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...

02 May

Posted at 08:02h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Letters: A Review of Kate & Frida When I first heard about Kate & Frida by Kim Fay, I was immediately intrigued—epistolary novels have a special place in my heart. There's something so intimate about immersing oneself in the shared thoughts of characters, especially when their lives unfold through letters. In our fast-paced digital world, that connection often feels rare, making this book feel like a warm, inviting hug. Kate & Frida invites us into the lives of two vibrant young women, whose correspondence begins in...

02 May

Posted at 07:46h in Reviews by

Rediscovering Inspiration in If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland There’s something nostalgic about finding a book in a Little Free Library—an invitation to reconnect with forgotten ideas. When I discovered Brenda Ueland’s If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit, I couldn’t help but reminisce about seeing this book in a local boutique, wedged between shiny knick-knacks and overpriced scented candles. It always seemed to whisper “intellectual” in a sea of consumerism, yet my curiosity had never pushed me to explore it. Perhaps...

02 May

Posted at 06:40h in Reviews by

Review of Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less By Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Anna Palmer When I first picked up Smart Brevity, I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of a 200-page book dedicated to teaching us to write less. As a self-proclaimed lover of words and someone who relishes the nuance of language, I had my doubts. Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Anna Palmer promise to cut through the noise of our modern communication, claiming we have the attention span of goldfish—an assertion that,...

02 May

Posted at 06:35h in Reviews by

Embracing the Craft: A Reflection on The Art of Fiction by John Gardner From the moment I picked up The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers, I felt myself drawn into a world that both intimidated and excited me. John Gardner, a luminary in the realm of literary criticism and fiction writing, has crafted a book that promises insights into the art and craft of writing. As a burgeoning writer navigating the labyrinth of storytelling, I hoped this book would unlock some elusive understanding of my...

02 May

Posted at 05:29h in Reviews by

Discovering Stein on Writing: A Reader's Perspective When I stumbled upon Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, I was intrigued—partly because I’m a passionate reader and reviewer, yet, quite disconnected from the world of writing. As someone who absorbs stories rather than creating them, I found the prospect of diving into Stein's expert advice both alluring and slightly daunting. However, I was eager to see if the wisdom of this author, editor, and publisher might illuminate my understanding of the craft and ultimately enhance my enjoyment of the novels...

02 May

Posted at 04:27h in Reviews by

Book Review: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Have you ever dismissed a book before even cracking it open? That's exactly what I did with Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. As a self-proclaimed cynic (and a sucker for tight socks), I often roll my eyes at anything shimmering with spirituality or self-help vibes. Wouldn’t you know, though? This one knocked my socks off in the most unexpected way. Let’s start with the basics: Big Magic isn’t just a guide; it’s an invitation to...

02 May

Posted at 03:16h in Reviews by

Unlocking Creativity: A Review of “No Plot? No Problem!” by Chris Baty Have you ever found yourself staring blankly at a page, dreams of writing a novel swirling in your mind but never quite making it to the paper? I certainly have. It was this yearning for creation that drew me to No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty, the founding father of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). With a motivational flair and an approachable tone, Baty offers readers not only a roadmap to writing 50,000 words in 30...

02 May

Posted at 02:04h in Reviews by

Exploring the Mind of a Storyteller: A Review of Wired for Story by Lisa Cron As a writer, I often find myself wrestling with the core threads of storytelling—what captures a reader’s heart and mind? When I stumbled upon Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron, I was intrigued. Here was a book that promised not just insights into the craft but a peek into the psychology that underpins our narrative instincts. With a recommendation...

02 May

Posted at 00:57h in Reviews by

A Deep Dive into Story Genius: Enthused by Brain Science, Disappointed by Gimmicks Lisa Cron's Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel had me at its ambitious title. As someone who finds joy in the intersection of neuroscience and storytelling, the promise of a deeper understanding of the writing process through the lens of brain science was tantalizing. I dove in, eager to glean insights that would revolutionize my approach to narrative. Unfortunately, what followed was a rather disheartening experience...