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Do you know how to write a book review?

Published on June 7, 2016June 6, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell81 Comments

I must confess, writing a book review is very hard for me.

You’d think as a writer, writing a book review would be easy. It’s not.

But reviews are as important to writers as water to fish. Writers need book reviews. The best way to get is to give.

So I set out to learn more about writing a good review.

I used to adhere to the old saying, “If you can’t say something good say nothing.”

Now I go with, “In everything, there is some good. Look for it.”

When you write a review, it’s important to find that “something” good to say.

Even for books that aren’t my genre, and even for those that make me cringe, I search for something good to say.

Things to look for…

Did the title or the cover get your attention?
Identify the genre.
Identify the audience (age.)
Identify the Point of View.
Is there a theme or common thread throughout the story?
Does the book or authors style remind you of another’s?
Review don’t critique.
Were characters loveable, believable, scary, or memorable?

Information to include in a review…

Include the name of book and author as well as the length of the book.
An opening hook. (ask a question, give a hint, etc.)
What you enjoyed. (character, line, writing style, etc.)
Who might enjoy this type of book?
A short summary. But remember this is not a book report.
A wrap-up or closing. (If you didn’t particularly like the book, this is a good place to sandwich the bad with good.)

Review example:

(Author’s name) new book, (book title) is (what? funny, sad, moving, thrilling, haunting?) A (genre) in (where or time?) is about (what? war? girl? boy? love? death?) It’s about (a brief summary.)

(who?) will enjoy reading (book title). I found this book to be (quick, detailed, engrossing, lengthy, informative, etc.) Readers who enjoy (genre) may like (title.)

Final tip:

If you’re unsure how to word your review, read other reviews in the same genre. Go to Amazon.com, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.com and read reviews until you are comfortable with the process.

So, do tell…

What advice can you offer to this struggling reviewer?

Do you find writing book reviews easy or hard?

Keep reading, good articles below on the art of writing a review.

Click to write me or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on and I’m waiting.

Please remember share this post with your Twitter peeps andFacebook fans.

How to Write a Book Review by Bill Asenjo

Writing a Book Review Contributors: Allen Brizee

Book Review Writing Template By ERIC JAMES ANDERSON

Do you want to know why honorable mention and not winner?

Published on March 21, 2016March 20, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell9 Comments

Me too!

I’ve received the Honorable Mention label a few times and truth be told it was exciting.

First time, second time, third time, but then…

Well, then I got the always a bridesmaid syndrome. You know what I’m talking about, right?

What was wrong with me? I mean my stories. Sorry, that sounded so whiny.

Thanks to David Farland latest email I got a few answers. Not satisfying answers but answers nonetheless.

Here’s what I learned from the Story Doctor.

It’s not me, it’s my writing. Ouch, that hurt.

Not because the writing is bad, it’s just not good enough for the judge. Ouch again.

Since there are no new ideas under the sun, I’d better make sure my take on whatever I write is fresh, unique and interesting. There must be something original that lifts it above others written on the same subject.

Beautiful writing does not make up for sloppy execution.

A dynamic beginning still needs a firm six-pack middle and a satisfying ending with a try-fail cycle that leaves the reader breathless.

Missing elements – no character is an island. They may live on one but they don’t live in a vacuum void of interaction with someone or something. Characters, think and feel about the things around them and that is what brings them to life. Judges need to see that.

David did give me some encouragement. He said if a writer is receiving Honorable Mention then we’re on the right track. Whew, there’s hope for me after all.

Plus, He suggested making a tip sheet of 25 things judges might grade on before submitting. Great idea.

Thanks, David!

If you’d like to read the entire article click the link below.

Why editors reject your story? by David Farland Story Doctor

What do you think?

Is Honorable Mention a Win?

Do you have any tips to take contests past the HM level?

Thanks for stopping by my blog.
You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

This year, make your opinion heard, it’s very valuable

Published on January 7, 2016January 6, 2016 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

That’s right your opinion is important!

To me, and every writer out there!

So share it!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock in an internet dead zone you’ve probably read a few posts recently about writing book reviews. Here on my blog too.

Why, because without reviews a book will die a slow death.

This was something I didn’t understand until after I’d written and published my first book. An author doesn’t just spend time typing a few thousand words on a computer, magically transform it into a book, and then sit back waiting for the sales to pour in. We have to keep giving that baby CPR every day or it withers on the bookshelf vine as surely as grapes during a California drought.

The writer puts a little bit of their soul into each chapter and verse. They lay themselves bare for critique by family, friends and strangers alike. Willing to accept what comes to set free their muse and see their art come to life.

When you, the reader selects our book, that in and of itself is a high compliment, even if you don’t care much for the story. The fact that you take the time to read the book speaks volumes.

Since you’ve already invested the time to read the book, why not take a few more minutes and let the author know what you thought, gently and honestly of course.

I’ve heard many excuses, but the main one is “I haven’t the time.” Well Amazon makes it easy with multiple choice. Here is a breakdown.

So just how long does it take?

Go to Amazon.com and click on book – 15 seconds
Click on book – write a review – 5 seconds
How is the author’s writing? Click on choice – 2 seconds
Is there violence? Click on choice – 2 seconds
Is there sexual content? Click on choice – 2 seconds
How is the story narrated? Click on choice – 2 seconds
Click on the Stars – 2 seconds

For a grand total of 30 seconds.

Now sure I’m pretty fast on the keyboard and so lets double that and stretch it a bit to 45 seconds. That’s still less than a minute to give a review to someone who has spent months writing the book that gave you hours of pleasure or misery.

Of course, if you want, you can go a step further and write a sentence or two describing what you like about the book or characters. Even the book I don’t care for, I try to find something good to say. Still, all in all it shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. Unless, of course, you are like me and begin to shop on Amazon.com for another good book. But that’s another problem. LOL

Click this link and go over to Cow Pasture Chronicles and get more tips on how easy it is to rate a book you’ve read.

The author will be eternally grateful that you took one minute out of your busy day, and I do understand you are as busy as the rest of us, to leave your opinion. If you’re unsure what to write, read some of the other reviews for ideas. If you don’t want to write anything, just click through the multiple choice.

Because believe it or not, your opinion does matter to us.

Have you read a book recently?

Did you leave a review?

If not, why?

Do you find writing a review hard?

If so, just click on the stars?

Take a few seconds now and leave a review for that book you just finished or even one you couldn’t finish.

The author will thank you!

Look for me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com! And don’t forget, pay it forward with a click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

It’s the happiest time of the year!

Published on December 4, 2015December 3, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Are you busy buying gifts yet?

Bet many of you will get busy with a long list this weekend.

If you’re searching for ideas for your writer friends, check out the following links. I mean, who would’ve thought about a way to capture those thoughts in the shower!