Book reviews. Most people see them as necessary for book sales, the more (good) reviews a book has, the more it is likely to sell. They’re also very useful to readers, they can check out the opinions of other readers before they try the book themselves. Sometimes, they are simply used as a way for people to vent, rant or abuse the author or even other readers.

But for me? They provide me with the motivation I need to write. When I get stuck with my writing, when I wonder if I should continue, all I need to do is read some of my book reviews, and it reminds me that there are people out there waiting to read my next book. Waiting to see what the characters do next. Who are cheering me on and who have supported me in my career so far.

To make the most of this, the other day I printed out some of my reviews, and stuck them on my wall.

I want to thank every one of them for inspiring me every day, and to let readers know that your review is more than just a way to give your opinion. It may mean more to the author than you think.

Which led me to realise that I have read hundreds of books in my life, but I have been very lax in writing reviews for them. So I have decided to write a review every time I read a new book, and also to begin leaving reviews for books I have read in the last few years.

After all, what if my words are the very thing the author needs to read to continue with their work?