07 Jul

Posted at 23:55h in Reviews by

Unlocking My Writing Potential: A Deep Dive into Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook As an aspiring novelist, I’m often on the lookout for resources that can help me elevate my work. When I first encountered Donald Maass’s Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook, it felt like a beacon of hope, a resource that promised to elevate my writing—and it did not disappoint. Maass, a noted literary agent and author, takes the principles from his original book, Writing the Breakout Novel, and transforms them into an engaging, hands-on workbook that...

07 Jul

Posted at 21:51h in Reviews by

Elevating Your NetGalley Game: A Review of the Book Advocate Toolkit When I first stumbled upon the NetGalley’s Book Advocate Toolkit, I felt a rush of excitement. As a book blogger, navigating the waters of advance reader copies (ARCs) can be overwhelming, especially for those of us who are new to this vibrant community. Having received this toolkit for free in exchange for my honest thoughts—thank you, NetGalley and We Are Bookish—I couldn’t wait to dive in and see what pearls of wisdom awaited. The Book Advocate Toolkit is essentially...

07 Jul

Posted at 14:55h in Reviews by

Unfolding Creativity Through Pages: A Review of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen There’s something undeniably magical about the act of writing by hand, isn't there? The scratch of ink against paper, the chance to pause and reflect—that tactile connection transports us to a space brimming with creativity and contemplation. That’s why I was drawn to The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen. This book promises not just a historical narrative but an exploration into how something so humble—a notebook—can...

07 Jul

Posted at 11:50h in Reviews by

Reflections on 7 1/2 by Christos Tsiolkas: Beauty and Complexity Interwoven There’s something irresistible about 7 1/2, the latest work from Christos Tsiolkas, that had me eager to dive in. Perhaps it’s the audacious concept: a semi-fictionalized version of Tsiolkas himself, venturing into a writing retreat while wrestling with the very essence of art and beauty amidst chaos. As a reader who often grapples with the intersection of personal identity and the broader political landscape, I felt drawn to explore how this novel would tackle such daunting themes. 7 1/2...

07 Jul

Posted at 05:51h in Reviews by

Mastering Suspense, Structure, and Plot: A Blogging Adventure As a passionate reader and aspiring writer, I’ve always been fascinated by that magic moment when a book hooks you, making you feel as if you’re clinging to the edge of your seat. So, when I stumbled upon Mastering Suspense, Structure, and Plot by Jane K. Cleland, I knew I had to dive in. Cleland’s extensive experience as an award-winning author made this book an exciting prospect, promising to unlock the secrets behind crafting stories that not only captivate but also...

07 Jul

Posted at 01:47h in Reviews by

Handiwork: A Reflection on Creation and Connection When I first picked up Handiwork by Sara Baume, I felt an immediate spark of familiarity. As someone who recently transitioned from a corporate HR job to a life steeped in photography, I understand the profound connection between creativity and personal growth. Baume’s exploration of her own artistic journey after her father's death resonated deeply with my own experiences, and I felt as though she was reflecting parts of my soul back to me. In Handiwork, Baume embarks on a project—though she hesitantly...

06 Jul

Posted at 20:40h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Structure of Story: How to Write Great Stories by Focusing on What Really Matters As a passionate reader and aspiring writer, I’ve always been on the lookout for the ultimate guide to storytelling. When I stumbled upon The Structure of Story by Ross Hartmann, I felt an immediate spark of curiosity. The book promises not just to outline the rules of storytelling but to delve into the tools that great writers employ to craft engaging narratives. Intrigued by this approach, I dove in, and let me...

06 Jul

Posted at 15:46h in Reviews by

Book Review: Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz: The Rebellion of … by Jay Parini The title "Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz" instantly piqued my curiosity; after all, who wouldn’t want to vicariously indulge in an era when literary giants mingled over cocktails? Jay Parini’s exploration of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton feels almost like a time capsule of their lives and struggles, beckoning readers to step into the turbulent world of these two evocative poets. As someone enchanted by the complexities of literary history, I was eager to dive...

06 Jul

Posted at 11:37h in Reviews by

Embracing C. S. Lewis: A Journey Through Writing and Life As a lifelong admirer of C. S. Lewis, the moment I stumbled upon C. S. Lewis and the Art of Writing by Corey Latta, something in me stirred with anticipation. After all, Lewis has been a guiding light through my own writing endeavors and existential musings since my first encounter with The Chronicles of Narnia. This book not only delves into Lewis’s multifaceted artistry—encompassing essays, poetry, novels, and theological discourses—but also invites us into the intricate tapestry of his...

06 Jul

Posted at 05:42h in Reviews by

Review: Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the … As a longtime admirer of Hilary Mantel’s exquisitely crafted narratives, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the …. This collection, rich with her reflections on historical figures and societal constructs, felt like a personal invitation to dive deeper into her world—one brimming with intellectual rigor, clever observations, and a touch of delicious mischief. Spanning nearly three decades from 1988 to 2017, Mantel’s essays offer a fascinating lens through which we...