Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

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About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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Australia's National
Prison Newspaper

ISSUE NO. 6

December 2024

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Culture

How to Write: Reviews

By

The Prison Journalism Project

The Prison Journalism Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation from the USA that aims to empower incarcerated journalists to be a vital voice in criminal justice reform.

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Have you seen a good (or bad) movie lately? Read an interesting book? We need reviews for our Culture section – and we want you to write them! Here are some tips for writing a review, courtesy of the Prison Journalism Project.

What is a review?

Newspapers often feature reviews or brief summaries of popular media, such as books, films, television shows, musical albums and more.

Why should you write a review?

Reviews keep readers up-to-date on pop culture and help them decide what to read, watch and listen to. As a writer with first-hand experience in the criminal legal system, you are uniquely positioned to offer insightful comment on how books, films, TV shows, songs and other art portray life in prison and other aspects of the criminal legal system. You can tell readers what they got right, what they got wrong, what resonated with you and what didn’t.

Elements of a review:

Your review does not need to include all these elements, but try to aim for at least five!

Summary:

The review includes a brief paragraph introducing the book, film, collection of poetry or musical album. It can include the title, author, topic and summary of what it’s about.

Major plot points:

The review focuses on a few scenes, poems, or songs that you find to be particularly important. The review includes quotes and specific details but doesn’t contain spoilers.

Quality of the text:

Take a small excerpt from the book, the plot or a particular movie scene. Explain why the excerpt is significant, what it got right, what it didn’t or how it could be better.

Quote:

The review includes up to three important lines from the work that can help illustrate your points and will give the reader a flavor of the work.

Reflection:

The writer explains why they would or would not recommend it to someone else.

Attribution:

All facts and quotes are attributed to their source, i.e. to the author or another reviewer.

Fact-checking:

The review does not include any unsubstantiated claims. All statements are supported using evidence.

Writing, editing and style:

The review is written and edited so it’s clear to understand.

Have you seen a good (or bad) movie lately? Read an interesting book? We need reviews for our Culture section – and we want you to write them! Here are some tips for writing a review, courtesy of the Prison Journalism Project.

What is a review?

Newspapers often feature reviews or brief summaries of popular media, such as books, films, television shows, musical albums and more.

Why should you write a review?

Reviews keep readers up-to-date on pop culture and help them decide what to read, watch and listen to. As a writer with first-hand experience in the criminal legal system, you are uniquely positioned to offer insightful comment on how books, films, TV shows, songs and other art portray life in prison and other aspects of the criminal legal system. You can tell readers what they got right, what they got wrong, what resonated with you and what didn’t.

Elements of a review:

Your review does not need to include all these elements, but try to aim for at least five!

Summary:

The review includes a brief paragraph introducing the book, film, collection of poetry or musical album. It can include the title, author, topic and summary of what it’s about.

Major plot points:

The review focuses on a few scenes, poems, or songs that you find to be particularly important. The review includes quotes and specific details but doesn’t contain spoilers.

Quality of the text:

Take a small excerpt from the book, the plot or a particular movie scene. Explain why the excerpt is significant, what it got right, what it didn’t or how it could be better.

Quote:

The review includes up to three important lines from the work that can help illustrate your points and will give the reader a flavor of the work.

Reflection:

The writer explains why they would or would not recommend it to someone else.

Attribution:

All facts and quotes are attributed to their source, i.e. to the author or another reviewer.

Fact-checking:

The review does not include any unsubstantiated claims. All statements are supported using evidence.

Writing, editing and style:

The review is written and edited so it’s clear to understand.

About Time Book Club: Archer’s Voice

About Time Book Club: Archer’s Voice

About Time Book Club: Archer’s Voice

By About Time
By About Time

This month, we’re reading Archer’s Voice, featuring our very own interview with the author, Mia Sheridan. Archer’s Voice is a New York Times bestselling romance novel. The novel centres on Archer Hale, a reclusive and mute young man with a troubled past, and Bree Prescott, a woman trying to escape her own traumatic history.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 5

7 MIN READ

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Reviewed by Mark
Reviewed by Mark

I've read thousands of novels over the last fifty-odd years and not one of them was romance, but while I'm trying new things – like paraplegia and prison – I might as well add in a romance novel to my life experience.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

3 MIN READ

About Time Book Club: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

About Time Book Club: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

About Time Book Club: The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

By About Time
By About Time

His message is simple but powerful: no matter how difficult life gets, we can choose to be kind, be grateful, and find joy.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 6

4 MIN READ

Plays at Pentridge

Plays at Pentridge

Plays at Pentridge

By Michelle Wright
By Michelle Wright

Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison still holds powerful memories for many thousands of people. The prison’s towering bluestone walls were an imposing presence in Coburg, and almost all Melburnians have a story to tell about this notorious place.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 2

6 MIN READ

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Book Club Review: The Wife and the Widow by Christian White

By About Time

Set on a quiet island in the dead of winter, The Wife and the Widow is a gripping mystery/thriller told from two perspectives.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 9

6 MIN READ

Movie Review of The Wasp

By Vincent

The Wasp is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps the viewer in suspense until the very last moment.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 9

2 MIN READ

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Reviewed by Mark

I've read thousands of novels over the last fifty-odd years and not one of them was romance, but while I'm trying new things – like paraplegia and prison – I might as well add in a romance novel to my life experience.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

3 MIN READ

Movie Review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

By Vincent

Welcome to the planet where the apes are rulers and the humans – as far as we know – are reduced to a subspecies.

Culture

ISSUE NO. 8

2 MIN READ

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Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.

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About Time.

A place for news and education, expression and hope.

Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.

Donate Here

Newsletter

Be the first to learn about our monthly stories, plus new initiatives and live events

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Something went wrong when we tried to register your details. Please try again.