Review of The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition by Jane Friedman When the idea of turning my passion for writing into a sustainable career began to take root, I felt an intoxicating mix of excitement and apprehension. How do writers navigate this complex world of publishing? Enter Jane Friedman: an industry expert and beacon for aspiring writers, whose latest edition of The Business of Being a Writer is exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Friedman's approach to writing is incredibly refreshing; she respects the art form while...

Book Review: Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition by Janet Burroway When I stumbled upon Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition, it felt like finding a well-loved friend among the shelves of a bookstore. For years, I had heard whispers of its importance in the creative writing community, and yet, I had never truly experienced its warmth and wisdom. Having decided to pivot more seriously into fiction writing, I picked up this renowned guide, curious about whether it would live up to its reputation—spoiler alert: it absolutely does! Burroway’s engaging prose feels...

Unlocking the Secrets to Bestseller Success: A Review of How to Write a Bestseller As an aspiring author, I often find myself buried under a pile of books that promise to guide me on my journey to that elusive bestseller title. It's a daunting task, fraught with uncertainty, yet the desire to share my stories with the world beckons me. Enter How to Write a Bestseller: 9 Easy Steps to Write, Publish, Promote, and Profit from Your Book by Vikrant Shaurya—a beacon of hope amidst my literary chaos. The...

Unpacking the Craft: A Reflection on Stein on Writing As a lifelong reader and aspiring writer, I’ve often found myself diving into the realm of writing guides, hunting for the secret ingredient that transforms good writing into great writing. When I stumbled upon Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, I was intrigued—not just by the promise of practical advice, but by the opportunity to learn directly from a master editor and a man who has influenced the voices of some of the most successful writers of our time. Could...

Book Review: The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Jeffrey K. Henson There’s something inherently magical about books—a tangible manifestation of thoughts and ideas immortalized on pages that can transport us to another world. When I stumbled upon The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Jeffrey K. Henson, I was immediately intrigued. A narrative focusing not just on the book itself but on the personalities behind its evolution? Count me in! I was eager to discover the stories of those who...

How to Write a Book: A Book for Anyone Who Has Never Written a Book (But Wants To) – A Warm Encouragement for Aspiring Authors When I stumbled upon How to Write a Book: A Book for Anyone Who Has Never Written a Book (But Wants To) by Lauren Bingham, my heart skipped a beat—mostly because it seemed to say, "Yes, you can do this!" As someone who’s flirted with the idea of writing for years and still isn’t quite brave enough to start a draft, the title resonated...

Book Review: Write, Edit, Publish by Michael J. Totten When I stumbled upon Write, Edit, Publish: What Every Writer Needs to Know but Only an Editor Will Tell You by Michael J. Totten, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who has navigated the choppy waters of writing, editing, and publishing, I longed for insights that could bridge the gap between inspiration and execution. Michael's experience as a seasoned editor offered the promise of a treasure trove of wisdom that could both illuminate the writing process and sharpen my craft. From...

Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Fin… - A Deep Dive into the Publishing World with Courtney Maum As someone who spends her days crafting long-form marketing content and diving headfirst into the vast universe of books, the idea of writing my own book has always lingered in the back of my mind. These days, with my newfound love for bookstagram and interactions with authors and publishers, that curiosity has blossomed into excitement. When I stumbled upon Courtney Maum's Before and After the Book Deal:...

Review of The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre When I first stumbled upon The Ghostwriter, I was immediately drawn in by the eye-catching cover, a blend of moody tones and haunting imagery that promised a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. I have read and enjoyed previous works by Alessandra Torre, so I couldn’t resist diving into this story that promised secrets, shadows, and, oh yes, a famous horror author tangled in a web of family drama. Intrigued? You should be! The plot centers around Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter grappling with...

A Journey Through The Craft: My Thoughts on The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing When I first stumbled upon The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing: Everything You Need to Know to Create & Sell Your Work, it felt like fate had intervened. As an aspiring novelist, I often dip into the murky waters of creative writing, and the blend of practical advice and inspiration promised by this book was irresistibly appealing. With contributions from bestselling authors and publishing professionals, this tome seemed like a goldmine waiting to be explored. At...