Make Your Art No Matter What: Moving Beyond Creative Hurdles - A Disappointment in Disguise When I first picked up Make Your Art No Matter What by shah (who I previously admired for her insights into artistic expression), I was buzzing with anticipation. I approached it with the hopeful mindset of a creatively embattled soul seeking radical inspiration and encouragement to push past the mundane barriers of everyday life. Instead, what I encountered was a disheartening dose of "businessy" advice wrapped in a liberal veneer that left me feeling...

Book Review: Write, Edit, Publish by Michael J. Totten When I stumbled upon Write, Edit, Publish: What Every Writer Needs to Know but Only an Editor Will Tell You by Michael J. Totten, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who has navigated the choppy waters of writing, editing, and publishing, I longed for insights that could bridge the gap between inspiration and execution. Michael's experience as a seasoned editor offered the promise of a treasure trove of wisdom that could both illuminate the writing process and sharpen my craft. From...

Book Review: Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee There’s something captivating about embarking on a journey into the mind of a writer, especially one as revered as John McPhee. I was drawn to Draft No. 4 not only out of curiosity about McPhee’s literary prowess but also from a desire to elevate my own writing craft. As I flipped through the pages, I found myself in the midst of a rich tapestry made of insightful essays that felt both whimsical and deeply instructive—a true testament...

Review of The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King When I first stumbled upon The Phoenix Pencil Company, I was drawn in by its promise of intertwining personal stories against a sweeping historical backdrop. Allison King, in her debut novel, crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who's ever grappled with the complexities of family legacy and the poignant changes time brings. As a reader myself, I often find magic in tales of connection, history, and nostalgia, and King's novel delivers on all counts. The story unfolds through two captivating...