Hmmm … okay … let me try this reblog another way since I now know WordPress.org doesn’t allow me to use the “reblog” function like .com does. Thanks, Barb Drozdowich, for helping me figure out what was going on. Some of you may have seen this blog post of mine with a link that went nowhere. It wasn’t showing up here in my posts so it was a great surprise to me to see it elsewhere. Sigh … sorry about that!
What I’ve done now is included the first paragraph of the post I want to reblog and then added a link to the website where you will find the rest of the article.
There are so many amazing blogs out there and, like many of you, I follow quite a few. It’s a challenge to keep up with the myriad of posts that inform, entertain, educate or cause us to think about issues in ways we might never have … like Jenny Hansen’s Undie Chronicles! (Laughter is always appreciated!)
I know there are weeks when I miss significant posts, but this is one that I’m very glad I caught. Barb Taub tackled the sensitive issue of book reviews on her blog “Writing & Coffee. Especially coffee.” It’s an excellent perspective on the topic. Take a few minutes and let me know what you think.
The post begins here. Thanks, Barb!
Why I won’t review your book
13FridayMar 2015
Posted in Book Review, My Writing, Reviews
“Why do you give such high ratings to all the books you review?”
It’s a fair question, and not the first time I’ve been asked. The answer is simple. I don’t review books I know I won’t like. That doesn’t mean I only accept them from a particular genre, but rather that I triage the ones I read. If I can tell right away that I won’t like it, I don’t accept it for a review. If I get a few chapters into it and realize my review will be under three stars, I tell the author. (Not one has ever asked that I go ahead with the review.)
Please click right here to finish reading Barb’s post.
As authors (painters, musicians, sculptors, actors, filmmakers, and all artists), we all know we can’t please everyone with our work and there will always be those who wish to voice displeasure. Hopefully those voices provide constructive criticism from which we can learn and improve our craft. In fact, seeing some negative reviews offers credibility to some readers.
As a book reviewer/blogger, Barb’s review approach provides candid feedback to an author even if she chooses not to publish a negative review. From an author’s perspective, I think that’s an excellent way to work because you know you are receiving her straightforward assessment. What’s your opinion?
While I’m on the subject, let me just add here that the job of reviewing books is an onerous undertaking. The efforts of all reviewers are appreciated. It’s an important part of the world of writing. Speaking of which … back to my WIP …
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Excellent reblog, Patricia!
FYI: I would comment on your posts more often, but it’s such a chore to forever have to fill out the form. And I often read you at The Grind where it’s much harder for me to do anything.
Hi Patricia. Hope you are enjoying Florida. Now that I am “more with it” ( you know what I mean), I wonder when /how you did all that background for Province?
I lent the 2 books on Province to my 90yr old mum and she is in love with the characters. Thank you. Awaiting Book 3, Judy
Hi Judy ~ How delightful that your mom is enjoying the Provence stories too! I am so glad to hear you are feeling better … small footsteps … My husband and I have been going to the south of France for extended stays for the past 15 years. We have spent a good deal of time in all of the towns and villages in the stories. I feel so lucky to have been able to travel as we have. Hopefully I’ll be able to share those places with you next year!
Wow! I’m so grateful to you for the reblog and for persevering with the posting.