Review: How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling by The Moth For someone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling by The Moth felt like an exhilarating invitation to dive deeper into one of my favorite subjects. As I meandered through the pages over the course of 3 ½ months, it became clear that slow consumption was the perfect antidote to the rush of our fast-paced lives. This book is a treasure trove...

Review of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody As an aspiring novelist constantly on the lookout for insights to enhance my craft, Jessica Brody's Save the Cat! Writes a Novel caught my eye. I’ve long admired Blake Snyder's approach to storytelling, and this book is like a warm invitation to delve deeper into the world of novel writing through his celebrated "Save the Cat!" structure. What intrigued me was not just the promise of a practical guide...

Review of A Killer Christmas Wish (Cat Latimer Mystery, #7) by Lynn Cahoon As winter rolls into Aspen Hills, Colorado, and the first snowflakes begin to dance in the air, I find myself irresistibly drawn to A Killer Christmas Wish, the seventh installment in Lynn Cahoon’s delightful Cat Latimer Mystery series. There’s something magical about the combination of cozy settings, holiday cheer, and, of course, a touch of intrigue that makes this book feel like the ultimate winter escape. Cahoon has crafted a perfect blend of nostalgia and suspense...

Embracing the Craft: A Review of On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Reissue) When I picked up Stephen King’s On Writing, I anticipated a masterclass from one of the most prolific authors of our time. What I didn’t expect was the heartfelt honesty and life lessons mingled with practical writing advice that would leave me both inspired and reflective. King, a name synonymous with storytelling, delves into not just the craft of writing, but the essence of living as a writer. The structure of On Writing is what sets...

A Horse at Night: On Writing by Tanaïs – A Tango of Thoughts From the moment I flipped open A Horse at Night: On Writing by Tanaïs, I was both thrilled and comforted by the idea of diving into the mind of a fellow writer. There’s something enticing about reading a collection of mini-essays and diary entries from an author who reflects on her life, ambitions, and the ebb and flow of the creative spirit. For someone like me who revels in the musings of writers contemplating their craft,...

Book Review: Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu As a long-time lover of youthful romantic stories, Maria E. Andreu’s Julieta and the Romeos piqued my interest from the moment I heard about its intriguing premise. Combining the timeless essence of Romeo and Juliet with a modern, You’ve Got Mail-style twist, this novel promises to unravel the tangled threads of love, ambition, and identity in a way that speaks to the heart. Drawing from my own experiences of navigating friendships and crushes at that age, I felt an...

You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memoir — A Journey Worth Taking As an aspiring writer, I often find myself standing at the edge of creativity, peering into a chasm filled with potential stories yet untold. So, when I stumbled across You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memoir by Ruta Sepetys, I felt a spark of hope that this book might just offer me the gentle push I needed to leap into my writing endeavors. Known for her bestsellers that navigate the intricacies...

Book Review: Magic Words by Jonah Berger When I first picked up Magic Words by Jonah Berger, I was intrigued by the premise: the idea that language, the very tool we use to communicate every day, could wield almost magical power to influence decisions and behaviors. As someone who has always been fascinated by the art of persuasion—whether through a well-timed compliment or a persuasive piece of writing—I felt drawn to explore the hidden science behind our words. In this enlightening read, Berger provides a treasure trove of linguistic strategies...

Dino Poet: A Graphic Novel by Tom Angleberger – A Playful Journey into Poetry When I first stumbled upon Tom Angleberger’s Dino Poet: A Graphic Novel, I was instantly captivated by the idea of dinosaurs and poetry colliding in such a whimsical way. As someone who often finds solace in the written word, the thought of a dino grappling with the art of poetry was an irresistible hook. Angleberger, known for his playful storytelling and vibrant illustrations, had me intrigued before I even turned the first page. Dino Poet follows...

A Journey Through Time and Regret: A Review of The Memory Collectors by Jessica Hurst As an avid reader with a particular fondness for science fiction that weaves in human emotion, I was immediately drawn to The Memory Collectors by Jessica Hurst. The concept of reliving pivotal moments of our past struck a deep chord. I often ponder what choices I would change if given the chance, and I felt an irresistible pull to explore this poignant premise. In The Memory Collectors, Hurst presents a thought-provoking narrative that centers around...