Friday, August 2, 2013

Ready, Set, Surf!



I've got my notebook, pen, and a snack. Let's see what I can find today on the Internet.

1.  For all you Civil War buffs, check out Diane Estrella's review of Beth Harlow's book, The Journal: Lost Memoirs from the Civil War.

2.  Sharon KirkClifton gives us 10 steps to writing great book reviews.
     
3.  AusJenny clues us in on ways authors can lose readers.

Now that my notebook is full, my hand has writer's cramp, and I need a glass of milk to wash down my snack, it's time to head back to home base.

Writers & Readers: Do you write book reviews? What tips do you have to offer?

Photo Credit:  adamci


8 comments:

Carol Garvin said...

My late night snack is a handful of raisins mixed with mint chocolate chips! I'm enjoying the quietness of a post midnight household but am almost ready for bed myself.

Do I write book reviews? Only rarely. My taste won't necessarily be someone else's, and I'm reluctant to tell others they'll enjoy something when I don't know for sure if they will. When I comment on a book I try to be honest but tactful, making it more about the story than my reaction to it, and leaving it to the readers to decide for themselves if it sounds appealling. Serious reviewers would probably say that's a cop out! LOL!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

Sound like useful links. I'm off to follow them. . .Thanks, Susan.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carol - Sounds yummy! Give me a chocolate chip cookie, and I'm a happy camper.

I'm not writing as many reviews these days due to time pressure. My reading time has shrunk since being published. I do have several reviews I want to write. LOL! By the time I get to them, I'll have to re-read the books.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Ruth -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Hope you find the links as interesting as I did.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

I do write book reviews. My advice is to be honest but not brutal. A little kindness and tact can go a long way. :)

Thanks for the links!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

You're SO good at the reviewing and the tact. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I sometimes do on Goodreads, although it has been a while.... When I am really excited about a book it is a pleasure to write a review, but I am not so good at it as some bloggers are. Maybe this means I have to practice more :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

You did a great job with The Moses Conspiracy. :)

Yes, it does take practice. I haven't done many book recommendations/reviews lately because of deadline pressures and life in general. I have at least 4 books waiting for review.

I barely get time to read these days. I snatch a few minutes here and a few minutes there.

Blessings,
Susan :)