I’ve kind of been in a review slump lately. I’ve been more into the reading than into the reviewing…which some people might think is normal for me when you consider the amount of books I read as opposed to the amount of books I review but there it is. But the desire to write reviews has been escaping me lately and I’ve just not been too into it – I’m not sure why and I’m trying not to analyze it too much because knowing myself as I do it could change at any moment. But this start me thinking about how people go about reviewing.
I just finished a book that I need to review and I feel like I need to ruminate on it for a few days before I sit down to write it. Not that it was a deep meaningful read but sometimes I need to let things sink in a bit before I go for the gusto. There are reviews that I write for another blog that I know I have to write, but the ones I do for my blog are usually the books that I have a strong opinion about one direction or the other. There are times when I feel that I have to think for a while on book before I write the review and when thought of for a while I decide not to write it…does this happen to anyone else? Then at other times I finish a book and sit down right away and pound that puppy out. It’s that feeling that I’ll lose all my good thoughts if I don’t do it right now.
This got me to thinking about how others write their reviews. Do they write them right away? Do they have to think on them for a few days? And if they do wait does their opinion change the longer they think? (This has happened to me a time or two – both in the positive and the negative.) Or do they sit down and write a little of the review at a time?
The other thing I was thinking on when I was wondering how others go about writing their reviews was the technique reviewers use for remembering everything. I tend to sit down to write and my thoughts and feelings come tumbling out…and then if I remember a part that I want to highlight I have to flip back through the book and find it. A lot of the time I end up reading huge parts of the book over again (especially if I liked the book) while finding that one part. (I have to admit I’m very organized at home and at work but when it comes to my reviewing, not so much.) But I’ve received copies of books from friends that they have read that have little post it notes marking spots that they want to quote or highlight and it made me wonder.
This is definitely a fly by the seat of my pants, off the top of my head kind of post but I am very interested in how you all go about writing your reviews.
Hi Tracy – I'm a TOTAL pantser. I tend to write reviews the moment I finish the book and I just kind of vomit out the facts, then I grade the book after I've re-read the review.
Some books I know right away what the grade for it is, but many I have to write the review before I know what I'm going to grade the book. That's why I call what I write for my blog "review-ish" because I don't consider what I do really reviewing. Not like say, what Ana and Thea do at Book Smugglers (Ana is my idol when it comes to reviewing)or what Jane or ever Sarah do at DA or SBs.
So I call them "-ish" because what I'm writing isn't so much a review as my impressions of the book.
I've been feeling the same way too. Not been in the mood to write reviews, but when I am, I write them right after and sometimes even while I'm reading. I do make notes with post-it notes throughout so I can go back and refer to a passage or a feeling. I only review a small percentage of the books I read. Usually if it's one alot of others are reading, then I don't usually review it.
Hi Tracy,
Writing reviews…I think I have heard a hundred ways to go about writing a review, what is important and what is not, but I'll tell you my way.
I need to have my notepad and pen ready at hand wherever I read. It joins my on the bedside table, sits on the table next to the couch, if I rarely read an e-book it sits on my pc desk. I need to pen down my thoughts as they come to me, this is often while I'm reading. I write down quotes or the page with first sentence of the quote. So that when I'm actually sitting down I don't need to open the book again for certain information. I can purely focus on relaying my thoughts.
The thing is, and a bit of an obstacle for me is that I'm not a woman whose native language is English. I'm Dutch, so I spent a lot of time culminating on the language. I mean, my school English is very UK based and as we know, we romance readers have our own lingo. I try to keep up, still, I feel my reviews contain a certain word knowledge and to keep my reviews from feeling repetitive I use a dictionary.
So when I have my first draft I let is marinate for a day and then look at it with a fresh pair of eyes and then post in on forumboard and blog. And even then I find grammar mistakes and so on.
