Rambling #7 | Reviewing Slump?

~ Azia

I’m sorry I haven’t posted a book review in a while, my friends. Thankfully, it’s not because I’m in a reading slump; I’ve just finished The Midnight Star by Marie Lu and I’m currently rereading Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. The problem lies in the reviewing process.

I am still seven reviews behind and I can’t seem to find the motivation to finish ANY of them. I’ve been working on the Wolves of Mercy Falls reviews for two weeks and I am literally half way done, yet every time I look at the post, I just close the window and start watching Markiplier and PewDiePie videos on Youtube. Hence, the reviewing slump.

Have you ever had so many reviews to do that you just don’t do any of them? That’s me right now. I’ve found so many ways to avoid writing reviews, I’m starting to think my goal in life is to be a master procrastinator.

2001

This post isn’t just for me to voice my woes, though. If you’ve ever been in a reviewing slump, I need your advice. What are some ways you motivate yourself to write those reviews? How do you overcome the temptation to watch Netflix or to sweep the floor for no damn reason other than to avoid writing your reviews?

I have a mighty list of shows I can watch instead of writing those reviews this weekend and I’m tempted to just be a couch potato for the rest of my days. But I also want to review those books. I would also love to read more books, but now I don’t want to read more books because that just means I would have more reviews to write.

Oh dear. What to do, what to do?

2002

 

 

49 thoughts on “Rambling #7 | Reviewing Slump?”

  1. I love to read, but for the life of me I just cannot write a book review that doesn’t bore me to tears. I might blog about what I’m reading or what I read by I don’t like framing them as a traditional book review and instead a reflection of what I read.

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    1. Oh that’s an interesting way to d o it! I may need to try something like that out. I may be tired of the traditional book reviews for now, so either I just need to continue taking a break or try a different format/method. Thanks for sharing! 😀

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  2. Oh no!! I haven’t really been in a reviewing slump yet since I just started a few months ago, but my (very unqualified and unprofessional) advice would be to not burn yourself out!! Don’t make yourself hate reviewing. If you can, hold off on writing a review until you feel really passionate or opinionated about a certain book and then write down your feelings on that, and hopefully it’ll be able to pull you out of your slump. Or just do what I do and write down a bunch of thoughts into your notes app as they come to you (while watching Netflix) and try to make sense of it later 😂

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    1. Oh this is great advice! 😀 I’ll definitely hold off on reviewing until I’m really feeling it. Maybe the Song of Achilles will pull me out of my slump. Or A Darker Shade of Magic 🙂 Also, I just kind of want to watch Netflix instead of read for a while, so I think I’ll indulge myself for a bit. I’ll try the notes method, too. Thanks, Jamie! ❤

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  3. I definitely feel like this sometimes, especially when I’m trying to get ahead with scheduling posts in advance. Sometimes I find it helpful to jot down bullet points about each books that I would include in a review, and then more often than not I end up expanding those bullets and just turning that into a review. Hope you climb out of that reviewing slump! 🙂

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  4. Oh I’m sorry to hear about your reviewing slump Azia, I’ve never actually had one of those but I have had reading slumps before (honestly who hasn’t) so I kind of know what you’re going through at the moment. Hopefully it will get better quickly. Maybe you could try doing another format for your reviews, or maybe try posting different things other than reviews.
    I do try and stay on top of my reviews but there are times I fall behind. I think it happens to everyone. Still soon you’ll be over your slump, I imagine you’ll catch up on your review pretty quickly, and this will feel like so long ago that if affected you. 🙂

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    1. Yes, I’ve decided to keep my mind off reviews until I read a book that really inspires me to write one. (I’ve just gotten a hold of Song of Achilles and I’m dying to read it. I’m hoping it’ll be the book to get me out of my slump). Hopefully that will have a domino effect and I’ll end up zooming through the rest of my reviews. But until then, I think I’ll be posting more ramblings, tags, and maybe even T.V. shows reviews/reflections! 😀 Thanks, Beth ❤

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      1. That’s definitely a good thing to do! Hopefully The Song of Achilles will be the book to get you out of the slump you’re in. It certainly would have done that for me if I’d been in a slump at the time.
        Well in the meantime I’ll look forwards to your ramblings and tags! 😀

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  5. I just started doing book reviews up here, but I will not do a review for every book I read this year because, that would be too much work. I see my reviews as recommendations for others. I’ve only done two reviews this year, but seeing that it is my first attempts at book reviewing for my blog, i am cutting myself some slack. Maybe you shouldn’t review all the books you read, just review a few. Hopefully that will help you avoid the review slump.

