{Book Blogger Hop} — Your Review Writing Process

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop! 

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates. 

Here’s what to do: 

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer). 
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments. 

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
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• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Social Media: Your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram (provide the URL for your post). —

This Week's Prompt:

What's your typical process for writing a book review, from reading the book to publishing the review on your blog?

- submitted by Page @ Pages of Perfiction

This Week's Linky:

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Billy's Answer:

Recently, I’ve been taking notes while delving into a few books—not because my memory is faltering, but because I'm reading multiple books at once. These notes serve as my lifelines, filled with page references that I can easily revisit when it’s time to write my reviews. Unfortunately, my life's twists and turns often push these reviews to the back burner, and I’m determined to break that habit. Blogging has started to feel more like a chore than a joy, but I’m committed to transforming it into a stress reliever.

 

As for my writing process, it’s very much a work in progress. I’m constantly refining my review style to find what resonates with me. You might catch me writing in the quiet hours of dawn or late at night when the world is still, and my thoughts flow more freely. I’ve certainly grappled with that dreaded writer’s block, but I’ve learned it’s just a mental hurdle—essentially a way I trick myself into avoiding genuine expression on the page. 

You may have noticed a shift in my reviews over the past year. I’ve embraced a more candid voice, opting for honesty over sugarcoating. There have been some mixed reactions. A few readers even labeled one review as harsh. That wasn’t my intention; I just aim to share my true feelings about the books I encounter. Now, regarding the structure of my reviews: I used to include a rewritten synopsis midway through, but I’m making a change. From now on, I’ll position the original synopsis just below the book cover image at the top and then dive into my thoughts on the story, characters, and plot—highlighting what captivated me and what missed the mark. If the book is part of a series, and I’ve read the previous installments, then I will draw comparisons. And with ghostwritten series, I’ll approach those differently, focusing solely on that particular volume. 

I know I can ramble on at times—sorry about that! To sum it up, I rate my reviews on a scale of five stars, even dropping to a half-star if the book truly warrants it, though I never had to. For editing, I review my work closely and run it through spellcheck and Grammarly. It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship with that app; while it has its strengths, I often don’t see eye-to-eye with its suggestions. After all, it can’t quite capture the nuances of how I want to express myself. 

 And there you have it—a glimpse into my reading and writing journey!