This week: How Reviewing Helps us Write Better Edited by: Lilli Munster 🦇 ☕  
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“Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it, have found it boring, absurd, or contemptible, and I have no cause to complain, since I have similar opinions of their works, or of the kinds of writing that they evidently prefer.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
“NO reader has ANY obligation to an author, whether it be to leave a review or to write a "constructive" one. I put out a product. You are consumers of that product. Since when does that mean you have to kiss my XXX? Hey, I like Pop-Tarts and eat them a few times a year; since when does that mean I'm obligated to support Kellogg's in any way except legally purchasing the Pop-Tarts before I eat them? I wasn't aware that purchasing and consuming a product meant I was under some sort of XXXXX thrall in which I'm only allowed to either praise the Pop-Tart (which to be honest isn't hard, especially the S'mores flavor) or, if I am going to criticize a flavor, offer a specific and detailed analysis as to why, phrased in as inoffensive and gentle a manner as possible so as not to upset the gentle people at Kellogg's."
― Stacia Kane, Something in the Water? (blog post; January 9, 2012)
*Profanity has been redacted to meet rating requirements
“If you make art, people will talk about it. Some of the things they say will be nice, some won’t. You’ll already have made that art, and when they’re talking about the last thing you did, you should already be making the next thing."
― Neil Gaiman, author |
In many aspects of our daily life, the act of writing a review has become commonplace. We are often asked to share our opinions, including star ratings for restaurants, new movies, websites, services, etc. While this may seem like a simple exercise, the act of writing a review is a powerful tool for improving our own writing skills. By stepping into the role of a critic, we learn to think more analytically, articulate our thoughts with greater clarity, and ultimately become better writers ourselves.
 1. The Power of Observation
The foundation of a good review is keen observation. Before you can critique something, you must first truly see it. This process forces us to move beyond any superficial understanding and delve into the details. When reviewing a book or story, we pay attention not just to the plot but also to the character development, the author’s voice, and the pacing of the narrative. This heightened awareness translates directly into our own creative process. When we write, we become more conscious of our own choices, from the words we select to the structure of our sentences. We learn to see our own work with a more critical eye, identifying weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
2. Learning to Articulate
One of the most significant challenges in writing a helpful review is articulating a nuanced opinion. It’s easy to say, “I liked it” or “I didn’t like it,” but a truly helpful review explains why. This requires us to go beyond simple emotional reactions and translate them into specific, descriptive language. We must find the words to explain why a scene felt clunky, why a character’s motivation was unconvincing, or why a particular scene evoked a certain feeling. This practice hones our ability to use language more effectively. It trains us to move beyond broad generalizations and to use vivid, sensory details to convey our point. This skill is invaluable in all forms of writing, from crafting compelling fictional narratives to composing persuasive essays to writing emotional poetry.
3. Understanding the Audience and the Author
A good review is a conversation with the author. It’s not just a statement of personal preferences but an attempt to connect with the author. When writing a review, we should ask ourselves two key questions: “What was the author trying to achieve?” and “Who would appreciate this work?” This exercise in empathy and perspective-taking is crucial for any writer. By considering the author’s intent, we learn to think more deeply about our own creative goals. By thinking about the audience, we learn to tailor our writing to a specific readership, considering their potential interests, knowledge, and expectations. This process of stepping outside of our own perspective helps us to write with greater purpose and clarity.
4. The Feedback Loop
Writing reviews creates a powerful feedback loop. As we analyze the work of others, we gain a deeper understanding of what makes writing effective. We learn from both successes and failures, identifying what works and what doesn’t. When we encounter a powerful piece of writing, we can deconstruct it, analyzing the techniques the author used. Similarly, when we encounter a piece that falls short, we can pinpoint the reasons, learning to avoid those pitfalls in our own work. This continuous cycle of critical analysis and self-reflection is an essential part of the journey toward becoming a better writer.
In summary, the simple act of writing a review is far more than a casual task. It is an act of deep engagement with the creative process. It forces us to observe more closely, articulate more clearly, and think more critically. By embracing this role, we not only help others in their writing journey but also, and perhaps more importantly, equip ourselves with the tools to become more insightful and effective writers. |
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For Authors: August 20, 2025 Issue [#13302]
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