Writing and Book Reviews
by: Shami Stovall This is the first review in my "Self-Published/Indie Author Review Series." I did not receive any compensation for this review. You can find this book for purchase here. I consider this story to be a Biopunk meets Military Sci-Fi read, at least that's what I've determined after a cursory search of the… Continue reading Star Marque Rising
Second Book in the Broken Earth Trilogy by: N.K. Jemisin There's a thing that happens with trilogies. Sometimes, anyway. The second book, the middle child, becomes the bridge between the two other books. Following this pattern is risky because BORING. It's used as a a place for exegesis, a way to explain plot points and… Continue reading The Obelisk Gate
I took a break from my Joseph story to finish the novel I've been writing for the past nine years. Yes. Nine. Technically, I finished writing it last year. I realized I needed to add about ten thousand words, though, and went back to work on it about a month ago. I've finished now and… Continue reading Currently Writing: 5
By: Kristin Hannah I haven’t traveled much. The Carolinas in the Southern U.S. have always been my home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Not that I wouldn’t try it. I’m not opposed to it. I’m open to change; although, my openness is probably limited. Does this new place know how to make real… Continue reading The Great Alone
There's an incredible thing that happens when you come across something new, inventive, something that breaks the mold. It has the power to open up what once seemed closed. It can give hope, provide clarity, and be a catalyst for creativity. N. K. Jemisin has written a book that takes what we think of as… Continue reading The Fifth Season
By Min Jin Lee "History has failed us, but no matter."- first line of Pachinko I want to branch out, read different genres and writing forms. I want to open myself to LGBTQ stories and what they can teach. Authors that don't look like me, love like I do, speak my language, are writing important… Continue reading Pachinko
By Amy Greene One of the best things I can do for myself as a writer is read. Good writing is such a wonderful teacher. Bad writing can teach, too, of course, but who wants to read it? The best lessons come from writers who write for the love of a story. Bloodroot is… Continue reading Bloodroot
If Beale Street Could Talk By: James Baldwin Let's get cozy. Grab that heavy blanket, that cup of warm whatever. Find a secluded spot, one without distractions; a place where you can take out your pen and underline all his words and not feel bad about it. Pull your grandma sweater tightly around your… Continue reading If Beale Street Could Talk
The Conclusion: "These days, Paris was a woman screaming." (p.447) This quote is it for me. All of the women left behind in the towns, the protectors, scrounging for food, turning on each other, lying to save lives, going hungry, going mad. Will they have peace? What kind of peace does the end of war… Continue reading The Nightingale: Journal 3
One of the struggles for Vianne and Isabelle is their conflicting views on what is "right" during this war. Is it right to protect your child and do whatever it takes even if that means having the enemy sleep in your home? Is it right to fight, to resist, to risk everything including your life… Continue reading The Nightingale: Journal 2