Do you take notes as you read, or write your review immediately after finishing a book? I do take notes as I read, usually on a small spiral reporter-style notebook. I do try to type up my review as soon as possible after finishing a book, otherwise I usually have to go back and reread sections of the book to recapture the feel of the book. I would never begin a review or form an opinion on a book before I finish reading it, because I have found that I really have to read the entire book before I can form an evaluative opinion. Once I have finished the book I often write the beginning of the review in my head, before I begin putting anything on paper. Does anyone else use this method of composition? I prefer to write in my head, regardless of what I am working on (an essay, a letter, a review, a poem). I wonder how many other people compose in their head before beginning to write? I don't have to write the entire composition in my head, but I like to compose the first couple of paragraphs in my head before I write anything down.
13 comments:
I'm with you...I compose in my head first (at least in part). Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Occasionally, there is too much time between head composition and actual sitting down at the computer and my thoughts seem to lose a bit of their oomph.
I've found that the posts I have in my head before writing them down come out better than others.
Hi, Lisa! Yeah, I'm pretty much like you when it comes to reviews. I am a confirmed scribbler in my books too. So, I tend to underline and leave lots of notes in the margins. I also tend to jot important facts or observations on the flyleaf of a book. Collectively, these jottings really help me as I compose my reviews. I also keep a hand-written journal in which I record general observations about the books I've read, dates started and finished, etc. Have a wonderful weekend, Lisa! Cheers! Chris
@Bev-I agree, once I have the beginning of a review composed in my head, I need to get it down quickly
@Red-my experience is the same
@Chris-yes, I am a complete despoiler and scribbler of every available empty space on book pages, and I especially love the clean expanse of the flyleaf. This is most true when I love the book!
I'm like you. I take notes and write down quotes that I might use in my review. I do my review after I've read the book, but may not post right away as to make sure that's exactly what I want to say.
Hi, Lisa,
I cannot do the posts in my head, because I often forget it by the time it's time to write it down. I love the computer, the convenience of deleting and starting over.
I don't usually scribble, but I tag my books for the quotes.
Very rarely, I will take notes when reading. I had to do this with the Virginia Woolf bio. Most of the time I'll read the book, finish, wait for my overall understanding of the book to float to the top of my brain. Then a rough draft starts emerging in said brain. When it gets more detailed, then I go to the computer.
@BookQuoter-your books must bristle with post-it notes!
@Bybee-Ilike tha phrase, "floats to the top of my head"-that's how it works!
I also start the review in my head! After I've read a book, I wait a few days to write the review, but I do think about what I'll say and usually come up with the first few lines in my head before writing it. I also take notes while I'm reading, but never write the actual review until I've finished the book.
I make notes as I read too! Following you from the hop. Come and visit me at www.mandysescape.blogspot.com
thanks for the follow, I hoped back! :) looks like we're both TLC hosts, I love that site :)
Love that typewriter...I am a business teacher. :)
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