Anyone who knows me will attest to my affection for Speculative fiction. I haven't done much creative writing, my degree in English Text & Writing was more focused on discourse analysis than production, but what I have produced in the few creative writing classes I allowed myself was all speculative fiction. The question, 'what if...?', is a strong motivator. I'm reading Margaret Attwood's thrilling book The Handmaid's Tale at the moment, revelling in my favourite genre so brilliantly realised & I'm itching to share my thoughts. I haven't blogged any book reviews yet for a number of reasons...
1) What if I'm coming too late to the game? Has it all been said before much more brilliantly, making anything I say embarrassingly inadequate or at the very least repetitive? (all my insecurities are showing, I know).
2) What if I don't have the time to do them justice?
3) What if my critique just isn't interesting reading?
4) What if I can't come up with a snazzily concise rating system (I've noticed some extremely innovative ones in my blog-lurking).
I haven't come to any conclusions yet but, as I know many people who say 'what fiction?' when I say my favourite genre is speculative fiction, I think I'll risk embarrassment and review this fantastic dystopia Atwood has created (when I finish it of course!).
The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
2 days ago
6 comments:
Wendy, don't worry about what others are doing, just be yourself and review! I know they will be great.
Everyone has something unique to bring to the table since we all have different perspectives. I for one would be interested in hearing what you have to say about the books you read. When I started reviewing books, I was doing it mainly for myself and to keep a record of what I read and my thoughts.
Just be honest about what you think, that's all there is to it. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about "The handmaid's Tale."
I felt exactly the same and still do sometimes when I started my book review blog! But do your review, we will read it! Blogs are peoples opinions and so they are not right or wrong.
I find it's fantastic to look back over what I've read. My reading has mapped out my life. So blogging is a great way of keeping a diary of your life, it's just lots of people can read it LOL.
Good luck and I can't wait to start reading your reviews.
I agree with what everyone here has already said - your reviews will be great!
I cracked up at how small you made your spolier alert! I have not read Friday Night Knitting Club, but love, love TKAMB.
I agree with Nise, your spoiler was hilarious (even if you did ruin it for me - geez! lol).
You need to review!! I really really really want you to! There, that was three reallys, now listen to your guru.
First of all, don't worry about your reviews not being up to snuff (you're such a worrier), it's not about having the BEST opinion, just HAVING one. People will learn what books you look, and then, if they match their own, take advice from you. Don't worry about being too tecnical, just be honest.
As for rating systems, just go with what works for you. To be honest, I find it really hard to rate - who says my 3 is the same as your 3 etc.
BTW, I've left you an award here
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