14 Jul

Posted at 09:38h in Reviews by

Unlocking Creativity in Just Five Minutes: A Review of 5-Minute Poetry Writing Prompts As someone who often finds myself staring blankly at a page, hoping for inspiration to strike, the title 5-Minute Poetry Writing Prompts: 301 Ideas to Spark Creativity, Build a Writing Habit, and Overcome Writer's Block by Matthew Outerbridge truly caught my eye. The promise of breaking through writer’s block in just five minutes felt like a lifeline. Could this book be the key to unlocking my inner poet? At first glance, 5-Minute Poetry Writing Prompts is...

12 Jul

Posted at 21:30h in Reviews by

Finding My Flow: A Journey Through "The One Week Writing Workshop" by Karin Adams As someone who's spent far too many hours staring at a blank page, the title of Karin Adams' The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel grabbed my attention instantly. After all, who wouldn’t want a guide to help eradicate that omnipresent writer’s block? I remember the first time I attempted writing a novel; I was overflowing with ideas and enthusiasm, only to have them all fizzle out once...

12 Jul

Posted at 03:25h in Reviews by

Exploring the Heart of Creation: A Review of The Writing Life by Annie Dillard As a devoted reader and hopeful writer, The Writing Life landed on my reading list quite serendipitously. I stumbled across it while seeking inspiration for my own fledgling attempts at crafting stories. Annie Dillard, a name that echoes in literary circles, piqued my interest with her Pulitzer Prize-winning works, and I was curious about her insights into the oft-mythologized journey of a writer. The moment I cracked open this slim yet profound tome, I was...

11 Jul

Posted at 09:21h in Reviews by

Unleashing Your Inner Poet: A Review of How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal with Prompts As a lifelong lover of words and introspective musings, How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal with Prompts by Callisto Publishing was a revelation that landed in my hands just when I needed it the most. I’ve always found comfort in the rhythm of poetry, but after some time away from my pen, I felt reluctant and uninspired. This guided journal feels like a warm invitation to step back into the poetic world,...

10 Jul

Posted at 20:02h in Reviews by

The Story Paradox: How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Our World – A Reflection on Jonathan Gottschall’s Provocative Insights As I settled down with The Story Paradox: How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Our World, Jonathan Gottschall’s latest exploration of the storytelling phenomenon, I felt a familiar thrill akin to revisiting an old friend. Having previously been mesmerized by his earlier work, The Storytelling Animal, I was eager to unravel how he would tackle a more ominous topic: the potential pitfalls of our relentless storytelling drive. Spoiler alert: this...

09 Jul

Posted at 03:03h in Reviews by

Exploring the Labyrinth of Literary Process: A Review of Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors When I first stumbled upon Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Sarah Stodola, I felt a spark of excitement ripple through me. As someone who's navigated the unpredictable waters of writing, the opportunity to peer into the personal processes of literary giants felt like an unmissable invitation. How do the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Joan Didion tackle the blank page? What drives their creativity? It was a chance to explore...

07 Jul

Posted at 14:55h in Reviews by

Unfolding Creativity Through Pages: A Review of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen There’s something undeniably magical about the act of writing by hand, isn't there? The scratch of ink against paper, the chance to pause and reflect—that tactile connection transports us to a space brimming with creativity and contemplation. That’s why I was drawn to The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen. This book promises not just a historical narrative but an exploration into how something so humble—a notebook—can...

07 Jul

Posted at 01:47h in Reviews by

Handiwork: A Reflection on Creation and Connection When I first picked up Handiwork by Sara Baume, I felt an immediate spark of familiarity. As someone who recently transitioned from a corporate HR job to a life steeped in photography, I understand the profound connection between creativity and personal growth. Baume’s exploration of her own artistic journey after her father's death resonated deeply with my own experiences, and I felt as though she was reflecting parts of my soul back to me. In Handiwork, Baume embarks on a project—though she hesitantly...

06 Jul

Posted at 02:34h in Reviews by

Review: Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami As a lifelong admirer of Haruki Murakami’s mesmerizing narratives, I was drawn to Novelist as a Vocation like a moth to a flickering light. It promises not just to unravel the mystique behind this literary master’s art but also offers personal reflections that every aspiring writer or book lover can appreciate. Murakami, with his signature blend of introspection and whimsy, invites us into the intricate world of his creative process. In this collection of essays, Murakami reflects on the art of...

05 Jul

Posted at 08:24h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Poet Within: A Journey with Stephen Fry When I stumbled across The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within by the ever-witty Stephen Fry, I felt an unmistakable pull. As someone who often tiptoed around poetry—like a cat approaching a sleeping dog—I was intrigued by the challenge of understanding this elusive art form. Fry’s invitation to explore the world of poetry with humor, insight, and a dash of whimsy felt like a friendly nudge in the right direction. Little did I know, I was about to embark...