Embracing the Art of Self-Editing: A Review of On Editing by Helen Corner-Bryant and Kathryn Price As a writer, the journey from first draft to polished manuscript can often feel like navigating through a dense fog. I found myself wrestling with overwhelming self-doubt and uncertainty—those pesky crows, circling overhead, mocking me with every typo and plot hole. When I stumbled upon On Editing: How to Edit with Confidence and Elevate Your Writing, authored by the insightful Helen Corner-Bryant and Kathryn Price, it felt like the gentle nudge I needed...

Book Review: The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn From the moment I laid eyes on The Re-Write, I knew I was in for something special. Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of the acclaimed Yours Truly, has crafted a second-chance romance that is not just fun and exciting, but also layered with depth and heart. The premise—ghostwriting for an ex who’s recently been skewered by the tabloids—immediately hooked me. It’s a universal tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, yet Blackburn's unique voice breathes new life into a familiar narrative. Overview of Themes...

Getting It Published: A Guide for Scholars and Anyone Else Serious about Serious Books – A Personal Reflection As a book blogger and an academic writer, I was excited to dive into the third edition of Getting It Published by William Germano. It’s not often a book piques your interest like this, especially in the realm of scholarly publishing, a world teeming with complexities and nuances. Germano, a seasoned professor and author, has spent decades unraveling this web, and his insights felt like a warm invitation into the arcane...

Exploring the Dynamic World of Digital Storytelling: A Review of Writing and Editing for Digital Media When I first stumbled across Writing and Editing for Digital Media by Brian Carroll, I had no idea it would open up such a vibrant world of creativity and communication. As someone who spends a fair amount of time navigating the digital landscapes of social media and content creation, I was immediately intrigued by the prospect of a guide that promised to refine my writing and storytelling skills in this fast-paced environment. With...

Book Review: Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway As a budding writer constantly on the hunt for guidance, Janet Burroway's Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft piqued my interest for its reputation as a staple in the creative writing world. This updated tenth edition, part of the Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing series, promised not just the foundational principles of narrative craft but a fresh perspective, complete with new prompts and contemporary examples. Little did I know, this book would not only...

Book Review: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing by Kristina Stanley As a book blogger, I'm sometimes tasked with diving into the nitty-gritty of a title's themes, character arcs, and plot points. But what about the behind-the-scenes of authoring itself? Cover to Cover caught my attention because, let’s be honest, it’s not every day you stumble upon a book that's quite literally saying, "Hey, beginner authors, let’s prevent you from embarrassing yourself!" Authored by Kristina Stanley, a veteran editor with a sharp wit and...

Finding Clarity in Chaos: A Review of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition As a fledgling writer wading through the tumultuous waters of creativity and self-doubt, I often find myself yearning for a guiding light to make sense of my scribbles. Enter Renni Browne and Dave King's Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print. The moment I flipped open the pages filled with practical wisdom, I was hooked. There’s something inherently comforting about tapping into the insights of experienced editors who have helped craft...

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...