The Wolf Moon Books

My Reviewing Approach Blog Entry 11/10/2025

My thoughts on reviewing.


Although I am not a professional reviewer, I enjoy writing reviews on Writing.com as a way to support and encourage other writers. Sharing what I appreciate about a piece allows me to give back some of the kindness and insight others have offered through their feedback on my own work.

My approach is balanced and constructive. I begin by highlighting what works well in a piece—what captured my attention, moved me, or felt particularly well written. When needed, I provide suggestions for improvement, which may include identifying spelling or punctuation issues, or noting where adjustments could improve rhythm and readability. I sometimes comment on passages that might be unclear or seem out of place, always with the intent of helping the author strengthen their expression and flow.

For me, the heart of good writing lies in its emotional resonance. I often ask, “Did you feel it?” or “How did it make you feel?”—not because the writer instructed the reader to feel a certain way, but because the words themselves created a genuine emotional response.

A professional manuscript editor I once worked with often reminded me, “Less is more.” That advice has stayed with me, as finding the right balance between expression and restraint is one of the greatest challenges of writing.

This, in essence, is my reviewing philosophy: to respond with honesty, respect, and appreciation for the art of storytelling, while offering thoughtful suggestions that may help the writer refine their craft.