08 Dec

Posted at 18:17h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Magic of Comic Writing: A Review of Words for Pictures When I first picked up Words for Pictures: The Art and Business of Writing Comics and Graphic Novels by Brian Michael Bendis, I felt a buzz of excitement akin to unearthing a long-lost comic book in the attic. As a lifelong comic book fan and aspiring writer, the prospect of gaining insight from one of the leading voices in contemporary comics was irresistible. Bendis, the mastermind behind beloved series such as Ultimate Spider-Man and The Avengers, opens...

27 Nov

Posted at 20:41h in Reviews by

Discovering Ray Bradbury’s Muse in Zen in the Art of Writing As a lifelong admirer of Ray Bradbury, I often find myself drawn to the alchemy of creativity he champions in his writing. When I stumbled across Zen in the Art of Writing, I had a feeling it would be a treasure trove of inspiration, and it did not disappoint. This delightful collection of essays breathes life into the often-stifling environment of writing advice, igniting a spark of enthusiasm in the aspiring wordsmith within me. In this engaging work,...

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...

05 Nov

Posted at 05:47h in Reviews by

Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird: The Art of Eastern Storytelling by Lien As a lifelong lover of stories, I’ve always been intrigued by how diverse cultures weave their narratives. So when I stumbled upon Lien's Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird: The Art of Eastern Storytelling, I felt an irresistible pull. Here was a witty exploration of East Asian narrative traditions that promised to expand my understanding of storytelling beyond the familiar three-act structure I grew up with. Lien, with his engaging prose, invites us to reconsider what it means to tell...

16 Oct

Posted at 11:40h in Reviews by

Writing as a Way of Life: A Book About Art, Craft, and Devotion - A Reflection on Commitment and Creativity When I first picked up Writing as a Way of Life by Brian Morton, I was immediately drawn to the title. As someone who has danced back and forth with the written word, it struck me as a curious blend of reverence and practicality, hinting at a journey of both discovery and discipline. Morton, a seasoned novelist and memoirist, brings forth a wealth of experience that feels...

29 Sep

Posted at 22:34h in Reviews by

Book Review: Why Poetry by Matthew Zapruder As someone whose relationship with poetry has ebbed and flowed over the years, I was drawn to Why Poetry by Matthew Zapruder with a tantalizing mix of hope and skepticism. Would this book finally bridge the gap for me between sheer admiration and utter confusion? With a title that read like an enthusiastic manifesto, I dove in, eager to explore what poetry could offer beyond my high school classroom experience. Zapruder’s infectious passion is palpable from the outset. He argues that our traditional...

21 Sep

Posted at 16:00h in Reviews by

Review of A Short Guide to Writing About Art by Sylvan Barnet When I stumbled upon A Short Guide to Writing About Art by Sylvan Barnet, I was eager to dive into an exploration of artistic expression through the lens of written word. As an avid art lover and a writer at heart, the promise of merging these passions felt serendipitous. This book, steeped in decades of expertise, transcends mere instructional text. It invites readers into an engaging dialogue about art, offering invaluable tools for both budding critics and...

20 Sep

Posted at 08:16h in Reviews by

A Honest Glimpse into Art: Reflections on Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann As someone who often wanders through galleries and appreciates the emotional punch of a photograph, I found myself pleasantly intrigued by Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann. I'll confess, I wasn't familiar with Mann before diving into this advanced copy, kindly provided by NetGalley and Particular Books, but my curiosity about art—and its often murky relationship with the creative process—propelled me forward into her world. From the outset, Mann captures...

18 Sep

Posted at 15:50h in Reviews by

A Cinematic Symphony: Reflecting on A Short Guide to Writing About Film As a lifelong film enthusiast, the art of writing about movies has always intrigued me. It was the promise of enhancing my critical voice that drew me to David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson's A Short Guide to Writing About Film. This best-selling text hooks readers from the start, blending a fascinating introduction to film theory with practical advice on honing writing skills. Navigating the World of Film Critique This invaluable guide expertly encapsulates the essence of film criticism....

14 Sep

Posted at 01:50h in Reviews by

A Friend in Words: A Review of Life and Art: Essays by Richard Russo As I dove into Richard Russo's Life and Art: Essays, I felt as though I was settling into a conversation with an old friend over a warm cup of coffee. Russo’s storytelling knack and profound insights had always resonated with me, but this collection of essays felt like a heart-to-heart—a rare glimpse into his creative process and personal reflections. That opening quote, “What’s the best thing about being a storyteller? That’s easy. You get to...