robbins strings together words that are bold and truthful, raw and delicate, delicious and bitter.
Cautionary tales stand side by side with notions of revenge. Daytime TV and drug addiction square off in competing pieces. Nothing is off limits in the fascinating worlds created by a true gem in the world of indie authors.
If you haven’t discovered Lee Robbins, I urge you to visit his page at Koobug and sample a master finding his own rhythm. Then buy this book; it’s one you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again.
Find it right here: http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Lee-Robbins...
My Review of The ABC's of Surviving Cancer
The ABC's of Surviving Cancer: Alive, Beautiful, & Courageous by Tammy TroverMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author Tammy Trover is a cancer survivor. She knows first hand the energy and strength it takes to wage war against this insidious disease. In The ABC's of Surviving Cancer, Trover shares her wisdom and experiences that come from her own hard-fought battle. This book is written as an encouragement for children (and adults) who are facing their own fight. The story is told with the help of Cornelius the Cancer Fighting Crocodile. Each letter of the alphabet represents steps taken in the battle. (A is for Alive, that's what I am.)
Tammy Trover is able to take cancer out of the darkness and into the light, making the battle a little easier for youngsters — and older people as well — while sharing her own personal story. This book, with the beautiful illustrations, is designed to encourage and strengthen in the face of uncertainty. And that's exactly what it accomplishes. If you are struggling in the battle or know somebody who is, I highly recommend this book.
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