Writings in the Sand

Finding the shiny bits

I've heard it many times: Don't complain about a review. Don't disagree with a review. Swallow your protestations.

I do all that. I even tuck in my sarcasm.

But there is one thing I have become aware of that I think is important, and that is when the review of a book entry affects the whole book's rating. I guess that it has to do that, based on the structure of a book, etc. But when someone reviews just one item in a book and rubbishes it, that low rating affects the whole book's rating.

It is something that I will ever keep in mind when reviewing book entries. Not that I would ever treat anyone's writing with such disdain and never would I review anything that I felt deserved a very low rating. I try to point out the good not the bad. I look for the shiny bits, the parts that make me smile or cry and thank the author for having done that.

So, that's all. I am more determined than ever to write uplifting reviews. Now if someone wants to publish and they need a professional editor, I think they should find one. That's not me. I want to find those wonderful, shiny bits of people that they put into their writing, and then tell them how much I appreciate them sharing.