I love to review, I'm the kind of review who gets a panic attack when having read more than 2 books and still need to review them. My rhythm is when I have read one book I immediately review it. When emotions and thoughts are still fresh in my memory. The only book I reviewed like 4 weeks later was Nauti Intentions. I had my notes but just couldn't find my groove in telling what I wanted. Suddenly, weeks later, I had myself a flash of inspiration and out it came in half an hour. That is speedy gonzales for me!
So there you have it, the way I review in a nutshell LOL
I type out my initial thoughts right away and I do a summary. Then I let it sit for a day because I always think of things after I have it in my head for awhile.
I fill my books with mini post its..to mark fav quotes, plot points etc..On the Kindle I can just bookmark and highlight:)
And I always say this is just my thoughts..not necessarily a review.
I guess there's 2 parts to it for me.
While I'm reading: If I think I might review the book, or if the book starts screaming at me "review this" as I read it, I will start with 2 post-it notes at the front fo the book. 1 on which I write page #s with 1 word to 1 sentence reactions to a passage, and 1 which I cut in strips, leaving a bit attached at the adhesive side, so I can pull the strips off when needed to mark a page.
When I write the review: The longer I wait to write, the less chance I'll actually review it (unless committed to writing it.) If I'm not quite ready to write, I'll at least make a draft post with my usual review format (book cover, description, author links.) This at least helps me get started on it without feeling the pressure to actually "think" and write the review. When I'm ready, I can dive in and just focus on my thoughts. Often, I find while doing this mindless formatting for the post, the review starts coming to me.
You know, I was feeling this way a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes it's good to reconnect with the reading in a way that's just about the enjoyment and not about the need to write about it. It really helped me to do that so that I could regain some enthusiasm.
Well, as you know, I don't do real reviews – I tend to focus on one little thing or two that interests me as a writer. (my 'Great moments' thing). Sometimes that blossoms out to me discussing the whole book, other times it's just the slice.
I hate doing full reviews – it feels like an assignment. But I sure do appreciate when others do them!!!
I really think it helps to sort of follow your heart in reviews, and not try to fit a mold. You do such nice work, Tracy, on discussing books, and you have great insights. If you're feeling weary of your approach, I suspect through trial and error, you can find a new way that energizes you. Who says you have to follow a set style or rule or schedule?
One other thing – if I feel excited about something in a book, I'll stop reading and scribble a few notes. But other times, I also reflect heavily for days after, and a great moment comes from that.
I usually write my reviews a few days after I have read a book. As you well know, I place post it notes or fold the pages where important facts are or something catches my eye that I want to mention. Reviewing has become as important as reading has.
I tend to write the review almost immediately after finishing the book. And by immediately I mean like within 15 minutes. If that's not possible? I don't wait longer than 24 hours. I like putting my thoughts down while everything is still fresh in my mind. Also 99% of the time my initial reaction to the book is the one that sticks. Very rarely do I waffle on my grading scale (it has happened, but very rarely).
I only jot down notes when the book is not going well. As in "I can't believe all the too stupid to live crap the heroine is doing – I better write it all down so I don't forget to include the whole list in the review." Also, I only tend to flag passages/pages when 1) the book is so horrible I just need to share the horribleness with everyone else or 2) a certain bit of writing moved me (in a good way) and I want to highlight it.
Maybe because I've been writing reviews in one form or another for 10 years now, I tend to think that most bloggers over-think the process. There's really no right or wrong way. Either people like your reviewing style, or they don't. Do what YOU want to do. After all, that's half the fun of blogging.
I do both. Sometimes I read a book and feel so enthused I have to write all my ideas down straight away.
Mostly, though, I give it a couple of days. Mainly because I then get a chance to run a few ideas and phrases through my head before I commit to screen, as it were.
Kati – You are so funny: vomit out the facts. Hilarious.
I usually know the grade I'm going to give the book right away as well. And yes – Thea and Ana are Goddesses of reviewing!
