Book Review: 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing (Updated) by Gary Provost As someone who has danced my way through countless pages of fiction and non-fiction alike, I often find myself asking: what makes good writing truly resonate? So when I stumbled upon 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing (Updated) by the talented Gary Provost, I knew I had to add it to my desk. It’s not just a book; it’s practically a cheerleader for anyone with a passion for writing—a personal coach that urges you to dig deeper...

Review of On Writing Well by William Zinsser As a book blogger, I’ve encountered my fair share of writing guides, but few have resonated with me as deeply as William Zinsser's On Writing Well. What initially drew me to this book was its legendary status in the writing community, coupled with countless recommendations from fellow writers who swore it transformed their craft. Given my own struggles with clarity and expression in writing, I was curious: could Zinsser’s insights really illuminate my path? From the very first page, Zinsser's warm, conversational...

Review of Isn’t It Obvious? by K. A. McKeagney Isn’t it funny how a book can catch your eye when you least expect it? I stumbled across Isn’t It Obvious? by K. A. McKeagney during a particularly busy week, and its title sparked my curiosity. The notion of obviousness often cloaks deeper truths, doesn’t it? I felt compelled to dive in, and the journey that McKeagney takes us on is one I’m so glad I embarked upon. At its core, Isn’t It Obvious? explores themes of identity, love, and the...

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...

Review of Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less As someone who has long grappled with the challenge of concise communication—whether crafting emails that don’t get skimmed over or trying to dive straight into the heart of a subject—Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less by Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz felt like a beacon of hope. The temptation to over-explain is strong, especially in our fast-paced digital landscape, where every second counts. As I dove into this guide, I found...

Book Review: How to Write It, Third Edition by Sandra E. Lamb As a lifelong lover of words, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of written expression. When I stumbled upon How to Write It, Third Edition by Sandra E. Lamb, I felt a spark of excitement. Could this be the guide to help me articulate my thoughts with the poise and clarity I’ve always yearned for? What I found was more than just a manual; it became a trusted companion on my writing journey. In this comprehensive guide,...

Book Review: We Don't Talk About Carol: A Novel by Kristin Berry From the moment I stumbled upon We Don't Talk About Carol, I knew I was in for a journey that was equal parts haunting and enlightening. Kristin Berry's debut novel explores the depths of family secrets and the complexities of grief, and I found myself completely captivated. The themes surrounding missing Black girls in the 1960s resonated with me deeply, drawing me into a narrative that feels both personal and universal. At the heart of the story is...

Review of Very Good Copy: 207 Micro-Lessons on Thinking and Writing Like a Copywriter by Eddie Shleyner As a writer and avid reader, I often find myself in search of inspiration that strikes a balance between creativity and practical advice. So, when I stumbled upon Eddie Shleyner's Very Good Copy, I felt an inexplicable pull. Known for his insightful newsletter that distills the essence of copywriting into digestible nuggets, Shleyner's promise of 207 micro-lessons on thinking and writing resonated deeply with my quest for improvement in the craft of...

Review of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You): A How-to Guide from the McElroy Brothers As a longtime listener of the McElroy brothers' hilariously chaotic podcast, My Brother, My Brother and Me, I was eager to dive into Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You). Could I unlock the secrets behind their whimsical banter and incredible knack for podcasting? With their distinct personalities and goofy humor, I had high hopes that this book would be both enlightening and entertaining. The essence of the book revolves around demystifying the podcasting process, with...

A Silent Language: The Nobel Lecture by Jon Fosse — A Reflection Beyond Words When I first heard about Jon Fosse winning the 2023 Nobel Prize for Literature, I felt drawn to explore his acceptance speech, A Silent Language. Fosse’s unique voice, often described as hauntingly poetic, captures a part of the human experience that many of us struggle to articulate. His words resonated with me, as if they whispered truths I hadn’t fully acknowledged in my own journey with language and creativity. Fosse's lecture unfolds like a meditative exploration...