The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The December 6 question: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review, do you review for the Reader or the Author? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?

The One Book Review Every Author Wants

In my opinion, book reviews are for readers.

Ideally, the reviews should be about the writing: is the plot good, are the characters likable? Is it a book you enjoyed?

If you didn’t enjoy it, what in particular didn’t you like about it? How it ended? That words unknown to you were used? That there were grammar and punctuation errors on every page?

What’s sad is when a reviewer leaves a 1 star and states that the package arrived torn and the book destroyed. That review has nothing to do with the writing and everything to do with the shipping, of which the author has no control or involvement. So why penalize the author with that type of review?

I may read a book that isn’t my cup of tea but that doesn’t mean the writing isn’t any good. In most cases, the writing is incredible; it’s just that I’m becoming bored because as a writer, I know how it’s going to end. So, I skip to the last chapter and read it. Yup, sure enough. I want to read a book that stirs my emotions or has me guessing as to its outcome.

The thing is, I would never leave a bad review because of my own biases. I leave a review because the writing is good, giving it a good score, putting my bias aside. I know many other readers would enjoy it.

I’ll promote good writing every time. Reviews are subjective and each review is just one person’s opinion, that person’s opinion.

I’ve learned if one friend recommends a book, I probably won’t read it. Her likes and mine aren’t the same. However, if another friend recommends a book, I’ll check it out; she and I are reading similar genres and get excited about the same type of book—the psychological thriller.

The one review that can’t be bought is the word-of-mouth review. When your friend excitedly calls you and asks: Have you read XYZ yet? OMG, I couldn’t put it down. I was up until 3 a.m. last night finishing it!

The last books I read like that were The Martian by Andy Wier, Verity by Colleen Hoover, and Never Lie by Frieda McFadden. These are books I’d like to write; they’re intense and page-turners! They’re the standard I’d like to achieve and books that I highly recommend word-of-mouth.

For some fun reading, to clear my reading palette from the thriller intensity, I enjoy reading Amish romances by Mindy Steel and Sarah Price whose books are based on Jane Austen’s books and a few fairy tales.

What were your last few page-turner books?

*****

Dr. Diana Stout appreciates her readers and fans. One day she hopes to write a book that generates so much word-of-mouth advertising, thus motivating sales that she finally hits the milestone of earning the title of best-selling author and cross that goal off her bucket list.

Learn more about Dr. Stout at her website, Sharpened Pencils Productions.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writers. This group is all about connecting!