PLEASE
If not, why not?
I don’t have time
The author probably spent a heck of a lot more time writing the story than you took to read it, no matter how slow you think you are, so why not take a few minutes to record your feelings about it.
I can’t write long fancy reviews like those I see on book review blogs
You don’t have to, Amazon, for example, only ask you to use a minimum of 25 non repeating words.
I can’t express myself very well
No-one is asking you to produce a literary masterpiece, start off with things you liked, didn’t like or a mix of both about the book, e.g.,
I liked this book because –
it reminded me of –
it made me think about –
it made me so scared I couldn’t sleep for –
it made me feel homesick for –
it made me more aware about –
etc.
and just express your feelings about it
take a look at MY reviews – no lengthy literalistic tomes, no divulging the story endings or highlights (these are called spoilers), you’ll find them on Amazon and my Goodreads page.
But all the other reviews are great long one’s. Everybody will laugh at mine
Let them laugh, you won’t be there to see them. Anyway, if they laugh AT you instead of WITH you, it demonstrates what kind of people THEY are.
In any case, an author will not laugh AT you I can assure you. They can see the difference between an honest comment and one that is professionally presented.
Honest reviews tell them an awful lot more and they pay more attention to them.
But what if I really, REALLY HATED the story.
As long as it was the story and not the author, then instead of posting a review comment, you can contact the author directly by email (usually found on their websites) and tell them why you really, REALLY hated the story.
If it was the AUTHOR you didn’t like, my advice is to keep it to yourself and avoid their books in future. Both of you will lead happier lives for it.
I can’t write to an author, they’re all too big and far above my status
You’d be surprised, authors come in all shapes, sizes and stations in life. The only difference between them and you is that they wrote a story and actually published it.
Why do authors need reviews anyway? They can write whatever they want and besides, they all make a lot of money so they don’t need ME doing reviews.
Only partly true.
Authors write whatever story is inside them that they feel needs to be told
However, not all authors are rolling in money, if it were that easy YOU’d be an author yourself wouldn’t you?
Authors are storytellers
Storytellers NEED an audience
YOU are part of that audience
They cannot SEE how you react to the story
They cannot see your tears, hear your laughter or feel your emotions in response to the story they are telling – it is not like they are on a stage in a live show.
THAT is why they need your review comments, they need you to tell them about your reactions, so they can work on improving the existing and future stories they are writing, thereby improving your enjoyment of them.
So, if I leave review comments about a story I’ve read, I’ll be helping them get better at telling them?
Yes!
MMMM but I don’t have time –
Please refer to the top of the page and read it as many times as necessary until the message finally gets through – thank you!
Reblogged this on SherrieMiranda1 and commented:
Yes, Chris is right! We actually need your reviews more than we need you to buy the book!
“Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans” follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08KMHNNDK
Author, Sherrie Miranda’s husband made the trailer for “Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans.” He wrote the music too.
My radio interview:
https://cloudcast.us/drew-schlosbergs-spotlight-on-the-community/author-provides-insight-into-1980s-new-orleans/
My 1st review:
5.0 out of 5 stars
She has lived this story
The author is writing about what she has lived. It is accurate picture of New Orleans in the 1980s, and today in a certain way. Hope she gets the attention of those who want to learn about New Orleans on the ground level.
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Chris,
I guess because you have a paid blog now, I can no longer Reblog this?
Is it ok if I copy & paste it on my blog?
Sherrie
P.S. Did you know I just published another book? People are really enjoying it.
“Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans” follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08KMHNNDK
Author, Sherrie Miranda’s husband made the trailer for “Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans.” He wrote the music too.
My radio interview:
https://cloudcast.us/drew-schlosbergs-spotlight-on-the-community/author-provides-insight-into-1980s-new-orleans/
My 1st review:
5.0 out of 5 stars
She has lived this story
The author is writing about what she has lived. It is accurate picture of New Orleans in the 1980s, and today in a certain way. Hope she gets the attention of those who want to learn about New Orleans on the ground level.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry, Chris, it looks like I just needed to “accept cookies.” You can delete my comment.
Sherrie
P.S. Are you still doing author interviews?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes 😃
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I still have a free blog, Sherrie, so the reblog button should still be there 😃
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Reblogged this on The PBS Blog and commented:
Just a friendly reminder to remember to review 🙂
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Wow, Chris! This is great. Thank you so much for such a motivation to read and review. The questions and statements you mentioned are helpful.
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Welcome, Prakriti 👍😃
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Reblogged this on Have We Had Help? and commented:
We all need reviews!!!
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Reblogged this on Cage Dunn: Fibber, Fabricator, Teller-of-tall-tales and commented:
Please, I beg you, please read … writers everywhere need you
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Reblogged this on the red ant and commented:
Chris the Story Reading Ape, master blogger, promoter of authors and reviewer, shares this.
Thank you, Chris! So say all of us!
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