08 Nov

Posted at 15:56h in Reviews by

Review of Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Dictionary by Ammon Shea As a lifelong word lover and someone who's been caught lost in the labyrinthine aisles of a bookstore’s reference section, I was ecstatic to get my hands on Unabridged by Ammon Shea. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Shea invites us into an enlightening territory—the ever-evolving world of the English language and the dedicated lexicographers who cultivate its growth like meticulous gardeners, tending to their verbal blooms. From...

08 Nov

Posted at 07:09h in Reviews by

Lost in My Mind: A Poetic Journey Through Mental Health Sometimes, a book finds you at just the right moment, and that's precisely what happened when I came across Lost in My Mind by Riley. Like many readers, mental health is a topic close to my heart, as it is for so many of us navigating this complex world. The allure of a poetry collection dedicated to themes of depression, anxiety, and the journey to self-love drew me in, promising not just words but a chance to feel understood. A...

07 Nov

Posted at 22:08h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Art of Storytelling: A Review of Fiction-Writing Modes by Mike Klaassen As a writer navigating the unpredictable waters of fiction, I often find myself grappling with elusive concepts that seem almost like secret languages known only to bestselling authors. When I stumbled upon Fiction-Writing Modes: Eleven Essential Tools for Bringing Your Story to Life by Mike Klaassen, I knew I had found a guide that promised to transform those confounding notions into comprehensible strategies. Klaassen's enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious and instantly drew me in, making it...

07 Nov

Posted at 15:54h in Reviews by

Book Review: Witches of Dubious Origin by A.L. McCaffrey There’s something irresistibly enchanting about the notion of witches—powerful women navigating a world that often misunderstands their gifts. When I stumbled upon Witches of Dubious Origin, I was immediately drawn in by the clever title and the promise of humor intertwined with darker themes. A.L. McCaffrey’s work sparked my curiosity, and I dove into the witchy narrative with eager anticipation. At its heart, Witches of Dubious Origin weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and the often tumultuous relationship between personal power...

07 Nov

Posted at 13:07h in Reviews by

Discovering the Craft with Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch in On the Art of Writing As someone who spends countless hours immersed in words, the allure of On the Art of Writing by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch seemed irresistible. I stumbled upon this classic while seeking guidance on the nuances of writing, and it felt serendipitous to discover that I was delving into a collection of lectures delivered at Cambridge nearly a century ago. There’s something magical about exploring the thoughts of a literary giant like Quiller-Couch, especially when he asserts, “Literature...

07 Nov

Posted at 04:06h in Reviews by

Book Review: Death and Peaches by Rachael Anderson From the moment I stumbled upon Death and Peaches, the second installment in Rachael Anderson's Sugar Creek Mystery Series, I knew I was in for a delightful treat. As someone who adores cozy mysteries infused with humor and culinary charm, the premise of a peach festival turned deadly was a juicy hook I couldn’t resist. It promised Southern charm, delectable food, and a sprinkle of intrigue, all wrapped up in a small-town setting that felt welcoming and cozy—all the ingredients for...

06 Nov

Posted at 19:05h in Reviews by

Finding Hope in the Stride: A Review of The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen Sometimes a book comes along that touches the core of our emotional landscape, and The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen is one such gem. As a fan of inspiring stories, I was drawn to this one, curious about how an author known for her heartwarming work (Flipped) would tackle the journey of a young girl grappling with the aftermath of a life-altering event. What I discovered was a powerful tale of resilience, friendship,...

06 Nov

Posted at 15:53h in Reviews by

King Sorrow: A Journey Through Darkness and Redemption From the moment I heard that Joe Hill, the son of the legendary Stephen King, was releasing his latest novel, King Sorrow, I felt a jolt of anticipation mixed with trepidation. After all, exploring a work penned by someone who has spent two decades carving his own niche in the literary world—while unmistakably influenced by his father—promised to be anything but ordinary. As I dived into this sprawling 900-page epic, I quickly realized that Hill's distinctive voice was alive and well,...

06 Nov

Posted at 10:04h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Creativity: A Review of The Making of a Story When I first picked up The Making of a Story: A Norton Guide to Creative Writing by Alice LaPlante, I was on a quest for inspiration amidst a whirlwind of blank pages and restless ideas. I had seen it praised by writers I deeply admire, yet the sheer size of the book—over 670 pages—left me both intrigued and slightly intimidated. Could a single volume truly encompass the blossoming but chaotic world of creative writing? Little did I...

06 Nov

Posted at 00:47h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Secrets of Storytelling: A Review of Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald Maass When I stumbled upon Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling, I felt a magnetic pull—an urge to delve into the intricate landscape of modern narrative crafting. As someone who lives on the fringes of both writing and reading communities, I’ve often wrestled with the question: How do we engage today’s readers, who are bombarded with options and competing distractions? Enter Donald Maass, an astute literary agent and author, whose insights...