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...

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...

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...

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...

Discovering Family Threads in The Fourth Daughter: A Novel When I first stumbled upon Lyn Liao Butler's The Fourth Daughter, the promise of a culinary journey interwoven with family secrets felt like a perfect escape. As a lover of both food and familial tales, the synopsis beckoned me into a world steeped in love, loss, and the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture. What I found was not just a story but a heartfelt exploration of healing across generations, evoking nostalgia and stirring deeply personal reflections within me. At the heart...

Finding Focus: A Personal Journey with The One-Year Novelist As someone who has always dreamed of writing a novel, but often found the task daunting and elusive, L.M. Lilly's The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year immediately struck a chord with me. The very title promises a sense of possibility—what if, instead of letting procrastination linger, I could actually approach my writing with a structured plan? With my busy schedule filled with jobs, family commitments, and other responsibilities, I was keenly aware that...

Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland – A Reflection When I first stumbled upon Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding Story by K.M. Weiland, I felt an exhilarating mix of curiosity and hope; after all, the intricate dance of storytelling has long fascinated me, yet I’ve often struggled to find an anchor amid the creative chaos. Weiland's previous work, Outlining Your Novel, had already set the bar high, and this book promised the hidden treasure of structure that many...

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,...

Review of The Sugar Haus Inn: A Love's Journey in Sugarcreek Novel From the moment I laid eyes on the title, The Sugar Haus Inn: A Love's Journey in Sugarcreek Novel, I felt a wave of curiosity wash over me. Perhaps it was the allure of a quaint Amish backdrop, or the promise of romance intertwined with secrets that awaited me. As someone who enjoys stories steeped in community and love, I was eager to dive into this work by Serena B. Miller, an author whose ability to...

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...