24 Aug

Posted at 01:54h in Reviews by

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...

21 Aug

Posted at 10:36h in Reviews by

Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel by Shelby Van Pelt – A Heartfelt Dive into Life’s Complexities When I first picked up Remarkably Bright Creatures, I was captivated by the intriguing premise: a widow forming an unexpected bond with a giant Pacific octopus. The title alone piqued my curiosity, and after reading about Shelby Van Pelt’s acclaimed debut, I couldn’t resist diving into a tale that promised to be as heartwarming as it is profound. At its core, this novel is a gentle exploration of loneliness, the human condition, and...

20 Aug

Posted at 07:30h in Reviews by

Review of The Writing of Fiction (Warbler Classics Annotated Edition) There’s something magical about the intersection of two worlds—the reader and the writer. As I cracked open Edith Wharton’s The Writing of Fiction, I felt the gentle tug of inspiration, the kind that whispers to the aspiring writer in all of us. Edith Wharton, a literary giant and the first woman to snag the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, has long been a beacon for both writers and readers alike. When I stumbled upon this Warbler Classics edition, I couldn't...

18 Aug

Posted at 07:58h in Reviews by

Why I Love Horror: A Journey Through the Shadows As a longtime lover of storytelling, I’ve always found myself drawn to genres that push boundaries and explore the human psyche. When I stumbled upon Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature edited by the insightful Becky Siegel Spratford, I felt an electric pull. Here was an anthology that promised not just to delve into the mechanics of horror but to unravel the very essence of what makes this genre resonate so deeply with us. And let me tell...

18 Aug

Posted at 01:17h in Reviews by

Book Review: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Sometimes, a book finds you in moments of fleeting curiosity, and for me, Great Expectations came along during a rainy afternoon, when the shadows stretched long and I longed for a captivating escape. The name Charles Dickens has always resonated with me, an author whose narratives sparkle with life and emotion. I grasped this classic beloved by many and tucked into its pages, ready to embark on a journey through the trials and tribulations of a young boy named Pip. From the very...

15 Aug

Posted at 01:07h in Reviews by

Review of Writing Fiction For Dummies by Randy Ingermanson When I stumbled upon Writing Fiction For Dummies, I was somehow both skeptical and intrigued. As a budding author who often finds herself engulfed in the sea of writing advice, I thought to myself, “Can a legacy series like For Dummies really provide the clarity I need?” However, the name Randy Ingermanson—a bestselling author known for his Snowflake Method—had a certain weight that pulled me in, and I thought, why not give it a shot? From the very first chapter, Ingermanson’s...

13 Aug

Posted at 07:31h in Reviews by

A Dive into the Unfolding Worlds of The Best American Short Stories 2023 As a book blogger with a penchant for exploring voices both familiar and novel, I was thrilled to grab a copy of The Best American Short Stories 2023, expertly curated by guest editor Dinah Cox. Having previously read the 2019 edition, I was eager to see how the landscape of contemporary short fiction has evolved over the past few years. The anthology is a mix of feelings: some stories will resonate long after you close the...

12 Aug

Posted at 09:48h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Truth About Horses: A Novel by L.J. Weller As a lifelong admirer of both horses and heartfelt storytelling, I was instantly drawn to The Truth About Horses: A Novel by L.J. Weller. Tackling themes of love, loss, and resilience, this debut novel promised a vibrant exploration of family and the unique bond between humans and their equine companions. And let me tell you, Weller does not disappoint. At the heart of the story is Reese Tucker, a spirited 14-year-old girl living on a shaky farm in Birdwood,...

07 Aug

Posted at 03:17h in Reviews by

Book Review: Story Genius by Lisa Cron I have to confess: the moment I stumbled upon Story Genius by Lisa Cron, I felt an electric buzz of excitement. As someone who's dabbled in writing and experienced the crippling realization of a narrative that goes nowhere, Cron's promise of using "brain science" to craft stories that resonate deeply was irresistibly attractive. I’ve always believed that writing should be both an art and a science, and this book opened a door to deeper understanding—one that I never knew was there. Story Genius...

04 Aug

Posted at 02:57h in Reviews by

Book Review: Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody As a lifelong fan of the young adult genre, when I stumbled upon Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody, I felt a spark of excitement. Would this be the guide that finally helped me transition from an aspiring writer to someone truly crafting engaging stories for teens? With her prior works having garnered a loyal following, I couldn't help but hope that this book held the key to unlocking the complexities...