Exploring Spaces in Literature: A Review of Prairie, Dresses, Art, Other by Danielle Dutton There's something exhilarating about discovering a book that challenges the conventional boundaries of storytelling—a thrilling invitation to rethink how we engage with art and fiction. Danielle Dutton's Prairie, Dresses, Art, Other caught my eye from the moment I learned it was longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize 2025. Her unique perspective, illuminating spaces within stories rather than simply crafting plots, resonates deeply with my own wandering mind. Open any page, and you're drawn into a...

Book Review: Shut Up and Write the Book by Jenna Moreci When I first stumbled upon Shut Up and Write the Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Novel from Plan to Print, I was, like many aspiring writers, perched on the edge of uncertainty. I had ideas bubbling in my mind, but transforming them into a cohesive narrative felt like scaling a mountain. Enter Jenna Moreci. Known for her brilliant YouTube channel filled with wit and practical advice, I felt instantly drawn to her no-nonsense style and undeniable...

Review of Chasing The Light: Writing, Directing, and Surviving Platoon by Oliver Stone When I picked up Chasing The Light by Oliver Stone, I wasn’t just reading the memoir of a filmmaker; I was revisiting a pivotal chapter of my own life. Like many aspiring creatives, I found my passion during my college years, where film became more than just entertainment—it transformed into a lens through which I could explore my dreams and fears. Stone’s journey mirrors my own awakening, filled with those raw, cinematic moments that leave indelible...

Unlocking Creativity: A Review of 5-Minute Daily Writing Prompts As a lifelong lover of words, I often find that the most daunting challenge is not the act of writing itself, but simply getting started. The fear of a blank page can be paralyzing, and I often find myself yearning for a gentle nudge toward inspiration. That’s why 5-Minute Daily Writing Prompts: 501 Prompts to Unleash Creativity and Spark Inspiration by Tarn Wilson immediately caught my attention. The promise of igniting creativity in just five minutes a day was hard...

Review of The Novelist by Jordan Castro When I stumbled upon Kate Knibbs’ article, "Finally, a Novel That Gets the Internet Right," I felt an odd pull toward Jordan Castro’s The Novelist. Maybe it was the promise of an honest take on digital culture, or perhaps my lingering fascination with alt-lit, despite its pitfalls. As I rounded the halfway mark of my Goodreads Reading Challenge, sitting at ninety-nine books, I decided that this short novel—a quick read of about forty thousand words—would fit neatly into my quest for artistic...

A Journey Through Time: My Thoughts on The Frozen River As a lover of historical fiction, I often find myself captivated by the stories of everyday heroes whose lives whisper profound truths about human resilience and the fight for justice. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon instantly piqued my interest, not just because it centers on Martha Ballard, a remarkable midwife from the 18th century, but because it explores themes that still resonate today—injustice, women's rights, and the quest for truth. Early on, the premise of Martha’s quest to...

Discovering Etymological Treasures: A Review of Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment For Every Day From the moment I laid eyes on Susie Dent’s Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment For Every Day, my heart did a little dance, reminiscent of the quirky words it promises to share. As a long-time lover of language and the nuances that come with it, the idea of diving into a new word each day felt like a delightful commitment. Dent, a true wordsmith and known for her role on Countdown, draws readers into the enchanting world...

Unlock Your Literary Potential: A Review of Fiction Writing 101 As an unabashed book lover and an aspiring fiction writer, I stumbled upon Fiction Writing 101: Tips, Tricks and Exercises to Guide Beginner Fiction Writers by David F. Castillo, and I must say—it was like finding a goldmine amidst a sea of writing guides. The title alone had me curious, promising not just tips but a transformative journey for writers at every stage. After devouring its pages, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this treasure of a book...

A Journey Through the Irrealis: Reflecting on André Aciman’s Homo Irrealis: Essays From the moment I heard about André Aciman's latest collection, Homo Irrealis: Essays, I felt that familiar thrill—the one that sparks when a beloved author unveils their thoughts in a new form. Aciman, known for the poignant masterpiece Call Me By Your Name, has a unique ability to tap into the depths of human longing and memory. However, I was curious to see how he would navigate the more cerebral territory of essay writing. This collection, as...

Book Review: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin From the moment I heard about The Creative Act: A Way of Being, I felt an undeniable pull toward it. It’s not just that it comes from Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer whose work has shaped the sound of modern music; it was the promise of exploring creativity not just as an outcome, but as a way of existing. This resonated deeply with me—because what does it mean to be truly creative in today’s world? In...