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,...

12 Aug

Posted at 01:22h in Reviews by

Review of Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future by Aleksic There’s something undeniably magnetic about the interplay between language and social media—a realm where words morph and manifest at the speed of a scroll. When I stumbled across Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future by Aleksic, I found myself drawn in, enticed by the promise of exploring this linguistic chaos in a thoughtful way. Could it really navigate the dizzying junction of internet culture and modern discourse? Spoiler alert: it did, and boy, it was...

12 Aug

Posted at 00:46h in Reviews by

Review of The Storyteller's Workbook: An Inspirational, Interactive Guide to the Craft of Novel Writing As I sat down at my familiar writing nook, notebook, coffee, and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement. I’ve been planting seeds for my novel for what feels like an eternity, and the promise of structure in The Storyteller's Workbook by Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibañez felt like a gust of fresh air. This interactive guide isn’t just another writing manual; it's a creative...

11 Aug

Posted at 15:45h in Reviews by

Review of 642 Things to Write About by The San Francisco Writers' Grotto As a lifelong lover of writing, I’ve often found myself in the throes of writer’s block—those frustrating moments when inspiration feels like a distant memory. So, when I stumbled upon 642 Things to Write About, a whimsical and imaginative journal from the creative minds at The San Francisco Writers’ Grotto, I couldn’t resist its promise of rekindling my creative spark. This journal is essentially a treasure trove of writing prompts, with each page inviting you to...

11 Aug

Posted at 15:21h in Reviews by

Write It All Down: How to Put Your Life on the Page by Cathy Rentzenbrink - A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Words As I settled into my favorite corner of a cozy café, scarf wrapped snugly around me and a chai latte in hand, I felt a flutter of excitement mixed with a dash of trepidation. I was about to embark on a writing journey with Cathy Rentzenbrink, an author whose voice feels like a comforting chat over coffee. "Write It All Down: How to Put Your Life on...