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How do you approach writing reviews?
Begrudgingly. Ha, just kidding!
Seriously though, I’ve been in a review writing slump this summer, since I feel like I’m being pulled in all directions in real life. It’s slowly getting better though. So, I try to keep my reviews brief and simple. I don’t do big plot summaries, instead I try to give a vague-ish overview in a few sentences. Then I add in what I liked or didn’t like, avoiding spoilers.
On blog posts, I put a link to the book on Goodreads at the bottom in case readers want more info. I try not to get too far behind with reviews, maybe two books, just because it gets harder to remember details!
Ultimately, through reviewing, I’m trying to get the book out there, put it on readers’ radar, and share my honest opinions.
Are you a book reviewer? How do you approach writing reviews? — 𝓓𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓪
Book of Secrets 
I developed a discipline many years ago to review every book I read. It’s second nature to me now. I also use a format for the structure. Most are only three paragraphs, sometimes four for audiobooks needing a callout for the narration. I worried they might be too formulaic with so much structure but each time I sit down to write, my creative writing juices kick in.
I don’t look forward to writing them, drag my feet, but make certain I write them within a day or two of finishing the book. However, once I start writing, it doesn’t feel like a chore, which I remind myself of every time I feel myself procrastinating.
So, there you have it!
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It’s good to know I’m not the only one who drags her feet with reviewing sometimes! I did the three-paragraph review for a long time. It worked great. Seems like recently I don’t have as much to say, so it’s gotten shorter. I guess it just depends on the book.
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Like Jonetta, I am a formula girl. I have tried to break from my formula, but every time I try, I end up writing my formula. I think it’s just the way my brain works.
I need to get better on writing reviews right away. Sometimes when my reading is way ahead, I’ll get behind by 4 or so books and it’s tough trying to write them all.
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Yep, if I get behind on reviews it gets tough, especially if the books are all the same genre, like thrillers.
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I try to write reviews right away, or I forget what I meant to say. I have on a few occasions written notes while review and that helps tremendously when I write a review, unfortunately, I usually forget to write those notes! I prefer to read shorter reviews, but when they are too short, I don’t get a good feel for the book.
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That’s true, if the review is too short the book will seem flat.
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Your approach is very similar to mine. I’ve been doing a lot of mini’s lately because that’s all my brain has room for at the moment but I feel like I’m coming back a bit and have done a few longer ones too.
Really, whatever works and feels fun for me.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
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I’ve been having a tough time writing reviews lately too! I try to keep mine short since that’s the kind I like to read. Writing them right after I finish is the best way for me since it’s fresh in my memory.
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I kind of write the main points in my head while I’m reading which helps. Lately I’ve been kind of forcing myself not to spend to much time on them and just focus on sharing my primary thoughts without stressing myself out too much.
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