Amy – Funny – I think I've only ever made notes one when I was reading a ebook and I was so shocked and disgusted that I didn't want to forget any of the badness! lol
Leontine – Thank you for your thoughts. It so interesting to see what everyone's processes are. I'm sure it is an obstacle for you with the language barrier but you seem to overcome that well! 🙂
Question – with making so many notes do you find that it interferes with your enjoyment of the book because you're taking breaks to write? Just curious.
Mandi – I like yours and Kati's view on the review(ish) or "just my thoughts". I think that's what it is for me as well but I call it a review – take it for what it's worth. 🙂
Renee – I think the longer I go without writing the review as well the less chance there is to write it.
I like how you put that – reconnect with the reading…although I'm REALLY connected most of the time! lol
CJ – I LOVE your great moments! They are just wonderful and so beautifully written they make me want to dive right in to what you're reading at the moment. )
I don't think I want to change how I'm writing cuz my views are mine alone – I just share them with the public and hope you all don't point and laugh. lol
Thanks for your kind words CJ – you are da bomb. 🙂
KB – do you start reading another book before you write the review for the one you finished or do you wait days in between. If you do start another book do you find it interferes with your thoughts on the previous one?
Wendy – wow within 15 minutes? If only I could! lol I do sometimes sit down within 12 hours but that's just not the same! 🙂
Jenre – You sound a lot like me – you just write way more reviews. And with 4 kids! I obviously aren't as organized as I thought I was. lol
Thanks for all your input everyone! 🙂
I don't write a review until I know what I want to say. I hate staring at a computer screen for hours and come up with nothing. Take a walk and get some ice-cream. That usually does the trick for me.
Hey Tracy!! Good topic. Well, for me, I HAVE to write the review immediately after reading the book. I read so much that there is no way I could recall in vivid detail everything I need for the review. I also pick and choose what I will review. Generally, I'll only post about the books I really liked. It's easier for me to write a review on something I enjoyed rather than something I didn't.
In many ways a review will depend on my response to the book.
If it is something that totally wowed me I will write a review straight away. Otherwise I tend to approach it in a bit of an ad hoc way and write the mini or longer reviews as I need or want to.
I don't take notes during or after reading so when it comes to writing the review I put down my gut reaction and then have the book open as a prompt. I generally write a number of reviews at a time as well. I think it helps me to get into the 'mood'.
I tend to do both. I'll write a review immediately following, and sometimes I take a few days to digest, or even just can't get around to it for a few days.
I have a few problems. Often I forget important details (like the character's names!) if I don't do it right away *blush*, or I never ever get around to it. Plus, I tend to go through a lot of dry spells. Bet you never noticed that, LOL!
Great post Tracy.
Can I just start by saying that Kati's comment took me completely by surprise? Thank you Kati and Tracy! you are way too kind. : D
As for how do I write reviews. At the moment, every single book I read, is for reviewing at the blog. So that definitely influences the way I read them. As a I read the books, I ear mark what I think is important, and interesting quotes to be used in the review. Once I finish the book, I write down a couple of notes, usually key words to describe a character or the plot. Then, I try to let it sink in for at least one day. I cycle to work every day and I find that I love to think about the books I just finished reading when I am cycling. I usually come up with the opening phrase or last sentence of the review when I am cycling.
Then to write the review itself. I start by organing, in my head: introduction, plot, characters, my likes and dislikes and what I would like to say about each part and go from there. It doesn't always flow like that, though. Sometimes I just VOMIT a review (like the recent one for Night's Rose). I find it easier to write reviews for books that I loved (like, the ones I grade between 9 and 10).
The majority of books I review are a 7 though and they are tougher to write.
anyways, sorry for babbling so much and I apologise in advance for spelling mistakes. It is 7am in the UK and I am still coffeeless in bed.
: D
Pantster… especially if the book has appealed to be a great deal I usually want to write about it right away. However, some just stay with me a while and take a little time to think about.
