21 Aug

Posted at 01:33h in Reviews by

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...

19 Aug

Posted at 13:28h in Reviews by

Exploring Grief Through Words: A Review of I Look To The Mourning Sky When I first stumbled upon I Look To The Mourning Sky: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Grieving Heart by the talented author, I felt an immediate connection, as if the universe was nudging me toward this gentle exploration of grief. The title itself evokes such profound imagery, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of curiosity—how could poetry perhaps illuminate this often-dark journey? This collection resonates on multiple levels, weaving together...

19 Aug

Posted at 04:25h in Reviews by

Write Your Novel From The Middle: A Game-Changer for Every Writer As an avid reader and an aspiring writer, I’ve often found myself lost in the labyrinth of storytelling. Whether I’m plotting meticulously or letting the words flow freely (like a true "pantser"), there’s always a point where I feel my narrative slips through my fingers. Enter James Scott Bell’s Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers, and Everyone in Between. This book instantly caught my attention with its revolutionary approach to novel writing—starting...

18 Aug

Posted at 19:22h in Reviews by

A Journey Through Vonnegut's Wisdom: A Review of Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style As someone who often finds solace in the pages of a good book, discovering Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure chest brimming with nuggets of wisdom from one of the greatest literary minds. Written by Suzanne McConnell, a former student of Kurt Vonnegut at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, this book unveils a refreshing side of Vonnegut that many might not be familiar with: his role as...

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...

17 Aug

Posted at 16:16h in Reviews by

Book Review: Reading and Writing about Literature: A Portable Guide Sometimes a book catches your eye for the simple fact that it promises to unpack the complex beauty of literature in a way that feels accessible and engaging. That was my first impression when I stumbled upon Reading and Writing about Literature: A Portable Guide by the esteemed authors of Bedford/St. Martin's. Even the phrase "portable guide" intrigued me; it felt like an invitation to carry the world of literary exploration right in my bag! At 224 pages, this fifth...

17 Aug

Posted at 11:51h in Reviews by

Book Review: How to End a Story: Diaries: 1995–1998 by Helen Garner From the moment I picked up How to End a Story: Diaries: 1995–1998, I felt as if I were stepping into a world both achingly familiar and rawly intimate, one that only the brilliant Helen Garner could unveil with such exquisite vulnerability. Her writing has a way of peeling back the layers of human experience—an act that feels like both a privilege and a heavy responsibility as a reader. At its core, this collection of diaries is an...

17 Aug

Posted at 07:14h in Reviews by

How Not to Write a Novel: Laughing Through the Literary Minefield As an aspiring novelist, I often find myself knee-deep in various writing guides, searching for that elusive secret to success. It was during one of those moments of desperate scrolling that "How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them" by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman caught my eye. With a title that was both humorous and intriguingly candid, I couldn't resist picking it up. From the very first page, it became clear that...

16 Aug

Posted at 04:09h in Reviews by

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin: A Heartfelt Exploration of Grief and Friendship I stumbled upon The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin while searching for a middle-grade novel that could provide both depth and insight into complex emotions. The cover, adorned with the delicate tendrils of a jellyfish, piqued my interest, but it was the book's premise—a story about grief, friendship, and the search for answers—that truly drew me in. I was curious to see how the author would weave such profound themes through the innocent lens...

15 Aug

Posted at 19:09h in Reviews by

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: A Journey Through the Pages As a longtime admirer of Stephen King, I felt an almost magnetic pull toward On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. The intriguing blend of memoir and writing guide promised not just insights into the craft but also glimpses into the life of one of the most prolific writers of our time. Little did I know that this book would ignite a fresh wave of inspiration within me—an experience every aspiring writer deserves. King’s narrative...