Spring is sprung, the grass is riz.
I wonder where the birdies is.
Ogden Nash
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Tricks of the Trade – The 5 W’s and 1 H
In journalism, there are five elements known as the 5 w’s (who, what, when, where, and why) that serve as a framework to ensure an article is comprehensive and informative, providing the basic context and details that readers need to understand the article.
Here’s a breakdown of the 5 w’s:
- Who: Identifies the main individual(s)
- What: Describes the main action
- When: Specifies the times and/or dates
- Where: Indicates location(s)
- Why: Explains the reason or motivation
Do these questions apply to non-fiction writing?
While historical fiction novels may not follow the same specific order of the five w’s, they serve to create the total picture.
For example, let’s apply the 5 w’s to The Lilium, Elio’s paranormal novel with some historical background. The 5 w’s tease the reader into wanting to know more.
Who? Lilith, the first wife of Adam, Satan, and three of their offspring – Naamah, Secunda, and Primero – known as the Lilium
What? A legendary story of redemption.
Where? From an underwater cave where the Lilium are born to a global journey around the ancient world
When? Starting with Adam and ending with meeting Jesus
Why? To circle the globe in an attempt to destroy the horrors that Lilith continues to spread
After satisfying the five w’s, it’s normal to ask how.
How? In a first person narrative, the story unfolds about Naamah and her two siblings – the Lilium – who cannot eat, bear children, or age. They are immortal unless killed, but they can grow attached to people. In fact, being human and loving is all they desire. They weave their way around the world, engage in fierce battles to kill monsters, and share TLC with everyone they meet – kings and paupers alike – and use their acquired medical knowledge to minister to the sick and dying. Their ultimate quest is to confront their mother who is still producing demons and bring an end to her terror. Along the way, they meet Nimrod, Confucius, Buddha, and finally Jesus. Despite their origin, the three siblings hope for God’s redemption.
Five-Star Review Note re: The Lilium
“What Anne Rice did for vampires, Pablo Zaragoza does for succubi-demons.“
SPEAKING OF REVIEWS . . .
Why Book Reviews Matter (More Than You Think)
You know that little section at the bottom of a book’s Amazon or Goodreads page where people leave star ratings and sometimes a few words like “Couldn’t put it down!” or “Meh, not for me”? That’s more powerful than you might think. Book reviews do way more than help us decide what to read next—they play a major role in a book’s success (or failure) and shape the entire reading ecosystem.
Here’s a closer look at why they matter, both for authors and readers.
Why Reviews Are So Important to Authors
Credibility and Social Proof
- A good number of reviews (even mixed ones!) show potential readers that the book is being read and talked about.
- Think about it—would you be more likely to buy a book with two reviews or 200?
Reader Feedback = Growth
- Constructive reviews give authors insight into what readers loved and what fell flat.
- Indie authors especially rely on feedback to improve their future writing or make changes to blurbs, covers, or marketing strategies.
Why Reviews Matter to Readers
Helps You Find Your Next Favorite Read
- Honest reviews give you an inside look at what to expect—writing style, pacing, content warnings, and more.
- They often fill in the blanks that a book description can’t or won’t.
Saves Time and Money
- Nobody wants to spend hours (or $15+) on a book that turns out to be a bad fit. Reviews help readers make more informed choices.
- Many reviewers mention who the book is best suited for—so if you see “perfect for fans of X,” that can be a good clue.
Builds a Sense of Community
- Reading reviews (or writing your own) helps you connect with other readers who share your tastes.
- Love a niche genre? Reviews help keep those communities thriving and introduce you to lesser-known gems.
A Few Quick Takeaways
- Readers benefit from honest feedback and better recommendations.
- Reviews engage readers and allow people to share their feelings about the book.
- Positive reviews validate an author’s trustworthiness and increase credibility and visibility.
- Feedback from reviews helps authors improve and enhance their writing skills..
- Reviews influence readers’ choices and affect their decision-making.
Independent authors like us depend on reviews to increase the visibility of our books and grow our audience. Readers can post reviews anonymously or with their real names, and the review can be as long or as short as you want. They are a small effort with a big impact. If you finish a book—especially one you liked—please take a moment to leave a few words. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just a quick, “I really enjoyed this!” or “Great character development” goes a long way.