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    1. Ah I was thinking about doing this, too! Or maybe I’ll adjust my reading list to have alternating books I will and will not review. One week I’ll read books I’ll review and the next week I’ll take a break and read some “passing-the-time” books haha. I think that might help to alleviate some of my stress!

      Thanks, Catherine! 😀

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  6. I know almost exactly what you’re going through, Azia! I went through a terrible reviewing slump back several months ago and it got to the point where I was avoiding reading just so I wouldn’t have to write a review. I’ve never been behind on reviews but more to the point of having review writer’s block. I think I took the route of rereading, watching netflix, and avoiding the fact that I was in a review slump 😂. Someone told me that sometimes the best thing to do during any kind of slump is to embrace the slump. If you aren’t feeling like reviewing then don’t. If you force yourself you could start hating it which is never good. Sooner or later you’ll be out of the slump but sometimes breaks are good. 😊

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    1. Ah, review writer’s block lol. I think I have that, too. Or maybe that’s the main cause! IDK. I think I’ve decided to embrace the slump for now and just watch a whole bunch of Netflix and catch up on all my shows. I’ll read here and there on the side for the rest of the month 🙂 I’m reading ToG right now and I’m not even halfway through, but I like that I’m taking my time with rereading it. At least I don’t feel as stressed about the reviews anymore haha. Hoping I break out of the slump, too! I’d love to hand out a few recommendations, like Gemina and The Midnight Star! Great books lol 😀 Thanks Melissa ❤

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      1. It’s the worst but yay for embracing the slump! What shows have you been watching?
        I really need to read ToG already. I’m waiting for the last book because the series is so long and I’m a binge reader. 😂
        I also really need to read Illuminae still. That’s on my list for this year. Another one where I’m waiting for the last book. The last book does release this year, doesn’t it?
        You’re welcome!! 😊♥

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      2. I recently finished Netflix’s The OA (it was interesting) and the Series of Unfortunate Events (it was amazing!!) I’m also trying to finish up The 100, Reign, Haven, and How to Get Away With Murder. I’ll start The Flash when I’m done with those! 😀

        And I prefer to binge read, too! But since I already read ToG, I figured I should just continue with the series.

        Yes! The third book is expected to release this October, but it hasn’t been set just yet. And I don’t think there’s even a name for it ahah. Those would be GREAT books to binge 😊

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      3. I think I’ve seen one episode of OA and was a bit confused by it. I also need to finish The 100 and Reign. I started both of them forever ago but got distracted by other shows. 😂
        Is Haven pretty good? I’ve been contemplating starting it but wasn’t sure. I’ve been rewatching Scream lol.
        Ah, okay. Yeah I figured it was set to be released sometime this year. Hopefully they have more definite details soon. 😊

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      4. I think of the OA as an acquired taste. It is definitely a different kind of show LOL. The 100 is great! But I still need to finish season 3 and I started it last month. I got distracted, too, haha. And Reign is SO historically inaccurate but SO addictive at the same time haha.
        I LOVE Haven. I think of it as Syfy’s last good sci-fi show before things got weird/bad on that channel. Scream is awesome! Predictable, but hella entertaining.
        I hope so, too! 😀

