29 Nov

Posted at 16:30h in Reviews by

Review of The Story of My Anger by Aida Salazar There’s something about a coming-of-age story that can feel like a heartbeat—steady, powerful, and often echoing the silent struggles we face. When I first stumbled upon The Story of My Anger, penned by the talented Aida Salazar, I felt an irresistible pull. The cover, adorned with vibrant colors that hint at passion and turbulence, mirrored the conflict within the pages. I knew this was a tale I needed to read, especially living in a world that often feels divided...

24 Nov

Posted at 09:06h in Reviews by

Discovering The Hemingway Stories: A Journey through Literary Introspection When I stumbled upon The Hemingway Stories, it felt like reuniting with an old friend, one I had known from afar yet admired deeply. Purchased a couple of years ago as a companion to Ken Burns' captivating documentary on Ernest Hemingway, this collection quickly became a cherished addition to my bookshelf. Having previously devoured all the stories it contains, I was drawn to the unique perspective offered by Tobias Wolff—the author behind so many of my reading joys. Wolff’s introduction is...

22 Nov

Posted at 13:55h in Reviews by

Unpacking the Craft: A Personal Dive into John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story As a writer, I've often grappled with the complexities of storytelling. I stumbled upon The Anatomy of Story by John Truby during one particularly restless night, and I instinctively knew this book would be a game-changer. Truby, with his impressive background in consulting for Hollywood’s finest, promises not just to teach the mechanics of storytelling but to take you deep into the heart of what makes a story truly resonate. From the moment I began the...

02 Nov

Posted at 06:22h in Reviews by

Inside Story by Martin Amis: A Reflective Journey Through Life and Mortality I've always held a special appreciation for Martin Amis, a writer whose works have shaped contemporary literature and challenged my perceptions time and again. When I picked up Inside Story, I felt drawn not just by Amis's reputation but by the promise of a book that weaves autobiography, tributes, and musings on mortality—all through the lens of his distinctive humor and insightful commentary. Little did I know I was stepping into an intricate tapestry of life, friendship,...

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...

27 Oct

Posted at 12:09h in Reviews by

Navigating the Hero's Path: Reflecting on The Writer's Journey It’s funny how certain books linger in your mind long after finishing them. For me, The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler was one such book, making its mark during my film school days. Now, with the release of its third edition, I was intrigued to dive back into its pages and see how Vogler’s insights might resonate with my evolving understanding of storytelling. Vogler draws upon Joseph Campbell's seminal work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces,...

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...

08 Oct

Posted at 14:11h in Reviews by

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud – A Journey Through Panels and Ideas When I first picked up Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art, I had no idea that what awaited me was not just a book about comics, but an enlightening exploration into the very essence of storytelling and visual communication. Scott McCloud, with his engaging writing and artistic flair, pulled me into a realm where every panel and transition held a piece of deeper meaning. It was like discovering a secret language that transcended words—one that...

01 Sep

Posted at 23:08h in Reviews by

Exploring the Surreal Layers of Indelicacy by Amina Cain When I first stumbled upon Indelicacy by Amina Cain, I was drawn in by its captivating premise: a maid navigating the complexities of wealth, art, and female friendship in a sparkly yet confining world. With its intriguing title and Cain’s reputation for crafting evocative narratives, I couldn't resist diving in. What I discovered was a surreal experience that felt more like drifting through a dream than reading a conventional story. The protagonist, Vitória, reflects our multifaceted relationship with identity, wealth, and...

26 Aug

Posted at 11:37h in Reviews by

Delving into Narrative Craft: A Review of Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway As a lifelong reader and occasional writer, Janet Burroway's Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft immediately piqued my interest. The promise of a comprehensive guide that many creative writing programs across the U.S. embrace felt like the literary equivalent of finding a treasure map. I’m not just looking to dabble; I want to hone my craft! Little did I know, this book would both inspire and challenge my perceptions about writing, especially in today’s literary landscape. At...