writing – Teresa Crowe Books

Reading is a part of my daily ritual. Typically, it’s how I calm my mind to get ready for bed. If I find extra time in my day, which is atypical, I will push through to finish an especially tantalizing book, especially if it’s a psychological thriller. If you were to take out a magnifying glass and train it on my reading habits, you might think I was a prime candidate for experimental study… or maybe counseling. I have specific tastes and routines, but there are rules. Well, the term rules might be a bit rigid. Let’s call them strategies.

I use short stories as a strategy when I’m working on my own novel or piece of non-fiction. In my day job as a faculty member, non-fiction or academic writing is an integral and required part of my job. I write a lot about mental health. A lot. When I am working on a novel, I work on it most days until I’ve completed the first draft. During these periods of heavy writing, I don’t read other novels. Don’t get me wrong. I’d love to read them, but I know myself well enough to know that when I’m under pressure, I’ll default to spending all day reading my book and doing nothing on my projects.

This is where short stories come in. After several trials using different approaches, I finally settled on the short story treatment. Rather than reading a 350-page novel, I turn to short stories that can be read in a single or double sitting. I get to read authors I might not otherwise read. I can finish a short story and close the book with a satisfying push of the (Kindle) button. Nothing pulls me away from the other work I have to do. You can bet, though, that when I’m finished writing a particular work, the very first thing I do is download a full-length psychological thriller.

Here are some of my latest short story reads:

Lisa Unger: Fog Descending (House of Crows), Circling the Drain (House of Crows), Let Her Be, The Sleep Tight Motel

Fredrik Backman: The Answer Is No

Caroline Kepnes: The Bad Friend

Chris Bohjalian: Slot Machine Fever Dream

Jess Lourey: Catch Her In A Lie

Ivy Pochoda: Jackrabbit Skin

The brevity of short stories is a perfect cup of tea when I’m writing other works. They are little understated gems that allow me to continue my self-care routine while not overwhelming an already hectic schedule. Their brief form frees me to continue the discipline of cranking out manuscripts while not derailing me or playing a guilt trip. It works wonders for me. Have only a little bit of time? Check out a short story.

Book reviews are a crucial element in the lifecycle of any book, playing an indispensable role in an author’s career. They provide valuable feedback, help build an author’s reputation, and significantly influence a book’s success. Here’s why book reviews are essential for authors:

1. Feedback and Improvement

One of the most immediate benefits of book reviews for authors is receiving direct feedback from readers. Whether it’s a detailed critique from a professional reviewer or a succinct comment on a retailer’s website, each review provides insights into how readers perceive the book. Authors can use this feedback to hone their craft, rectifying mistakes in future works and reinforcing successful elements.

2. Visibility and Discovery

In a market flooded with countless titles, getting noticed is a challenge. Book reviews help overcome this obstacle by increasing a book’s visibility. Algorithms on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads favor books with more reviews, pushing them higher in search results and recommendation lists. This enhanced discoverability is vital for new authors and for those who publish independently or through small presses.

3. Credibility and Trust

Reviews build credibility. A book with a substantial number of positive reviews is more likely to be trusted by potential readers. This trust is crucial not just for individual books but for an author’s brand as a whole. High ratings and positive comments can attract new readers who might be skeptical of investing time and money into a new author’s work.

4. Sales Impact

There’s a direct correlation between reviews and sales. Positive reviews can lead to increased sales, as they act as a form of social proof that the book is worth reading. Even mixed reviews can be beneficial, as they often provide a more nuanced view of the book, appealing to readers with specific tastes. The mere presence of reviews, regardless of their sentiment, suggests that a book is generating interest and discussion.

5. Engagement and Community Building

Reviews can foster a community of readers around an author’s work. Authors can engage with reviewers by responding to comments, participating in Q&A sessions, and sharing reviews on social media. This engagement not only builds a loyal reader base but also encourages other readers to leave their reviews, creating a virtuous cycle of interaction and interest.

6. Endorsements and Opportunities

Professional reviews from respected sources can open doors to new opportunities. A glowing review in a major publication can lead to invitations for interviews, speaking engagements, and participation in literary festivals. These opportunities can further an author’s career, expanding their reader base and establishing them as a significant voice in their genre.

Authors Appreciate Reader Feedback

For authors, book reviews are more than just ego boosters or marketing tools; they are an essential part of the dialogue between an author and their readers. They help authors refine their work, increase their visibility, build credibility, influence sales, and foster a community. Whether you’re a reader or an author, the next time you finish a book, consider leaving a review. It might just be the boost that leads to an author’s next great work.

Tag: writing

Short Stories: Little Understated Gems

Why Book Reviews Matter To Authors