Reviewer

Before I started editing or authoring stories of my own, I read them. I devoured books as a child. Even in elementary school, I could think of no better way to spend a lazy Saturday than curled up in my room with new stories and new friends (the characters I met.) I’d already begun writing by that point, but I had no idea how invaluable all that reading would be to what would later become my life’s passion and work.

When I launched The Write Edge in 2010, I became a book reviewer, and soon it started to make sense. If I wanted to succeed as an author, I had to read critically. I had to evaluate stories on their merits and pay attention to what succeeded and what didn’t.

In his memoir, On Writing, Stephen King said, “Can I be blunt on this subject? If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

So I read. I still devour books. I still spend time curled up with new stories and new friends. But now I also pay attention, to language usage and character development. I watch for excellent description and clever red herrings. Above all, I try to do justice in my own stories to the high standards that have come before me.

You’ll find my reviews on several media platforms, including Amazon and NetGalley, the website designed to distribute ARCs (advance reviewer copies) to bloggers, librarians, and other reviewers across the world. Before all that, however, I started reviewing on my own site.

You can visit The Write Edge Bookshelf for new book reviews almost every Wednesday. You’ll also see my reviews on Bookpleasures.com.