Review of The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition by Jane Friedman When the idea of turning my passion for writing into a sustainable career began to take root, I felt an intoxicating mix of excitement and apprehension. How do writers navigate this complex world of publishing? Enter Jane Friedman: an industry expert and beacon for aspiring writers, whose latest edition of The Business of Being a Writer is exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Friedman's approach to writing is incredibly refreshing; she respects the art form while...

Book Review: Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition by Janet Burroway When I stumbled upon Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition, it felt like finding a well-loved friend among the shelves of a bookstore. For years, I had heard whispers of its importance in the creative writing community, and yet, I had never truly experienced its warmth and wisdom. Having decided to pivot more seriously into fiction writing, I picked up this renowned guide, curious about whether it would live up to its reputation—spoiler alert: it absolutely does! Burroway’s engaging prose feels...

Unpacking the Craft: A Reflection on Stein on Writing As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, I’ve often found myself diving into the realm of writing guides, hunting for the secret ingredient that transforms good writing into great writing. When I stumbled upon Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, I was intrigued—not just by the promise of practical advice, but by the opportunity to learn directly from a master editor and a man who has influenced the voices of some of the most successful writers of our time. Could...

Review of How to Write A Novel Chapter By Chapter As an aspiring novelist, I've often found myself staring at a blank page, grappling with the daunting question: “Where do I even begin?” That internal struggle drew me to How to Write A Novel Chapter By Chapter: A Complete Guide to Outlining, Plotting and Editing Any Novel by Neil Black. Known for his expertise in deciphering the often mystifying intricacies of novel writing, Black’s guide promises to unravel the chaos of creativity into a structured format. I was eager...