I haven’t been reviewing any recent books or magzines lately.
There are several reasons for that. For starters, I’ve not had a lot of time to read. It takes me far to long to finish a book because of, well, reasons. Add to that there hasn’t been a lot of newer stuff I want to read.
That being said, I’ve backed off on reviewing because I see it as something of a conflict of interest. I’m working on becoming a better writer. And while some of the top markets are not places I want to submit to because of their contract terms, there are still some I would be willing to submit to. I don’t want to alienate those editors. I also don’t want to appear to be building myself up by tearing another writer down.
That’s why I’ve only reviewed older works for the last couple of years.
This was the topic of at least one conversation last weekend at Robert E. Howard Days. Someone I won’t name (*waves at Jason*) has wanted me to review some of his anthologies for quite a while.
I’ve had a policy of not writing bad reviews (as a general rule). So I’m going to make recommendations for things I like.
There may not be a lot of reviews, excuse me, recommendations, anytime soon. My reading time is still pretty tight.
But I’ll try to work some recommendations in. There are some independent writers whose work I enjoy that you may not be aware of.
It’s immensely better in multiple dimensions to promote the good then decry the bad. It will better to your mental health. It does more good for the arts to show people what is good whether modern or not. I’m not “woke” but a lot of people who complain about modern entertainment, while unjustified in their criticism, complain way too much. The day may come when people roll their eyes as at person being “based” as they do at being “woke.” If they don’t already.
*Jason waves back!
I hear ya on the reading time. As for reviews, recommendations sound just right, as Goldilocks said. Tell us what you’re reading from time to time and, when feeling like recommending something, then talk about it. All good my well-read friend.
Thank you, sir. That is what I’m gong to do.