2009 February — All the Buzz Reviews

Online reviewer conference wrap up

February 24, 2009 By Renee Williams 7 Comments

I want to thank everyone – readers, reviewers and authors – who stopped by and supported the online reviewer conference last week. This was my first attempt at something like this, and I have to tell you that I was extremely nervous about the success/failure of this venture.

I am pleased to say that it was a great success! For the week, there were 568 visits of which over 260 were unique visitors, and 3, 594 page views! I believe those are some impressive numbers for this fairly new site and this first time event.

I hope that everyone found the information and advice given beneficial. This conference will stay online, so if you know of anyone who may have missed it, please feel free to direct them here.

I invite you to subscribe to this site as more information regarding the review process will be shared on a continual basis.

Again, a BIG thank you to everyone who attended the conference and made it a success!

Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Filed Under: Book reviews, Conference Tagged With: Book reviews, features, online-reviewer-conference

Reviewer conference – Day 5

February 20, 2009 By Renee Williams 18 Comments

Authors, today is your day! You put your blood, sweat and tears into each novel that you write, and you believe that you have a solidly written novel that should garner high praise. So, how do you handle it when your “baby” receives less than a stellar review?

Reviewers, I’m sure authors always wonder why you rate books the way you do. Please share with us how you determine what rate a book receives.

Filed Under: Book reviews, Conference Tagged With: Book reviews, online-reviewer-conference

Reviewer conference – Day 4

February 19, 2009 By Renee Williams 9 Comments

Readers, it’s your turn! Here’s your chance to review the reviewers. Let me preface this by saying this is NOT the place for personal, vicious attacks on any reviewer, whether they are participating in this conference or not.

Now with that said…

Readers, what are some of your biggest likes and dislikes with the way reviews are written? Does the way the review is written affect your decision to purchase the book or not?

Reviewers, why do you write your reviews the way you do? Do you follow any certain format?

Filed Under: Book reviews, Conference Tagged With: Book reviews, online-reviewer-conference

Reviewer conference – Day 3

February 18, 2009 By Renee Williams 25 Comments

Reviewers, what are the advantages/benefits and disadvantages of being a reviewer? If you had to do this all over again, would you? If so, is there anything you would want to change?

Filed Under: Books, Conference

Tall, Dark, Westmoreland by Brenda Jackson

February 17, 2009 By Renee Williams 5 Comments

Filed Under: Books, Videos & trailers Tagged With: Videos

Reviewer conference – Day 2

February 17, 2009 By Renee Williams 41 Comments

Today’s topic of discussion is definitely a hot button topic. Reviewers and readers, let’s talk about negative reviews, and whether they are outright brutal or offer constructive criticism.

Filed Under: Book reviews, Conference Tagged With: Book reviews, online-reviewer-conference

Reviewer conference – Day 1

February 16, 2009 By Renee Williams 30 Comments

Have you always wondered what it entails to be a book reviewer? Well today is your chance to find out!

Readers and reviewers, let’s hear from you!

Filed Under: Book reviews, Conference

All the Buzz Online Reviewer Conference

February 16, 2009 By Renee Williams 18 Comments

Today marks the start of the first ever week long Online Reviewer Conference here at All the Buzz. The conference will run Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20, 2009.

Each day, several of today’s top African American literary reviewers will stop by to discuss an aspect of the reviewing process, as well as respond to all questions and comments left.

The reviewers who will be joining this conference are Yasmin Coleman of APOOO, LaShaunda Hoffman of SORMAG, Monique Bruner aka Deltareviewer, Eleanor Shields of Black Butterfly Review, and Lisa Diane of The Rapturous Reader!

We look forward to you stopping by each day this week and joining in the conference. I’m sure there will be some lively discussions!

Filed Under: Book reviews, Conference, Videos & trailers Tagged With: Book reviews, features, online-reviewer-conference

Nobody but You by Francis Ray

February 10, 2009 By Renee Williams Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Videos & trailers Tagged With: Videos

Ahh romance…

February 9, 2009 By Renee Williams 10 Comments

I’m an avid reader, and enjoy books in several genres, but the past few weeks, I’ve found myself only wanting to read romance novels. Don’t ask me why. LOL Romance novels are in my top two favorite genres to read. I know why I got hooked on romance novels, but what I don’t know is when I became such a romantic, sappy fool. LOL Was it ingrained in me from birth, which is why I started out reading romance, or is this persona a result of the thousands of romance novels I’ve read over the years. Who knows? I just know I’m a romantic, and proud of it!

I know that romance books have to follow a certain plot, and I know that in the end, the guy is gonna get his girl and vice versa and it’s going to be happily ever after. I know the fairy tale ending is not (unfortunately) a reality these days, but I don’t care. LOL It’s just something about a well written romantic story that just does something to me. It makes me want to believe the fairy tale, and yes I’ll admit it, even strive for it myself. I like the warm fuzzy feeling I get when I read romance.

There are some great romance writers out there, but these past few days, I’ve been immersing myself in Beverly Jenkins. Umph, umph, UMPH! That woman can write some romantic, sensual and downright HOT stories! LOL I’ve read The Edge of Midnight, The Edge of Dawn, Black Lace, Sexy/Dangerous, as well as her short story in Gettin’ Merry.

Now I’m reading Essence of Desire by Brenda Jackson. Not sure what will come after that. I have so many choices to choose from. LOL

I don’t know where my reading journey will take me next. Even if it’s not strictly romance, I can guarantee at least one or two romances will be in the pile.

Anyway…LOL…now that I’m done rambling, romance readers, let’s hear from you. Why do you read romance? How did you get hooked on it? If you had to pick just ONE, what would be your all-time favorite romance novel and why?

I also invite you to stop by my new romance blog, A Hopeful Romantic, where it’s all about love…all the time. Feel free to subscribe to this blog cause great things are planned for this site!