By Darlene L. Turner @darlenelturner

5-star? 4-star? 1-star? Most authors cringe over reviews. Should we read them? Or…should we even be writing book reviews?

This is a question I ask myself quite often. Why? Because writing book reviews take time. As we all know, time is something we writers cherish. In order to get our word count in, we need to carve time out in our daily schedule. Adding reading books and writing reviews into that regime can be both challenging and frustrating.

However, I believe it has its rewards. Here are a few.

Connects us with other writers

I’ve been able to connect with some amazing authors and become friends. We’ve developed a connection on social media platforms. This promotes relationships, helping us grow as writers in our network community. Writers love to help other writers. We have a unique bond. Let’s foster it!

Connects us with readers

When I’m offered a hard copy of a book, I do a giveaway. Who doesn’t want a free book? This is a great incentive for people to hop on over to your website. They will hopefully stay for a bit and look at what else you have to offer. A win-win for everyone.

Entices us to read in different genres

I write romantic suspense and most of the time I read the same, but every now and then I step out of the box and pick a book to review outside of my genre. This not only gives us an escape into a different world, but also shows us totally different writing styles. Guess what? We may find another genre we love.

Allows us to study other author’s writing styles

We’ve all heard the saying “every good writer should read.” Well, what better way to study another author’s writing style than to critique their book? It allows us to dig deep. Look at the author’s dialogue, setting, descriptions, plot twists, characters, etc. Take notes at what you like in their style. What do they do differently that could be applied to our own writing? We just might find some precious jewels.

Escape into other worlds

This one is obvious! Sometimes we all need to escape from this crazy, hectic world of ours, and what better way to do it than to read? I don’t know about you, but when I’m sitting in my favorite corner with a book in my hand (or my iPad) and a cup of coffee, I’m in heaven. Tensions melt away and I drift off into the story with the characters. Love that.

These are only a few reasons why writing book reviews are good. It’s also important to note there’s a balance. Writing too many can be a hindrance. We need to know our limits and deadlines. Do what we can and when time allows.

Be flexible. But be smart.

And remember . . . the rewards will be worth it.

What do you think? Do book reviews benefit us?

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August).

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.