02 May

Posted at 18:13h in Reviews by

Creating Imagination: A Journey through Wonderbook As a lover of speculative fiction, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff VanderMeer. The promise of transformative insights for crafting fantastical narratives sparked my curiosity—not just to better understand how stories form but also to immerse myself in the art of imagination itself. VanderMeer, known for his evocative Southern Reach trilogy, invites readers into a world where boundaries of reality blur, making this a journey I was eager to embark on. At its heart,...

02 May

Posted at 17:10h in Reviews by

Review of Story Engineering by Larry Brooks As a self-confessed “plotter,” the allure of Larry Brooks’s Story Engineering was irresistible to me. I’ve always had a penchant for story structures—be it in novels, movies, or even articles. The skeletal frameworks that underpin great storytelling fuel my creativity, so you can imagine my excitement upon diving into a book that promised to illuminate the mechanics behind crafting compelling narratives. However, as enticing as this journey sounded, my experience with Brooks's work turned out to be a bit of a mixed...

02 May

Posted at 16:46h in Reviews by

The Book That No One Wanted to Read: A Review Sometimes, it’s the most unexpected treasures that catch our attention, and The Book That No One Wanted to Read by author’s name does just that. At first glance, this whimsical tale didn’t seem like it had much to offer. The title alone piqued my curiosity, challenging me to find out why no one wanted to venture into its pages. Little did I know, beneath its unassuming cover lay a delightful adventure that is both hilariously absurd and unexpectedly profound. From...

02 May

Posted at 16:08h in Reviews by

Unlocking Creativity with Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist I stumbled upon Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative while navigating the vast realms of the internet, drawn in by a blog that resonated with my own quirky creative process. Initially skeptical, I wondered if this pocket-sized gem, filled with encouragement for artists of every stripe, could offer anything new. After all, many self-help books seem to regurgitate wisdom we already know but have yet to embrace. Here are Kleon’s ten pivotal points,...

02 May

Posted at 14:43h in Reviews by

Book Review: Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass As a writer on my own journey, I always seek out resources that promise to unlock the secrets of crafting a compelling story. So, when I stumbled upon Donald Maass’s Writing the Breakout Novel, I was eager to dive in and see what wisdom it held. The title itself held a tantalizing allure—who wouldn't want to create that breakout novel that captures readers' hearts? Unfortunately, while Maass offers some intriguing insights, I found it delivered more generalities than actionable specifics,...

02 May

Posted at 13:33h in Reviews by

Embracing the Writer Within: A Reflection on "Becoming a Writer" by Dorothea Brande If you've ever felt that tingle of uncertainty at the thought of expressing yourself through words, you're in good company. Dorothea Brande’s classic, Becoming a Writer, has a way of reassuring that anxious artist within us. Personally, I stumbled upon this book at a pivotal time in my creative journey, and it instantly ignited a spark that pushed away my self-doubt and reignited my passion for writing. Brande’s approach in Becoming a Writer is refreshingly unique. Unlike...

02 May

Posted at 12:29h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Secrets of Character Development: A Review of Creating Character Arcs As a passionate reader and an aspiring writer, discovering Kira-Anne Pelican Weiland’s Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide felt like finding a treasure map. It promised an exploration of the often elusive nature of character development, and I dove in with excitement. Weiland's reputation precedes her, and after engaging deeply with this book, I can confidently say it has left a significant mark on my writing journey. From the outset, one of the most striking aspects of...

02 May

Posted at 11:22h in Reviews by

Characters & Viewpoint: A Journey Through Narrative Depth When I first picked up Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card, I was drawn in by the promise of crafting compelling characters—those lifelines of any narrative that keep readers engaged. As a writer and avid reader, I’ve always believed that well-constructed characters are indeed the heartbeat of a story. Card, renowned for his masterful storytelling in Ender’s Game, does not disappoint; he invites us into a comprehensive guide that feels both personal and enlightening. Unlocking Character Creation The book is neatly divided...

02 May

Posted at 09:15h in Reviews by

Navigating the Creative Journey: A Review of Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success When I first stumbled upon K.M. Weiland’s Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success, I felt a spark of intrigue. As someone who has “pantsed” my way through my debut novel—shaping the narrative through pure instinct and a sprinkle of chaos—I was curious to see how outlining could inform my writing process without stifling my creativity. Weiland’s reputation as a guiding light for writers promised insights that could bridge the chasm between spontaneity...