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      5. I think I’ve only seen through season two of The 100 so you’re definitely ahead of me lol. They killed off my favorite and I’m still sore over it. Then I accidentally got spoiled for a recent character death and it was another of my favorites. 😢
        Reign is really addicting and I will so have to start Haven. I stopped me rewatch of Scream to continue Supernatural but I agree about it being predictable. I spoiled it for myself the first time around but not that I’ve rewatched most of it I don’t get how I didn’t realize any of it at first. I really hope they do another season though. 😊

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      6. Ahhhh okay! Are we talking about Finn for season 2?? Season 3 has been kind of brutal so I’m having trouble remembering when and who dies LOL. Have you been spoiled for a male or female death??
        It really is and yes! Watch Haven 😀 Oh I really wanted to start Supernatural but there’s SO many seasons and SO many episodes within a season LOL. I’ll have to save it for summer. I hope they do another season of Scream, too! I love the meta aspect of it 😀

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      7. Definitely talking about Finn. I mean he went off the deep end for a while but he was my favorite from the beginning. I was so sad. 😢
        I was spoiled for a male death. It was a recentish one I think. I won’t spoil it because I’m not sure if you’ve seen it yet but yeah lol.
        It took me so long to start Supernatural and I even gave up once because of the amount of seasons and episodes but I’ve gotten half way through now and it’s so good. 😊

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      8. Poor, poor Finn. He seriously did go crazy, but I wish there was another way around his death. I miss his character tbh.
        And I think I know who you’re talking about. Someone spoiled me already. Lincoln, right? I haven’t finished the season yet b/c I’m afraid to get to that episode haha
        Halfway through!? That’s commitment 😀 Even if you did take a break from it for a moment. Hopefully I can get through it, too. I love Jensen Ackles too much to not try haha. I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much! 😀

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      9. Me too. Sometimes he seemed like the voice of reason, in my opinion. Or at least it was that way in the beginning. Until everything else happened. 🙈
        Yep! I’m talking about Lincoln. Another one of my favorites dead. That sucks that you got spoiled too though. But seriously sometimes I think I should stop picking favorites on The 100. LOL
        I think it was mainly because I had a mini blogging slump and kept procrastinating on anything blogging related with Supernatural. I hope you end up enjoying it whenever you do watch it! 😁

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      10. Oh poor, poor Finn. He was definitely the voice of reason before he lost it. His love for Clarke was too strong LOL.
        I can’t believe they would get rid of Lincoln. I’m kinda grateful though someone spoiled it for me, because I think I would have been too mad to continue the season if it had taken me by surprise LOL. I think it’s a good idea to stop picking favorites haha. They’ll prob end up gone by the end of the season XD
        Thank you! I hope so too! 🙂

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      11. That’s true lol. I did ship them in the beginning though. I remember how there was so much division between Finn/Clarke and then Bellamy/Clarke. I could never choose but I did love Finn.
        Right? I’m kind of glad too because at least now I’m prepared for it when I do decided to start watching again.
        You’re welcome!! 😊

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      12. Even though I loved Finn, I didn’t like how he dropped Raven so easily. But I also understand the circumstances led him to believe he’d never see her again. I’m a little torn about that haha. But I definitely ship Bellamy and Clarke! Well, now at least.
        And yup! Don’t get too attached lol
        And no worries! ❤

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  7. Ahh this must be annoying!! I personally never go through any reviewing slump because I almost always write my review immediately and that’s that haha however there are days when I feel like all the reviews I write are bad and on days like that I usually make a list of pros/cons or things I liked/disliked from the books because it’s easier! 😀 or you could just take a break altogether and come back with a refreshed mind! Hope the slump will go away soon ❤

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    1. Thank you! ❤ And maybe I should try writing the reviews right after finishing a book, too, or at least do this for the books that didn't blow my mind. I usually need more time to digest the books that leave a huge impression on me (i.e. ACOMAF). I'm currently taking a break from reviewing, but hopefully I can get back to writing sometime this weekend or the next! 😀

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  8. This is funny timing to come across this post because I have literally been doing the exact same thing as you except I go on YouTube and watch Big Bang Theory clips to procrastinate. 😅 My advice? Maybe don’t try to do the reviews in order. Do the most recent and what’s most fresh in your mind. Remember you don’t really have to review every book, mini reviews are awesome too. Also. Close all other tabs. That’s what I’m doing this morning.

