07 Nov

Posted at 22:08h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Art of Storytelling: A Review of Fiction-Writing Modes by Mike Klaassen As a writer navigating the unpredictable waters of fiction, I often find myself grappling with elusive concepts that seem almost like secret languages known only to bestselling authors. When I stumbled upon Fiction-Writing Modes: Eleven Essential Tools for Bringing Your Story to Life by Mike Klaassen, I knew I had found a guide that promised to transform those confounding notions into comprehensible strategies. Klaassen's enthusiasm for storytelling is infectious and instantly drew me in, making it...

06 Nov

Posted at 00:47h in Reviews by

Unlocking the Secrets of Storytelling: A Review of Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald Maass When I stumbled upon Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling, I felt a magnetic pull—an urge to delve into the intricate landscape of modern narrative crafting. As someone who lives on the fringes of both writing and reading communities, I’ve often wrestled with the question: How do we engage today’s readers, who are bombarded with options and competing distractions? Enter Donald Maass, an astute literary agent and author, whose insights...

30 Oct

Posted at 18:31h in Reviews by

Book Review: How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method When I first stumbled across How to Write a Dynamite Scene Using the Snowflake Method by Randall Ingermanson, I felt a familiar thrill—a mix of curiosity and hope. As an aspiring writer often grappling with scene construction, I found myself drawn both to the promise of simplicity in scene crafting and to the ingenious methodology of the Snowflake Method. Ingermanson, known affectionately as “The Snowflake Guy,” had just the right reputation to ease my writing insecurities. This compact...

29 Oct

Posted at 18:20h in Reviews by

Review of The Secret Crush Book Club (Peach Blossom, #3) by Mina V. Jones Sometimes, a book finds you at just the right moment. For me, The Secret Crush Book Club from Mina V. Jones came along when I was knee-deep in the throes of parenthood and searching for connection in the strangest of places. The premise—a lonely single mom who joins a book club led by a mesmerizing librarian with a secret—had me intrigued from the first page. With themes of love, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of...

28 Oct

Posted at 12:23h in Reviews by

Review of This Was Never About Basketball (The Zeke Archer Basketball Trilogy) by Craig Leener From the moment I stumbled upon Craig Leener’s This Was Never About Basketball, I was intrigued. The title alone piqued my curiosity—how could a book centered around basketball promise to be about more than just the game? As someone who often finds sports novels outside their comfort zone, I took a leap of faith, and boy, was I rewarded for it. At its heart, this coming-of-age tale follows Ezekiel “Zeke” Archer, an ambitious 17-year-old basketball...

25 Oct

Posted at 10:11h in Reviews by

Unraveling the Heroine's Journey: A Journey of My Own When I first picked up The Heroine’s Journey: For Writers, Readers, and Fans by the immensely talented Gail Carriger, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. Having grown weary of the hero’s journey trope that has dominated storytelling for so long, I was eager to dive into a world where women's narratives took center stage. Carriger is not just any author; she’s a New York Times bestselling powerhouse known for blending genres with wit and charm, which immediately...

23 Oct

Posted at 15:04h in Reviews by

Review of Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers by Mary Kole As an avid reader, I’ve always been intrigued by the world of young adult and middle grade literature — that magical space where writers can both captivate and influence young minds. When I stumbled upon Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole, the title alone sparked my curiosity. After all, who wouldn’t want to learn tricks for making their tales irresistible to younger audiences? What truly hooked me, though,...

22 Oct

Posted at 12:01h in Reviews by

Exploring the Heart of Lisbon: A Review of The Bookshop of Secrets There's something undeniably enchanting about stories set against the backdrop of World War II, where the stakes are as high as the human spirit's resolve. When I stumbled upon The Bookshop of Secrets by Kerry Barrett, I felt an immediate pull—not just because of its intriguing premise but also because it promised a delightful blend of mystery, history, and a dash of romance nestled within the picturesque streets of Lisbon. With both excitement and curiosity, I delved...

19 Oct

Posted at 20:51h in Reviews by

A Dive into Intrigue: Review of An Inside Job: A Novel by Daniel Silva As a long-time fan of gripping thrillers, I couldn’t resist the allure of An Inside Job, the latest installment in Daniel Silva’s renowned Gabriel Allon series. The combination of a brilliant art restorer and legendary spy embroiled in the dark underbelly of the art world? I was instantly hooked. Silva, known for his masterful storytelling, has once again woven a narrative that captivated me from the very first page. At the heart of this tale is...

19 Oct

Posted at 03:53h in Reviews by

Book Review: Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and… by Matthew Salesses As someone who has always found solace in the written word, it's not often that a craft book captures my attention quite like Matthew Salesses' Craft in the Real World. I picked it up with a sense of curiosity, eager to dive into a perspective that challenges traditional notions of writing amidst our diverse societal tapestry. Little did I know that this book would not only reframe my understanding of craft but also resonate profoundly...