Review writing is easy. Say what?
Review writing can be a struggle. It is a struggle. You will either struggle with the words you use—don’t go repeating the same tired phrase over and over again. Do you really want to come across that flowery, that gushing, that rambling? Go ahead, rip the author apart, after all, writers have no feelings, right? They didn’t spend that much time writing, right?
What about the book you’re so-so about, the one you’ve already forgotten about? You can’t just shrug your shoulders and say it was…eh. Can you? Should you?
No, review writing isn’t as easy as it sounds.
- balance
- mixing of genres
- connecting with the book
- reading it after reading one you loved, or one you disliked
- the name on the book is a live person
- just maybe you’re wrong…could you have misread…did you get an advanced non-edited copy…maybe you didn’t mix but it’s right for others
Then you need to consider your brand…
Brand: (1) kind, grade, or make, as indicated by a stamp, trademark, or the like (2) a mark made by burning or otherwise, to indicate kind, grade, make, ownership, etc.
These are two definitions given by dictionary.com
Using a brand gives you an identity. Having an identity is vital. Without one, how will anyone know who you are or how to separate you from everyone else?
I started using ratings and symbols for The Muse Book Reviews, when I was encouraged to strike out on my own. I chose a trumpeting elephant as my brand and symbol. Mind you I really don’t rate reviews anymore…on my site.
Why? Because I’ve determined my style is more conversational. I would rather share the book than lock it into a rating.
Your brand can also be your name. I started using ChrisChat years ago…long story on what it’s short for. Like everyone, who starts a website or blog, I needed a title. Using, ChrisChat, was the natural choice.
I’m now recognized as MuseChrisChat due to my connection with MuseItUp Publishing.
While you only have one name, you can have multiple brand names. As a writer, you could use one name for your general fiction…Christine I Steeves…and another for your non-fiction…Christine Speakman.
Think about what you’re reviewing. If you are reviewing YA (young adult) books and, say, erotica, would you be comfortable having both under one name? Nothing wrong with that; however, some readers may not appreciate having both these genres reviewed by the same person. Again, nothing wrong with their choices, but you could end up limiting yourself. One name for YA, and one name for erotica, might work to your advantage.
Picture brands used in your ratings could vary, as well. Think maybe flames or kisses for the more adult content, and a cell phone or mp3 player for the young adult genre.
Simply, you can be whomever you want by making a change to your brand name or picture. You can be recognizable for all your work, and still maintain a separate identity for each.
Trust Yourself
Trust yourself and what you’ve written and others will trust you, too. It’s very easy to become wrapped up in the worry about what you’re about to write. Is it too much; too little; too negative; too positive; too anything and everything?
A review is what you define it to be.
My reviews, ChrisChatReviews, are my opinions and thoughts on anything I’ve read. I’m not striving to find the world’s next mega hit or undiscovered talent. I love to read and share what I’ve read. I hope the author gains exposure through my reviews, just as much as I’ve learned to hope other booknuts are finding new favourites.
I’ve also learned that I won’t like everything I accept to read and this is something I battle.
However, the lesson is to learn to trust yourself and what you’re about to tell your readers.
Go read, review, enjoy.