tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post1893543779813525881..comments2023-10-26T10:00:18.987-05:00Comments on A Good Addiction: Thoughts on Reviews... and Some ChangesKari Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06447222718229334520noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post-59638875755117951462012-01-22T09:37:45.466-06:002012-01-22T09:37:45.466-06:00There's that famous line -- by Twain, maybe? -...There's that famous line -- by Twain, maybe? -- about how I would have written a shorter letter if I had more time.<br /><br />Just saying, as an author and a blogger, I think every blogger struggles with the question of balance. We put a lot of time into these blogs and sometimes we wonder if it's not detracting from something else. Is it all worth it, in a nutshell.<br /><br />So to the question of short vs. long reviews: I think you could explore two formats, short for most reviews, while allowing yourself the breadth to expand for longer, more discursive reviews. It doesn't have to be either or.<br /><br />As an author, I think we're mostly all grateful for any thoughtful review. Yes, there's a lot of so-called reviews that simply restate the catalog copy and add one sentence of opinion -- a style that's not found here, btw -- and that would be a disappointing step for you. <br /><br />In the end, you have to please yourself and go back to the basics of why you do this in the first place. My guess is that the reviewing process has become part of your READING PROCESS, an aspect of how you relate and come to understand literature. That is, you get something out of this, putting those thoughts into words, and I'd also venture to say that you couldn't stop if you tried!<br /><br />My best, <br />James PrellerJames Prellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01342728812342563278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post-61215348410583159832012-01-20T13:14:21.550-06:002012-01-20T13:14:21.550-06:00I recently went through my personal review pile, b...I recently went through my personal review pile, books that I bought, etc. and took some out because I don't have the time. My pile is a bit out of control.<br /><br />Good for you for making the changes that work for your situation.Melaniehttp://melaniesmusings.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post-80349264128824003662012-01-15T23:02:26.417-06:002012-01-15T23:02:26.417-06:00I deal with this as well. I read a lot of YA book...I deal with this as well. I read a lot of YA books for school and although I'd love to review them all, I just don't have the time. So I do what I can and hope it's for the best. I respect your decision and I'm eager to see what reviews you do share with us!<br /><br />Also, best of luck querying SlackerBoy.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17661762801358860078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post-28461322065927108912012-01-15T18:02:53.567-06:002012-01-15T18:02:53.567-06:00*HUGS* I've had to deal with this too. I becam...*HUGS* I've had to deal with this too. I became over stressed about blogging last year and it became more like a job than a hobby. I realized that I had to make blogging for me and not someone else. All the best Kari!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post-29749506460798637402012-01-15T17:40:10.203-06:002012-01-15T17:40:10.203-06:00I think writers will appreciate any words you shar...I think writers will appreciate any words you share! And good luck with the querying!!ShaunaKelleyWriteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04654367734305011629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955366291979370756.post-56507350162884081062012-01-15T16:54:33.732-06:002012-01-15T16:54:33.732-06:00Good for you for making changes! I've had to ...Good for you for making changes! I've had to deal with this exact same issue, and for the most part, once I took the pressure off myself to perform, things looked up right away! I haven't been motivated to read/write reviews lately, so I haven't. Today I am motivated to do those things, so I did. Once I stopped viewing myself as a deadline meeting machine some of the fun and relaxation that reading and blogging used to hold for me started to come back.<br /><br />Keep up the great work and I hope 2012 is more calm and serene for you.Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17535658390713138582noreply@blogger.com