One of my goals for 2019 is to read more. And review more — especially indie authors!

After all, it’s not fair to be begging for reviews when you’re not passing it forward yourself.

So over the last couple of weeks, I’ve given myself a huge kick in the pants to get this goal underway…

Hunting for Freebie Gems

I downloaded at least 50 books running free promos (to add to the at least 30 “TBR” pile already on my Kindle).

My strategy to stick to the freebies is a situational thing. I’m poor, but if I love the first one I get for free, I’ll happily shell out the dough to get the next one! So I figured: there are loads of worthwhile freebies out there.

After all, my own book (which I think is pretty good — I may be biased, but hey!) was offered as a freebie in December to promote sell-through of the rest of the series, and I’ll soon be running another free promo again from January 22-24, 2019.

So if mine is a worthwhile freebie-starter, there MUST be others like it: freebie gems.

So, 80+ books, yay me! Goals! And I settled in to tackle some reading.

Just one problem.

I just realised I am a picky reader.

Like, super-picky. Super, super picky.

Sorry, but out of 80 I didn’t make it past 10% for more than 8!

Raving, Resplendent Review Requirements

The thing is, I don’t want to write half-assed reviews.

I need to feel MOVED to spend time banging out a review.

Like writing a novel, I need to put my soul into it!

And I haven’t been MOVED since last September, which is when I wrote the review for Mercedes Siler’s “Easy” — which I’ve also promo’d across my website, blog, social media accounts etc. without her even asking me to!

Mercedes loved the review I wrote, and I loved writing it. I love writing reviews for books that blow me away.

…Because you see, when I love a book, I LOVE a book.

I’ll scream it from the mountaintops.

And I WANT to love all these books I’ve downloaded.

I want to make a fellow author weep or jump for joy the way I do when I get a great review.

I want to make someone’s day.

But authors, you need to write me something to take me there.

Something that, when I close the book (or swipe the final screen), my heart’s straining out of my chest and my entire soul is pouring into the review.

…Something that ticks all the boxes.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• A believable storyline.
• Drama that pulls you in without rushing things.
• Writing that has an element of artistry to it.
• Description that assaults your senses.
• Diverse [and aptly described!] characters.
• Main characters that you both love & hate.
• Supporting characters NOT just for comic relief.
• A steamy scene that isn’t laughable or gross.
• An element of surprise.
• Something symbolic.
• Something sweet.
• Something shocking.
• Something raw.
• Something emotional.
• A story that comes full circle.

Yep. I’m a picky reader! I think my Hart & Cole series has all of these. I worked hard to bring all of these elements together to create my own story.

My own story may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and maybe it’s not what everyone’s looking for — but I can go through that list and find moments that connect with each and every point. There’s a lot to unpack there.

Now, I’m looking for something similar in books I read.

…And I’m just not seeing enough of those elements from other writers I have read recently.

The market is oversaturated with “tropes” and just plain annoying one-dimensional characters. Girls that show up on page 1 wet and ready, and alpha guys that are growling and broody for no reason at all. Books that are about literally nothing — just a dollop of angst and hormones.

Writers writing to make money rather than to actually move the reader.

Do better. Please, please, DO BETTER, writers.

I want to write rave reviews. As a writer, when I read, it’s tough for me to write bad reviews, and I WANT to write those reviews that make the author’s heart sing.

I need to get out of this reading slump. If you write in these genres, and you think you’ve got one of those books that ticks all my boxes, let me know in the comments or via my Contact page!