Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Fin… - A Deep Dive into the Publishing World with Courtney Maum As someone who spends her days crafting long-form marketing content and diving headfirst into the vast universe of books, the idea of writing my own book has always lingered in the back of my mind. These days, with my newfound love for bookstagram and interactions with authors and publishers, that curiosity has blossomed into excitement. When I stumbled upon Courtney Maum's Before and After the Book Deal:...

A Fresh Perspective on Crafting Dialogue: A Review of Fiction Writer's Guide to Dialogue by Hough As a long-time lover of literature and aspiring wordsmith, I was drawn to Fiction Writer's Guide to Dialogue by Hough partly out of curiosity and partly out of desperation to improve my own dialogue writing. Dialogue often feels like the beating heart of storytelling, pulsing with character and emotion, yet mastering it can feel elusive. Hough's promise of a fresh look at dialogue as an essential ingredient of fiction intrigued me, and I...

Diving into "Drifts" by Kate Zambreno: A Reflective Journey of Mundane Poetics I picked up Drifts by Kate Zambreno on a whim, drawn in by the promise of a narrative that oscillates between the mundanity of daily life and the profundity hidden within it. I was particularly intrigued by Zambreno’s exploration of the everyday and the artful ways she weaves her experiences into the fabric of contemporary life. After recently making an exciting discovery at work—partly thanks to the various topics I learned about from this very book—I felt...

Reflecting on Life with "The Book of Myself" When I stumbled upon The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions, I was immediately intrigued. The thought of capturing and preserving one’s life story resonated with me deeply, stirring memories and reflections on my own journey through life. Authored by a grandson wishing to immortalize his grandfather's legacy, it serves as a bridge connecting generations, inviting us all to explore our past and share it with those we cherish. The concept is beautifully simple but profoundly impactful. I...

Finding Connections in “The Last Days of Roger Federer: And Other Endings” by Geoff Dyer When I stumbled upon Geoff Dyer’s The Last Days of Roger Federer: And Other Endings, I felt an uncanny pull—not just because of its tantalizing title, which instantly piqued my curious mind about the complexities of endings in life, but also due to Dyer’s reputation as a thoughtful, witty, and inevitably engaging writer. As a reader who often finds solace in the nostalgia of last experiences, I was eager to delve into Dyer’s musings...

Exploring the Labyrinth of Literary Process: A Review of Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors When I first stumbled upon Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Sarah Stodola, I felt a spark of excitement ripple through me. As someone who's navigated the unpredictable waters of writing, the opportunity to peer into the personal processes of literary giants felt like an unmissable invitation. How do the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Joan Didion tackle the blank page? What drives their creativity? It was a chance to explore...

A Reflection on the Oxford Spiral Notebook: An Essential Companion for Every Writer As a book blogger and an avid note-taker, finding the perfect notebook can almost feel like a quest for the holy grail. When I stumbled upon the Oxford Spiral Notebook 6 Pack, I was instantly intrigued. Here’s a product that promises organization efficiency with a splash of color. Suddenly, my dreams of a seamlessly organized life seemed just a notebook away. Upon unboxing this set, I was greeted with an array of vibrant colors—a delightful treat for...

Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eez… by Gabe Henry: A Delightful Journey into the Wild World of English Spelling As someone who has spent countless hours pondering the quirks of the English language, Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eez… by Gabe Henry effortlessly captured my attention. The title itself is such a playful nod to the very subject it explores, and I couldn’t resist diving into this amusing history of the simplified spelling movement. After all, when was the last time...

Embracing Creativity: A Review of The Practice of Poetry As someone who’s wrestled with the complexities of writing poetry, The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises From Poets Who Teach grabbed my attention immediately. Edited by Robin Behn and Jane Hochman, this collection resonates with both seasoned writers and those curious to explore the poetic form. It’s not just a book; it feels like a cozy invitation to the intimate world of self-expression. The book features over 90 writing exercises accompanied by essays from established poets, each one designed to ignite...

Taking a Long Look: Essays on Culture, Literature and Feminism – A Journey Through Gornick's Lens When I first picked up Taking a Long Look: Essays on Culture, Literature and Feminism by Vivian Gornick, I was drawn in by the promise of deep reflection paired with sharp cultural criticism. Gornick is an author whose insights linger long after reading; her previous works have challenged me to see the world through a more nuanced feminist lens. This collection, rich with her reflections from decades of engagement with feminist thought, felt...