Why review?

Let's start by clearing up the old, "reviews help me sell my books" bullshit. Because I don't think they do. Beats the hell outta me what does sell books in these times. But as everyone and my mailman now have a novel on Amazon, I'm kinda doubting that reviews are gonna help the casual reader slap down some hard-earned samolians for a novel just because Bucky7874 wrote, "It was a great read. I couldn't put it down – made me miss my bus and lose my girlfriend."

Not sure what the current exchange rate is on samolians to Can. Currency – but I am pretty sure it sucks. I'm gonna start paying for stuff with sheets of melba toast - which is faring slightly better against the U.S. dollar.

I digress.

So if reviewing doesn't sell a wagonload of books for the author... what's the point? Well, here is the point.

When I write, I create people out of nothing, as well as the universe they live in. No, I don't write sci-fi or fantasy, but every story creates its own universe. These people, let's call them characters, become more and more real to me (if I am doing my work). And with something like a novel, they live in my head for a long time before I release them into the wild. The creative process is incomplete to me until the moment where the things that I have created, and have taken up permanent residence in my noggin, are experienced by someone else. That someone else being you, dear reader.

The biggest encouragement I get as a writer, is when a reader responds to the work. And by respond, I don't mean 6 outta 5 stars, like our old pal Bucky7874 (who really should know that his relationship with his girlfriend is more important than fiction). No, I mean any response.

I know that not everyone will enjoy my work. The same as I do not enjoy everything I read (or decided to not read/abandon.) I love when someone loves the work – but I also need to be told when something isn't working for someone. That is the true value for me. But if you just out and out hate the work - it may not be for you - then a review might not be the most helpful.

So wait, you say, review... ugh, that is like the book reports they assigned us in Grade 8 were we tried to use the word "very" an excessive amount of times to reach the teacher's word count. (I am very very liking this book, very muchly indeed. The writer is very gud.) (C-)

Basically, no. Just be honest. Say a few lines about what you liked about the book. And even a few about what you didn't. Ultimately, this is what I am looking for in a review. Not whether or not you captured the theme and comments on the human condition that imbue the work. (Oy) Did you like the characters? Was the story engaging? Did it bore the shit out of you?

And I know a lot of other writers are the same. We are a lonely forsaken bunch... well, not really. I have a lot of wonderful friends. But when I sit down with that blank piece of paper, um, screen, the space is pretty sparse. It's just me and those things I made up. When you write a review on something you read, you breathe life into that space – and the encouragement for the writer is exponentially helpful.

Go write that review now. I am thanking you in advance.

I am off to visit those imaginary people in my head. Wait, they're in your head too? Awesome.