Should Book Bloggers Post “Bad” Book Reviews?

Rachel Poli

As a writer, when I read a book that I don’t particularly care for, I feel bad giving it a “bad” review. As a writer, I know how hard an author works on their book. I know the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. I understand how time consuming it is, how much hard work and dedication gets thrown into the book.

Yet, as a book blogger, I’m obligated to be honest – but fair – in my book reviews. Especially if I get the book for free from the author.

So, what do you do when you don’t care too much for a book you read?

What is a “bad” book review?

To me, giving a book a “bad” review means giving it a 1- or 2-star rating. Of course, everyone’s rating system is different, but I typically go by the Goodreads rating system. To me, a…

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Dynamic Character: How to write a compelling protagonist – from Reedsy…

Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

A common criticism of fiction — be it in film, television, or novels — is often laid against characters seen as “flat” or “two-dimensional.”

Modern audiences know when a protagonist or supporting character isn’t interesting, based on their own lack of emotional investment in that character’s journey.

Rightfully fearing this criticism, a lot of new authors are compelled to ensure that their protagonist is a dynamic character.

However, as many editors will attest (and as some authors will admit), there is often confusion between “well-written characters” and “dynamic characters” — which are not always one and the same.

In this article, we will take a look at what dynamic characters are, how they differ from static characters, what forms their narratives can take, and how authors can write them into their books.

Continue reading HERE

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Five tips for writing good prose

Nail Your Novel

How do we learn to write good prose? Indeed, what is it? How do we develop our use of language, play our literary instrument with more elan and flair?

We were probably all encouraged at school to use difficult words instead of simple ones. I see plenty of work that still seems in thrall to that, thinking that ‘printable writing’ must mean to use the thesaurus as often as possible.

Now I’ll happily use a thesaurus to find the bon mot that’s slipped my mind. But we’ve all seen writing that waxes far too lyrical, looks self-conscious and overdone.

The other huge sin is tortuous obfuscation, as if the writer is trying to prove they are clever. Just for a giggle, look at this example in The Philosophy and Literature Bad Writing Contest. Here’s a taster:

If, for a while, the ruse of desire is calculable for the uses…

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Editing Tip: Common Consistency Errors You Might Be Making

A Writer's Path

by Emily Nemchick

When you check your own manuscript for errors, you are probably looking for misspelled words, dodgy grammar, and the inevitable typos. Those are all things you need to correct—but you should also be aware of pesky consistency errors that are commonplace in poorly edited manuscripts.

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Self-Editing: 7 Tips to Tighten the Story & Cut Costs – by Kristen Lamb…

Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

A fallacy among many emerging writers is that authors only write the books. Then, once finished, agents will fall in LOVE and someone else will do ALL the editing.

*clutches sides laughing.*

Yeah…no. And woodland creatures don’t help with housework. Sorry to break the news. Bummed me out, too.

The hard truth is the onus is on us (writers) to make certain our manuscript is properly edited before sending a query. Remember, agents are actively searching for reasons to STOP reading. Self-editing skills can mean the difference between a sweet deal or a spot in the slush pile.

Even if the story is amazing, agents know editing is time-consuming and costly. This means they’re more likely to wait for another ‘amazing story’ that doesn’t cost as much as a Caribbean cruise to get bookstore ready. They’ll be far more likely to sign an author who possesses solid self-editing skills.

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Writers, Don’t Wear a “Black Hat.” 10 Ways to Tank Your Author Brand – by Anne R. Allen…

Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

Aggression, greed, and paranoia do not enhance your author brand

Recently there’s been a bizarre drama going on in the book world. It’s been given the name #cockygate, because it involves a cocky author who managed to trademark the word “cocky” in a deluded attempt to eliminate the “competition” and “protect” her author brand.

She ended up doing the opposite.

Continue reading HERE

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No Wasted Ink Writers Links

No Wasted Ink

Welcome to another Monday of writers links!  This week I have a nice assortment of general writing links, a little bit on marketing your work, and an interesting article about AI in publishing.  Enjoy!

Writing Realistic Forests: Tell the Wood from the Trees

Why Publish Your Novel with a Traditional Publisher?

Want to Make Your Scenes Come Alive? Here’s a Cop’s-Eye View

Branding & The Brain: How Social Media Changes but Humans Never Will

How To Keep Writing When That Critical Inner Voice Won’t Shut Up

Where Does Your Novel’s Conflict Come From?

Women Intellectuals and the Art of the Withering Quip

Artificial Intelligence in Publishing

The 7 Habits Of Highly Creative People

Thirty Minutes a Day is All It Takes to Automate Your Social Media Activity, But I Don’t Recommend it

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