Book Review: Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School When I came across Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School, I felt as if the universe was nudging me toward a long-held dream. The name Gotham Writers' Workshop rang a bell; I had heard wondrous tales of their transformative lessons. Curiosity piqued, I was eager to dive into this treasure trove of insights, edited by the brilliant Alexander Steele. From the very first page, I was greeted not just by...

Navigating the Circular Paths of The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey I still remember the moment Avery and I met at MoMA, both a bit lost in our own writing journeys. Surrounded by Matisse’s vibrant canvases, we shared a knowing sigh about our struggles to find satisfying endings in our work. Those lingering thoughts came rushing back as I dove into The Möbius Book, Catherine Lacey's captivating hybrid of fiction and creative non-fiction. It felt like this book was almost designed to echo our own writing frustrations—the narrative twists...

The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, the title The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface immediately struck a chord with me. Authored by Donald Maass, a seasoned literary agent and instructor, this book promises to help writers evoke deep emotional experiences in their readers. I was intrigued by Maass's focus on mastering the art of emotional connection—not just between characters but between the story and the reader. It felt...

A Joyful Journey Through Dilemmas: My Thoughts on Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino There’s something about a well-constructed coming-of-age story that draws me in every time. In her delightful novel, Don't Forget to Write, Sara Goodman Confino captures the essence of youth, rebellion, and familial expectations with a side of humor that made me chuckle and reflect in equal measure. Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1960, the novel follows the spirited Marilyn Kleinman as she grapples with love, identity, and the intricacies of creating her...

Just Pretend by Tori Sharp: A Graphic Journey of Imagination and Growth As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to stories that echo the emotional whirlwinds we faced as kids. Tori Sharp's Just Pretend caught my attention not only for its striking graphic novel format but also because of its heartwarming premise—tweens navigating the rocky terrain of growing up, especially amidst family changes. The nostalgia of childhood imagination is something that resonates deeply with me, and I was eager to see how Sharp would bring her own...

Review of A Killer Christmas Wish (Cat Latimer Mystery, #7) by Lynn Cahoon As winter rolls into Aspen Hills, Colorado, and the first snowflakes begin to dance in the air, I find myself irresistibly drawn to A Killer Christmas Wish, the seventh installment in Lynn Cahoon’s delightful Cat Latimer Mystery series. There’s something magical about the combination of cozy settings, holiday cheer, and, of course, a touch of intrigue that makes this book feel like the ultimate winter escape. Cahoon has crafted a perfect blend of nostalgia and suspense...

A Cozy Retreat with a Twist: A Review of A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon There’s something both comforting and intriguing about diving into a cozy mystery, especially when it involves a writer’s retreat—a perfect setting for secrets to unfold and unexpected twists to emerge. Lynn Cahoon's A Field Guide to Homicide, the sixth installment in the Cat Latimer Mystery series, caught my attention not only for its cozy vibes but also for its promise of a layered mystery amidst group dynamics and hidden pasts. In this book,...

Book Review: Caught Dead to Write (Cat Latimer Mystery, #8) by Lynn Cahoon As a dedicated fan of Lynn Cahoon's Cat Latimer Mystery series, I was eager to dive into "Caught Dead to Write." Each installment feels like a cozy reunion with old friends, and I was excited to catch up with Cat and the eclectic cast of characters that populate her world. However, as I flipped the pages, I found myself navigating an emotional landscape that was both familiar and frustratingly complex. In this eighth entry, Cat is grappling...

Personal Reflections on Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures When I first laid eyes on Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures…, I was immediately drawn in by its tantalizing premise—exploring the life of Patricia Highsmith, the brilliant yet polarizing author of The Price of Salt. Having always been intrigued by writers whose personal lives cast shadows as deep as their literary impacts, I felt compelled to dive into this graphic novel. The notion of grappling with Highsmith’s legacy while balancing her complexities as...

Review of The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin Oh, how often have I found myself daydreaming about cozy nooks filled with the scent of old books and the promise of adventure, especially in a place as enchanting as Paris? When I stumbled upon Rebecca Raisin's The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted, I felt like I had unlocked a secret door to bookish bliss. The title alone—a tantalizing nod to heartbreak—captured my attention, inviting me to dive into a tale woven with love, loss, and a sprinkle...