14 Aug

Posted at 07:01h in Reviews by

Finding Focus: A Personal Journey with The One-Year Novelist As someone who has always dreamed of writing a novel, but often found the task daunting and elusive, L.M. Lilly's The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year immediately struck a chord with me. The very title promises a sense of possibility—what if, instead of letting procrastination linger, I could actually approach my writing with a structured plan? With my busy schedule filled with jobs, family commitments, and other responsibilities, I was keenly aware that...

13 Aug

Posted at 22:00h in Reviews by

Embracing Colorful Organization: A Review of the Oxford Spiral Notebook Set Ah, the humble notebook! It's amazing how something so seemingly simple can evoke such nostalgia and excitement. When I stumbled across the Oxford Spiral Notebook Set in those delightful pastel colors — pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple — I felt a wave of inspiration wash over me. As a book blogger (and a chronic note-taker), the mere sight of those vibrant covers made my heart flutter. Reminding me of sunrises and spring blossoms, I couldn't resist...

13 Aug

Posted at 17:31h in Reviews by

Exploring Life’s Uncertainties: A Review of Louisa Hall’s Reproduction When I first picked up Louisa Hall’s Reproduction, I found myself torn by the duality of its topic: creation and suffering. As a writer myself, the parallels to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, often reflecting on the intricacies of life and death, beckoned me. Yet, I soon discovered that Hall’s narrative dives deeper into the complex realities of pregnancy, illuminating a world that feels all too pertinent in today’s socio-political climate. At the heart of Reproduction lies the story of Hall’s narrator,...

13 Aug

Posted at 12:57h in Reviews by

Unleashing Creativity: A Journey with Create a Poem: Writing Prompts for Poets (Volume 21) As someone who has danced on the fringes of poetry for most of my life, I was immediately drawn to Create a Poem: Writing Prompts for Poets (Volume 21) by the Creative Keepsakes series. The idea of having 200 exercises to ignite my creativity was thrilling—and let me tell you, it sure did not disappoint! It’s like having a supportive friend whispering encouragement as you put pen to paper, daring you to explore parts of...

13 Aug

Posted at 07:31h in Reviews by

A Dive into the Unfolding Worlds of The Best American Short Stories 2023 As a book blogger with a penchant for exploring voices both familiar and novel, I was thrilled to grab a copy of The Best American Short Stories 2023, expertly curated by guest editor Dinah Cox. Having previously read the 2019 edition, I was eager to see how the landscape of contemporary short fiction has evolved over the past few years. The anthology is a mix of feelings: some stories will resonate long after you close the...

13 Aug

Posted at 03:55h in Reviews by

Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland – A Reflection When I first stumbled upon Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland, I felt an exhilarating mix of curiosity and hope; after all, the intricate dance of storytelling has long fascinated me, yet I’ve often struggled to find an anchor amid the creative chaos. Weiland's previous work, Outlining Your Novel, had already set the bar high, and this book promised the hidden treasure of structure that many...

12 Aug

Posted at 21:27h in Reviews by

The Forgotten Magic of Zoey Turner: A Journey Through Grief and Fantasy Sometimes, the most enchanting stories arise from the complexities of real life, and The Forgotten Magic of Zoey Turner by Raven M. Wells certainly promises an intriguing blend of magic and emotional depth. As a middle-grade title exploring themes of grief and anxiety, I was immediately drawn to its potential to connect with young readers facing similar challenges. However, while I appreciated the intent behind this story, it ultimately left me feeling like something was missing. Zoey Turner,...

12 Aug

Posted at 18:49h in Reviews by

A Daily Dose of Inspiration: Review of 365 Quotes on Writing That Will Make You a Better Writer by Jerry Payne As a lifelong writer, I’ll admit that sometimes, I feel like I’m wandering through an uncharted forest, unsure which direction to take for my next project. This is why 365 Quotes on Writing That Will Make You a Better Writer by Jerry Payne piqued my interest. A collection of daily inspirations, each quote accompanied by Payne’s thoughtful commentary? It felt like receiving a warm cup of coffee on...

12 Aug

Posted at 11:24h in Reviews by

Much Ado About Margaret: A Final One-Star Farewell As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on the literary journeys I've taken this year, and I must confess, the latest offering from Gina L. Maxwell, Much Ado About Margaret, has left me with enough questions to fill a novel of its own. After diving into the novel with high hopes, I now find myself wrestling with my disappointment, feeling that I quite unceremoniously ended the year with a one-star read. At its core, the story promises to explore Maggie’s...

12 Aug

Posted at 09:48h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Truth About Horses: A Novel by L.J. Weller As a lifelong admirer of both horses and heartfelt storytelling, I was instantly drawn to The Truth About Horses: A Novel by L.J. Weller. Tackling themes of love, loss, and resilience, this debut novel promised a vibrant exploration of family and the unique bond between humans and their equine companions. And let me tell you, Weller does not disappoint. At the heart of the story is Reese Tucker, a spirited 14-year-old girl living on a shaky farm in Birdwood,...