Katie McNeill writes reviews for Blogcritics Magazine and her own blog, Katie's Reading. She specializes in what she loves to read, paranormal books — from horror to dark fantasy to paranormal romance. She also writes a weekly column for Blogcritics called "Beyond Bounds: The Paranormal and Fantasy with Katie." If you'd like your book reviewed by Katie, visit her blog and drop her an email. In this interview, she talks about the influence of reviews and she also compares reviewers who write nasty, mean reviews to playground bullies seeking attention.
Thanks for this interview, Katie. How long have you been reviewing?
I’ve been reviewing for over two years now.
Please tell us about your blog, Katie's Reading. How and when did it get started?
I started blogging almost three years ago and Katie’s Reading is my third attempt at keeping a blog running. I tend to get really wrapped up in it for awhile until something else grabs my interest and then the blog suffers. But this one is concentrated on reviews and book news only and that helps a little when it comes to updating.
How long have you been writing for Blogcritics Magazine? Please tell us about your paranormal column.
I’ve been writing for Blogcritics for over two years. It’s a great outlet and I’m constantly amazed by the amount of e-mail I get because someone has seen a review I wrote. I started the column a few months ago and I’m still working on it. It’s concentrated on paranormal and fantasy because that’s what I tend to read the most and we didn’t have a column that focused on those genres.
How many books do you review a month?
The number of books I review varies from month to month. I tend to read an average of four books a week and not all of those get reviewed. Sometimes it’s nice just to read something and not feel like you have to take notes mentally. But I’ve found that even when I don’t intend to write a review I usually do. It’s just so hard not to talk about what I’m reading.
Do you publish freelance reviews by other writers, or only those written by you?
Article comments
1 - Margay
Katie, that is so true! I remember seeing a psychologist on Phil Donahue (I was a kid at the time)talking about difficult children (I forget the exact topic)and something he said always stuck with me: "Negative attention is better than no attention at all." And we live in a world where people seem to rejoice in the negative. So sad. I think it is possible to offer a negative review without being nasty about it. I like your take on nasty reviewers being like bullies on a playground. And how do we respond to bullies? Stay away from them. Thanks so much for sharing your opinions here. Honesty, for me, is very much appreciated.
2 - A. F. Stewart
Wonderful interview.
I'm not sure I agree with having spoilers in reviews, but to each their own I suppose.
3 - Eva Batonne
A very insightful and thoughtful interview.
4 - Pauline Jones
Yeah, I'm not big on spoilers either (well, for MY books), don't seem to mind them for anyone else's. (vbg) So I guess I shouldn't complain, aye?
Another very interesting interview!
5 - Beverly McClure
Another great interview, Mayra. Personally, I hate for the ending to be revealed. When I review, I like to leave the reader with the desire to purchase the book to find out what happens.
Thanks for your tips on reviewing, Katie.
Beverly
6 - Margot Finke
I am not into horror or paranormal books, but your interview of Katie McNeill was interesting.
Another great job, Mayra.
Margot Finke -
"Rattlesnake Jam"
+ other fun, educational
kid's books.
7 - Donna McDine
Mayra...great interview with Katie...well done!
Warmly,
Donna
8 - Joy Delgado
Mayra,
Thanks for another insightful interview.
Joy Delgado
9 - Jamie Martinez Wood
I really like this interview. Katie comes across as warm, intelligent, honest, and open-minded. What wonderful qualities for a reviewer!
10 - Jacqueline Seewald
Another excellent interview! I hope all reviewers are as fair-minded.
Jacqueline Seewald
THE INFERNO COLLECTION
Five Star/Gale