How to write a review

[Kay4077]

As has been said before, writers thrive on feedback, but maybe some of you are not sure what to write by way of a review?

So here are some pointers - you don't have to cover each and every item here, and this isn't an exhaustive list, but it may help organise your thoughts:
- Is the story spelled correctly, grammatically okay, set out in neat paras etc
- Is it 'well written' (this is a bit subjective, but bascially, did it make you feel involved or leave you cold, could you 'see' what was going on or were you lost as to what was going on and where?)
- For fanfics this is important: Are the characters acting as you would expect them to in an episode? ie, are they "in character" or doing something you just don't believe they would say/do?
- Did you enjoy reading the story? What emotional impact (if any) did it have on you? Would you like a follow-up/sequel, or to read more by the same author?

Maybe my fellow-writers can think of other points to cover? But comments on any of the above points are always helpful. PLEASE - say SOMETHING! Otherwise we don't know people are even bothering to read what we write!

[Jenna]

- When writing a review don't just say 'This story sucks' without backing it up with reasons.
- Writers are always keen to find out how they can improve their work so suggestions on how they can improve are a great help.
- Be gentle on new writers, even if their story is awful find something encouraging to say.

[mybackpages]

Good points. I think what I find most important in fanfiction is correct characterization and believable plotlines. What annoys me, in some of my other fandoms, is when authors put the characters in these overdone, overwrought storylines that really have little chance of occurring in real life.

As far as grammar and spelling go...blatant errors are a huge turn-off with me. Especially with spelling. But every once in a while, I myself have a few grammatical errors in my stories, even though I proof-read everything at least four or five times. And then later I'll see that I've got a few commas out of place. To me, if everything else about the story is good, these sorts of things aren't important. Again, though, unless they are blatant and rampant. Things will, inevitably, slip under the radar.

When reviewing, I take a lesson from my Advanced Writing classes; when we critiqued people's work, we'd always make a positive comment first, then work our way into what needed to be changed/fixed, and then end it with another positive comment. It's a kind way of doing it, whilst also being helpful.

[Jenna]

You've made some good points there mybackpages.

I think the wording is very important when it comes to giving feedback, particularly negative as it can be taken the wrong way.

[Louise]

Do you have to be registered to write a review on fanficton.net?

[mybackpages]

No, you don't. You can leave anonymous reviews. However, there are some authors on Fanfiction.net who don't allow anonymous reviews, in which case, obviously, you can't leave a review. Speaking for myself, I allow anonymous reviews; I don't know about everyone else.