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    1. Ah that’s wonderful advice! I’ll probably end up reviewing my most recent book and work backwards or just write the review for whichever book interests me that day. I’ll try to close all other tabs, too! Thank you! 😀

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  9. I’ve only felt like this once and I was two or three reviews behind. I have to write the review almost immediately after I finish the book, otherwise I can’t put myself to write it :/ When it happened to me, I basically forced myself to do it, but one thing I think it might help is writing down all of your thoughts, then decide which point you want to talk first, and then (eventually) start actually writing it. It’s the way I do it, and it has never failed me until now. Good luck 🙂 ❤

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    1. Maybe I should try to write the review right after finishing. It might save me the trouble of having to remember all the goings-on in the books I’ve read haha. And I’ll definitely give that method a try. Thanks, Marta! 😀 ❤

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  10. Are we the same person? I was just complaining to my husband that I’m so booored with my reviews, and I don’t want to write any, and I’m focusing too much on Obsidian, and I want to add more variety to my blog, but I’m kind of exhausted with blogging and DO NOT WANT TO WRITE REVIEWS, GOD HELP ME.

    I’m planning to slow down on my Obsidian posts (maybe update twice a week instead of three times?), start another snark to offer variety (updating once a week, but keeping each chapter recap super brief, like under 400 words?), and try a new format for my reviews (maybe shorter and snappier?). I really hope it helps pull me out of my funk, because the funk is awful.

    It’s been so bad that I’ve even been avoiding reading other people’s blogs (as you might’ve noticed) because seeing how productive everyone else is has been filling me with guilt and despair. I wish I’d gotten back to blog-hopping sooner, though, because this post would’ve perked me up a lot. Oh, well. I’m glad I got to it eventually!

    And I’ll stop rambling about my problems on your blog now, I swear. Hope you’ve been enjoying your Netflix bingeing, and are feeling more review-inspired overall!

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    1. Oh no! We’re in the same boat LOL. Don’t worry. I’ll keep you company until the slump ends haha. It’s SO easy to get burned out isn’t it?? I am just NOT in the mood to write reviews. And I LOVE your snark reviews on Obsidian, but if they’re boring you or are sucking out too much energy, I definitely support you taking a break from them or reducing how much time you spend on them! I’d love to see what you decide on to help you get out of the funk. I think shorter reviews will probably help. Shorter = less time thinking about what to write haha.
      And I totally get you on not blog hopping. I’ve been avoiding it too. I’m hoping to return to it sometime this weekend! It’s great that you’ve managed to do some blog-hopping, even in your current funk 😀 And you’re always welcome to ramble/vent on my blog LOL 😉 I am, thank you! I’m also reading Caraval right now, and my urge to review is definitely returning!! 😀
      Hope you overcome your slump, too! I’ll be looking forward to your next post ❤

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      1. Thank you for your slump-company! That honestly does help.

        Hopefully you have a lovely weekend, whether you blog-hop or not! There’s definitely something freeing about giving up on the idea of catching up on everyone else’s blogs, though; ditching everything blog-related and just having fun all weekend sounds GREAT.

        Aw, yay for starting to feel that itch to review again! Can’t wait to read whatever you have to say about it!

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      2. 😀
        And I did kind of ditch blogging last weekend. I still haven’t done blog-hopping but I think I’m in the mood to do it either tomorrow or over the weekend! Looking forward to that 😀
        And hopefully I can get the review for Caraval up tomorrow or Saturday! Thanks, Liam! ❤

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    1. It’s kind of frustrating isn’t it? I’ve managed to write a review recently, though. I think it might help to just keep reading and maybe you’ll happen upon a book that really inspires you to write! That or take a break and embrace the slump. Or maybe knock off a few of the reviews you have to write. That really helped me! Hope you get out of the slump soon. But until then, I think it’s okay to take a break from those reviews 😀

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