REVIEWS

A review is feedback that has two seperate audiences.

The Reader - fellow readers who are looking for honest, informative feedback about a book or movie that they can use to make decisions about a particular work. Writing for readers means that we remember to include the good, the bad, and the ugly without bias (or at least admitting bias) so that they can use the review to make informed decisions. This means that overly critical and overly positive are rarely given much weight. Whether that means a reviewer hates it or loves it, there is always something right or wrong with most any piece of writing. Someone who ignores one for sake of the other most often comes off as biased.

The Writer - fellow writers often say they are looking for honest reviews, but when many receive them, they are often disappointed. They have invested countless hours and tons of creative juice and most novice (and far too many veteran) writers don't react well to criticism, even when it's constructive. So, remember to temper your "honest" review with some professional courtesy. Sure, there are some authors who should never be published, should never attempt to sell the drivel that spills from their printer or pen. But, they are often the ones who won't listen to anyone or anything that criticizes what they deem their greatest work.  So, remember that many writers have worked very hard on their writing and not on the thickening of their skin. Find something of redeeming quality and make sure to mention it (preferably last) when pointing out the numerous flaws you've found.

A Point to Remember - a review is an opinion.
That's it. Nothing else. Just one reader's opinion about a specific text at a specific time in their life. Imagine reading Jaws after living in the desert of Arizona all your life. How would the review change if, while on vacation in the Sea of Cortez, the reviewer is almost killed by a shark? We are made up of our experiences and can only give of what we have...ourselves. Reader or Writer, we do our best.
So, take it for what it is - an opinion from one person, at one point in their life, about a book written by another person, at one point in their writing career. People change; but then so do our writing abilities and perceptions.

Just some food for thought.

Need a resource to find markets?

Authors -

Would you like another resource to help you find markets?

How about one that will give you insights into what the editors are looking for?

Here is one site that does both:

6 QUESTIONS FOR EDITORS

How to Prevent Predictible Plots

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/how-to-prevent-predictible-plots?et_mid=620022&rid=236146386

Read this article on writer's digest. Since I've been talking about plots it seemed relevant.
I think we all hate being able to predict a story as we turn the page or reach the ending, but it is even more frustrating to predict the entire plotline.
"Hey, haven't I read this somewhere before?"
So, as we write (or read) ask yourself, is this somehow "too familiar" or is it uniquely and creatively yours?

My Musings

I think that I am not the only one just starting out in trying to become a published author. Sure, there are hundreds of ways for anyone to post and publish their words on the internet. I think the difference being that I want to tell stories that engage and entertain my readers and to do so in a format that is somewhat credible.

Whether that means publishing the traditional way or becoming one of the growing number of Indie authors out there, the journey is much the same. So, I thought it would be helpful to record some of the events, hurdles, and compromises that I've made. Hopefully, some of you will find it helpful and maybe even give you a chance to add some of your experiences as well.

I will try to keep this updated as often as I can.