When I visit the site to write a review, I browse a little, and select the topic in which I have had some experience with. My favorite is ’’Entertainment.’’ I am a movie buff, and collect old and new movies as a hobby. I can write on many of the movie topics listed, and feel good about what I write, because I’ve either seen the movie or read the book (if available).
I also love to write about ’’food’’ products. I love to cook and experiment with different recipes, so I feel comfortable writing reviews about food.
When I write reviews, I write from the heart. I want people to read me, not a cue card. I want other readers to feel the flow when reading, and not be stumped because I’ve lost them along the way.
I am a grammar freak. I tend to delay submitting many of my reviews until I have proofed and re-proofed my work. I feel that if I cannot get pass a story with a lot of errors, no one else will feel comfortable getting pass a story or review I have written with many errors. Of course, the credit of my habitual proofreading goes to my job as a Computer Administrator, having to print daily reports and proof for errors. But it is always a pleasure when a Mouthshut member read one of my reviews and give me some ’’good’’ advice. Thanks to all of you who have.
I also like to include a bit of comedy in my reviews. Sometimes a comical review gives the reader a bit of energy to keep reading. I love making people laugh. I’ve come to learn that there is a little comedy in everyone’s life, if invited. Sometimes the situation can be unwarranted, but if not, I try to find a moment for laughter in each day.
I try to keep within the limited characters allowed in each of my reviews. Sometimes I find myself rewriting and cutting, until there is nothing left but the paper. Sometimes when I write a review, I may receive a comment or two, stating that I have left out something. Believe me, not intentionally. Blame it on the cutting room.
When I read others reviews, I tend to get a feel of what is necessary, and how to keep my review precise and to the point. There are many of what I like to call, ’’scholarly’’ written reviews, which is good for those of us who find writing to be difficult. I tend to learn quickly from the sculptured work of others.
Writing is creative, and it takes that type of creation to turn words into a beautiful work of art. Writing is also tricky. There is much to be said for a well-written article or book. I feel that if/when a person can keep another glued to his/her writings, I think that is brilliance. Writing does not come easy for many of us. It is an artistic, creative tool, which can become imposing, upon a person’s daily life, and requires skill and a vivid imagination.
Writing reviews on this site can be an unforgettable experience, because you are not just writing for yourself, you are writing for others, who will read, pay attention to grammatical detail, give their bias opinion or comment, and rate accordingly.
My suggestions for writing good reviews include:
Write from the heart. Let the reader feel what you are feeling. Keep them wanting to read further, or come back for more.
Write about what you know. If you have no experience with a topic, and have no idea what you are talking about, then neither will the reader.
Write as if you are writing for an award. Who knows who may be reading your work. Many talented artists have been discovered by a twist of fate. Some have been discovered ’’flipping burgers’’ but then that’s another story.
Be consistent, true to your words. Someone may have experienced the very thing you have not experienced, or know nothing about, but you still feel the need to write about. You never know.
Keep it comprehensible and to the point, try not to lose your reader. Nothing is more boring than a paragraph or reading that goes on and on and on and on...see what I mean.
It’s okay to be funny. Give readers a reason to smile from time-to-time. Let the sun shine in. It awakens the mind and heart, and refreshes the soul to be able to laugh out loud, or quietly while reading.
Write respectfully. No one wants to read hatred. If you are angry, don’t write, because if you do, the reader will not only know it, but feel it.
Everyone at Mouthshut...Keep writing and reading.