THE READ PATH with Teresa D.

The Read Path – Teresa D.

In this series, guest bloggers spill all about their roles as gatekeepers between authors and readers. They review books on blogs, websites, podcasts or booksellers’ webpages, influence buyers and connect with authors. My guest today is Teresa D., a reviewer and reader who is fully aware of the importance of what she does.

Let me hand over my mic. The next voice you’ll hear will be Teresa’s.

 

Hello, My name is Teresa and I am the Lead Reviewer for VampireRomanceBooks.com and ThatsErotica.com; you will find my reviews under the name Teresa D. I began writing reviews for Vampire Romance Books in late 2011, and I have reviewed for That’s Erotica since it’s launch in 2012.

1. How did you get to like books?

My parents are both avid readers. My Mom made sure I had a room full of books. Even before I was old enough to read I had a set of books that had records with them (remember those?). I would do my best to follow along. I was actually reading some on my own before I started Kindergarten.

I love all different genres of books from biographies to romance. By the time I was in Jr. High School I was reading everything I could get my hands on. Even during my teenage rebellious years I always made time for books.

2. Why did you start reviewing on a review site?

One day I was browsing the internet looking for paranormal books. I had just discovered The Black Dagger Brotherhood books by J.R. Ward. I stumbled on Vampire Romance Books and joined the forum. I loved all the ladies there, and had a great time sharing books and cutting up with everyone. Rhonda Valverde, who is owner of the site, was looking for a couple of extra hands. She convinced me to give reviewing a try, and I loved it! It took a few reviews to find my own style and to gain confidence, but once I got into it I realized that I had found “My Thing.” I know I still have more to learn and room to grow, and I really like that fact. It is something that challenges me. When Rhonda launched That’s Erotica, helping out with it was a no brainer. I had never really read erotica until Rhonda introduced me to Shayla Black’s Wicked Lovers. I knew that reviewing in a genre I wasn’t familiar with would take me a little out of my comfort zone. I am really glad I decided to do it.

Things just progressed for me after my first review. I never did casual reviews for goodreads or amazon first because I just kind of fell into it. I will say that the whole experience has been very rewarding.

3. What makes the sites special?

The thing that makes the sites special to me is that we deliver honest reviews to readers, and we work with some really great authors. We also do promotional tours, and giveaways. Those are things that as a reader I love to see. We try to do good by the authors as well. Not only do we post to the websites, we post to amazon, goodreads, and our social media sites, and give their work as much attention as possible. Behind the scenes, Rhonda is very supportive. I really appreciate her input and guidance. On the other hand, I have the freedom to develop my own way of writing, and I can try new things.

4. How do you go about writing a review?

First, I try not to give too much away! I try to give readers enough to get excited about the book without them saying “Oh Hell, Jake dies at the end???? Well I won’t be reading that one!” Sometimes it is a fine line for me, giving too much vs. not enough. I do my best to give the reader a little bit of insight about the main characters and of the authors themselves.

I write my reviews as soon as I am done with the book. I like to type it up while it is still fresh in my mind. After that I give it a quick go over and forward it on. At least one other person goes over it to catch any typos or half finished thoughts I have hanging because my brain was working faster than my fingers!

5. How do you balance reader expectations vs. writer expectations?

I know I will love some books that not all readers will like. I will also review books that may not be a style that I like, but some readers will go nuts over it. All I can do is give my honest opinion. I know I am not going to please everyone. If I am reading something that is not necessarily my taste, but is a well written story I can find positive things about the book. If my review is not favorable (below three stars) I will pass it to another reviewer for a second opinion, or we will send it to the author. I make sure my reviews have constructive criticism. I will not post anything that will tear down an author.

I have great respect for authors. I don’t know that I could write a book and put myself out there like they do. I would never do anything that would deter a new author from following their dream. What I can do is offer constructive criticism from a reader’s point of view. It is always my goal to be as professional as I possibly can, and I really hope that I succeed in doing that.

6. What positive or negative trends have you observed recently?

I am very happy about the fact that indie authors out there are really starting to shine. There are some incredibly talented writers that don’t have a publishing deal for whatever reason. Now we have the opportunity to see their work.

When it comes to self publishing my advice as a reader is edit, spell check, and then do it some more. Then pass it along and let someone else help you pick up what you looked over. Most readers can look over a typo or two in a story, but when the book is full of them, it distracts from what could be a really fantastic novel. We all make errors in spelling and editing; I know because I am horrible at editing. There is no shame in asking for help on that front!

It seems from my point of view that genres seem to go through trends. Twilight came out and suddenly the market is flooded with YA paranormal romance. Fifty Shades comes out, and there are a million Christian Greys popping up. I am not saying anything derogatory about these genres because I like both paranormal and erotica. When these “trends” move on to the next big thing, I will still continue to enjoy these genres just like I still enjoy historical novels, horror, mystery, and true crime. I just want to see stories that are fresh and original. I don’t mind when an author is inspired by a story, series, or other authors, but I don’t want to read fifty different stories where someone is getting spanked with kitchen utensils. *chuckles*

7. Out of all the books you’ve read, which two are your top must-read recommendations?

WOW! I am sure most avid readers would agree when I say this question is like asking someone to pick their favorite child. I like a book that brings a reaction in me. If an author can make me laugh out loud or leave me sitting with a box of tissues they have done it right. I like a story that I can get lost in or feel like I am a part of. I love the feeling of escaping to another place in time or space. That is why books will always be better than movies or T.V. for me. I can’t begin to name the writers that have made me feel that way.

There are writers that have really impressed me since I began reviewing. One that comes to mind is Rebekah Armusik who is the author of The Gothic Memoirs series. When I read Memoirs of a Gothic Soul I was floored that this was her first book. It was so full of rich detail, and completely original. I was really in awe because it felt like she had been doing it forever, and she still amazes me because she just gets better with each book.

I also like authors that I have followed since the beginning such as RL Mathewson, Teresa Gabelman, Victoria Danann, Sharon Kay, and too many others to mention. It has been an absolute pleasure watching them grow as writers. I always look forward to seeing where they will go next. I love watching as their fan base grows, and it is really sweet seeing them find success doing what they love.

Even though I review paranormal romance and erotica I still have love for the other genres I have read through the years. I have no qualms about curling up with Stephen King, James Patterson, or Clive Barker. Since I am a proud Aunt with young nieces and nephews we even break out the Dr. Seuss on occasion!

Where To Find Me
http://www.vampireromancebooks.com/
http://www.thatserotica.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VampireRomanceBooks
https://www.facebook.com/ThatsErotica
https://twitter.com/VampireRomBooks
https://twitter.com/ThatsErotica
https://twitter.com/drktwistedbliss
https://www.goodreads.com/VampireRomanceBooksThatsErotica https://www.goodreads.com/darktwistedbliss
google.com/+TeresaDbookreviewer
Pinterest.com/darktwistedblis/