Review of Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark As a passionate writer and eternally curious reader, I stumbled upon Roy Peter Clark's Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer, and it felt like a kindred spirit calling out to me. In a world where clarity often battles complexity, this book promises not just to improve your technical skills but to elevate your creative voice—a promise it delivers with finesse. Clark's approach emphasizes style over mere correctness, which immediately piqued my interest. His belief...

A Personal Reflection on "Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need" When I first picked up Blake Snyder's Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need, I was curious, albeit hesitant. As an aspiring screenwriter, I hoped to discover effective methods for crafting screenplays that would capture both the hearts of my audience and the attention of a Hollywood producer. However, I quickly found myself in a complex relationship with the text—part admiration, part irritation. Snyder’s fluid writing style presents a structured approach...

A Punctuated Delight: Review of Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss As a lover of language and all its intricacies, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss immediately caught my attention. The title itself, a cheeky reference to a well-known panda joke, piqued my curiosity, making me wonder how punctuation could be so delightfully playful yet crucial. Truss sets a lively tone right from the start, with an introduction that resonates with anyone who has ever squirmed at a glaring grammatical error....

Memorial Days: A Journey Through Grief and Love When I first picked up Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks, I was immediately drawn in by the promise of raw honesty and introspection. As a long-time admirer of Brooks’ storytelling prowess, I had often gotten lost in her fictional worlds. But this time, I knew I was stepping into her deeply personal journey of grief following the sudden death of her husband, Tony Horwitz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. As someone who values the present moment, I found myself uncomfortably intrigued by...

Reading Like a Writer: A Journey Through Literary Lenses When I first picked up Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books by Francine Prose, I was intrigued by the premise: a seasoned writer sharing insights into the art of reading with the intent of enhancing our writing journeys. As someone who oscillates between the realms of literary fiction and genre works, I was eager to unravel Prose's take on reading and writing. But as I delved deeper, I found myself grappling with how her literary...

Embracing Resistance: A Journey Through The War of Art As a writer navigating the chaotic waters of creativity, I stumbled upon Steven Pressfield's The War of Art at a moment when my own resolve wavered. Like Holden Caulfield, I found myself surrounded by the “phonies” of procrastination, wrestling with the very same “Resistance” Pressfield so aptly defines. This book can feel like a mirror, reflecting not only our struggles but also our potential to transcend them. From the very first page, I was captivated by Pressfield’s earnest voice, one that...

Diving into the Messy Joy of Creativity: A Reflection on The Writing Life I remember the exact moment I first laid eyes on The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. It was a nostalgic gift from one of my favorite professors, a beacon of guidance during my undergraduate years. Little did she know, three out of four books she gifted me that day were about writing—an early indication of my budding passion. Fast forward to several years later, when I finally picked it up, not particularly for a lack of...

Finding My Way Through The Fog: A Review of The Story She Left Behind When I first stumbled upon The Story She Left Behind by Susan Meissner, I was immediately drawn in by its intriguing premise: a historical mystery revolving around a daughter's quest for her missing mother's manuscript. The blend of literary discovery and emotional depth promised a rich reading experience, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the journey. Sadly, my excitement gave way to disappointment, as aspects of the plot and character development fell short of my...

There’s something about Truman Alexander that Skyler Finch finds incredibly annoying. Actually, there are several things: his voice (grating), his arrogance (total know-it-all) and his debate team obsession (eyeroll). She does her best to avoid him and focus on the important stuff: friends, school, and her boyfriend Eli. His promposal was perfect—just like he is—and the future is looking bright. Or is it? For some unexplainable reason, Skyler’s phone is sending her notifications from the future … a future in which, to her horror, she appears to be...

Welcome to today’s interview with author and missionary Terry Stueck. Terry has dedicated his life to serving others through inner-city mission work, church planting, military-installation communities, and prison ministry. His book, Forgive Instantly & Live Free, has received rave reviews and is used internationally as a curriculum aid for various groups including Gospel Rescue Missions, marriage counseling, divorce recovery, and church study groups. Join us as we delve into Terry’s inspiring journey and the powerful message of unconditional forgiveness that he shares with the world. When did you...