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...

24 Aug

Posted at 19:58h in Reviews by

Exploring the Magic of Storytelling: A Review of Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition As a lifelong book lover and aspiring writer, I’ve often found myself captivated by the vibrant world of picture books. There’s something utterly enchanting about the way these stories weave together words and illustrations to create magic for young readers. That’s why Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul instantly caught my eye. With a rich background as an award-winning author, Paul...

24 Aug

Posted at 10:57h in Reviews by

Book Review: Writing All Wrongs (A Books by the Bay Mystery Book 7) by Ellery Adams I’ve always been drawn to stories set against the backdrop of coastal Carolina, and when I discovered Writing All Wrongs, I felt like I was slipping into a warm, inviting sweater just as the first chill of autumn began to set in. Ellery Adams, the New York Times bestselling author who has a knack for blending mystery with a touch of humor, has once again woven an engaging tale with rich characters and...

24 Aug

Posted at 01:54h in Reviews by

Book Review: Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway As a budding writer constantly on the hunt for guidance, Janet Burroway's Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft piqued my interest for its reputation as a staple in the creative writing world. This updated tenth edition, part of the Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing series, promised not just the foundational principles of narrative craft but a fresh perspective, complete with new prompts and contemporary examples. Little did I know, this book would not only...

23 Aug

Posted at 18:26h in Reviews by

On Writing and Failure: Embracing the Struggle When I first stumbled upon Stephen Marche's On Writing and Failure: Or, On the Peculiar Perseverance, I was immediately struck by the purposeful candor of its title. As a budding writer myself, the notion of writing entwined with failure resonated deeply. Marche doesn't just brush past the romanticism surrounding the writer's journey; he plunges headfirst into the cold, hard truths that form the backbone of a writer's life. This book is not merely a guide—it's a heartfelt essay on the gritty struggle...

23 Aug

Posted at 07:51h in Reviews by

Discovering Eudora Welty: Reflections on One Writer’s Beginnings As I cracked open Eudora Welty's One Writer’s Beginnings, I found myself drawn into the world of a writer whose prose has always felt like home to me. I stumbled upon her work during a college literature class, and the vivid landscapes and poignant characters left an indelible mark on my literary soul. Now, returning to Welty through the lens of her own beginnings gives me a deeply personal insight into the mind and heart of one of American literature’s revered...

22 Aug

Posted at 13:44h in Reviews by

Exploring the Heart of Creativity: A Review of Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out There’s something beautifully ineffable about poetry that draws us in and reminds us of our shared human experience. When I stumbled upon Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out by Thelma G. H. Wolf, I felt an instant connection. As a lifelong lover of words, I’m always on the lookout for resources that can help budding writers tap into their creative potential. This book felt like it was calling my...

22 Aug

Posted at 04:41h in Reviews by

Review of How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript by James Scott Bell Have you ever picked up a book, only to feel that flatness creeping in when the characters start to “talk”? The dialogue can be the heartbeat of a story, and it's something I’ve always struggled with as a writer. Enter James Scott Bell and his illuminating guide, How to Write Dazzling Dialogue. The title alone had me intrigued, and I knew I had to dive in to discover the secrets behind...

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...

20 Aug

Posted at 07:30h in Reviews by

Review of The Writing of Fiction (Warbler Classics Annotated Edition) There’s something magical about the intersection of two worlds—the reader and the writer. As I cracked open Edith Wharton’s The Writing of Fiction, I felt the gentle tug of inspiration, the kind that whispers to the aspiring writer in all of us. Edith Wharton, a literary giant and the first woman to snag the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, has long been a beacon for both writers and readers alike. When I stumbled upon this Warbler Classics edition, I couldn't...