Have also been in a slump lately, not from lack of desire to read, but more a dearth of good reading material. 🙁
However, loads arrived this week so now have a TBR pile again! 🙂
Good morning Tracy,
I think I've come so accustomed to scribbling down notes while reading that I don't even notice it anymore and it never took away my joy of reading the story. Sometimes I read about an event, dialogues or emotions whom evoke such a reaction from my side I just have to make a comment about it in my notebook. It is my way of the sticky notes I guess LOL
It also happens that when I finish a book I only have half a page of notes and just "vomit" the review ~love the expression BTW LOL~ or I need to stew on it for a moment before reviewing to gather my thoughts on all of it 😉
The one's I love to write are the ones who evoke the strongest sentiment with me, both positive or negative. This is where I just sit down and start to type away. I think this is a good comment of Wendy
Quote Wendy:
There's really no right or wrong way. Either people like your reviewing style, or they don't. Do what YOU want to do. After all, that's half the fun of blogging.
From the various reactions to this post I read some differentiate between typing their thoughts regarding a book and what they perceive as a review, can some share their thoughts on what the difference is between the two?
Hi Tracy! I've always preferred to just write down my initial impressions of the books I read immediately after I read them. How they made me feel, the characters, writing, plot, etc… just a paragraph or two, then stick them in the book.
Now, I type them and if I find myself having too much to say, I review the book. Some of them do come pretty quickly, but it all depends on the book for me… sometimes I have to let them sit for a few days.
I also tend to review the ones I either like or not. But, I still prefer to just write my impressions of a book instead of reviewing and giving grades one way or another and letting the reader decide for themselves. 🙂
I Heart – I think ice cream is a fine idea…maybe I'll do that next time I need inspiration. 🙂
Barbara – You only review the ones you like. Do you ever find that there's one that you REALLY don't like and you need to get it off your shoulders? What do you do then?
Kris – Writing several at a time has worked for me before as well. Kind of gets you in your groove.
Lori – I thought I was the only one that forgot important details! lol Actually more with me I tend to get books mixed in my mind and then I'm screwed! lol
Ana – How honored am I that you chose to respond to my post without coffee. 🙂 You're very welcome – you deserve all the praise you get for your reviews, honestly.
It's interesting that you come up with your phrases while cycling. Maybe if I get on the treadmill….lol Thanks for your input.
Sarah – You have a TBR AGAIN? I can't imagine ever getting through mine! 🙂 I'm the same way if the book is excellent. I need to put down all the goodness NOW.
Leontine – Very good question: how do people differentiate between review and just putting their thoughts down. hmmmm… answers anyone?
I think VOMIT is going to go down in history Kati! lol
Hilcia – Writing down your inital thoughts and sticking them in the book – something I wouldn't have thought to do.
Thanks for your input. 🙂
Ahhhh, reviewing blue spells… Happen to everyone and it almost sucks as much as reading slump. Almost, but not quite 😛
I review books that call to me. When I'm done reading a book, I know whether or not I want to review it or not. I don't review all the books I read (even if some of them are great ^_^; ) Sometimes, I'll start right away on the review, but most of the time, it'll take a few days. Not because I need to think about what I'm going to write, but just because of my schedule – dealing with work, reading, tv and so on…
Usually, just having the book next to me jags my memory… I don't take extensive notes or anything….
Hey, Tracy — I've been doing reviews for several years at a review site, so when I opted to do one or two on my own blog I wanted to do it differently. Formally, I'm one of those who will usually start writing the review up before I've finished the book — at least the plot portion of it. On my blog, I'll wait until the whole book is read and just run with it. Usually I'll rip the blurb off the back of the book and just type that up so I can spend more time on my own thoughts. For the review site I'm on, we don't use that as our policy.
I do love CJ's Great Moments though — just snippets here and there of what worked for her in the book and what didn't.