01 Jul

Posted at 13:57h in Reviews by

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...

30 Jun

Posted at 19:21h in Reviews by

Review: Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out-of-This-World Novels and Short Stories As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself lost in the intricate worlds of fantasy and science fiction. When I stumbled upon Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out-of-This-World Novels and Short Stories, it felt like destiny calling. With contributions from revered authors like Orson Scott Card and fresh insights from modern luminaries such as Philip Athans and Jay Lake, this comprehensive guide promised not just to enlighten me but...

28 Jun

Posted at 06:40h in Reviews by

Review of The Novelist by Jordan Castro When I stumbled upon Kate Knibbs’ article, "Finally, a Novel That Gets the Internet Right," I felt an odd pull toward Jordan Castro’s The Novelist. Maybe it was the promise of an honest take on digital culture, or perhaps my lingering fascination with alt-lit, despite its pitfalls. As I rounded the halfway mark of my Goodreads Reading Challenge, sitting at ninety-nine books, I decided that this short novel—a quick read of about forty thousand words—would fit neatly into my quest for artistic...

27 Jun

Posted at 00:33h in Reviews by

So You Want To Be A Game Master: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with Roleplaying Games As an avid tabletop gamer for years, Justin Alexander’s work has consistently resonated with me. His insights into the science and artistry of roleplaying games (RPGs) have made him one of the most intellectually stimulating voices in the RPG blogging community. Finally, with So You Want To Be A Game Master: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started with Roleplaying Games, I found that longed-for compendium of Justin’s profound...

21 Jun

Posted at 18:10h in Reviews by

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...

21 Jun

Posted at 03:51h in Reviews by

Discovering Eileen: A Dive into Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder When I first heard about Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder, I was immediately intrigued. Having admired Funder’s previous work on the stories of former East Germany in Stasiland, it felt like a natural progression to explore another moment in history shrouded in silence yet filled with complexity. This book doesn’t just delve into George Orwell's life; it seeks to unearth the often-overlooked narrative of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, his wife, and a remarkable woman in...

20 Jun

Posted at 23:59h in Reviews by

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...

19 Jun

Posted at 21:30h in Reviews by

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...

19 Jun

Posted at 01:20h in Reviews by

Review: How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling by The Moth For someone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling by The Moth felt like an exhilarating invitation to dive deeper into one of my favorite subjects. As I meandered through the pages over the course of 3 ½ months, it became clear that slow consumption was the perfect antidote to the rush of our fast-paced lives. This book is a treasure trove...

18 Jun

Posted at 17:48h in Reviews by

Review of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody As an aspiring novelist constantly on the lookout for insights to enhance my craft, Jessica Brody's Save the Cat! Writes a Novel caught my eye. I’ve long admired Blake Snyder's approach to storytelling, and this book is like a warm invitation to delve deeper into the world of novel writing through his celebrated "Save the Cat!" structure. What intrigued me was not just the promise of a practical guide...