Writing Nook
Welcome to the Nook! This page is dedicated to all things writing-related. I also plan to include book reviews, notes on different aspects of the publishing process, and any else related to the life and work of a writer. Stay tuned!
Ramblings about Writing
The Goblin Emperor Review
I first came across The Goblin Emperor on a list of Hopepunk Fantasy novels. My curiosity was piqued enough to put a hold on it. And wow! My entire Saturday was consumed by it. Despite the initial culture shock of being thrown into a vastly different world, this book and its characters won my heart….
The King of Attolia Review
Megan Whalen Turner doesn’t disappoint as she once again immerses us in the thrilling world of the Queen’s Thief series. Discover what’s to love and hate in this The King of Attolia review. Eugenides, the impertinent and brilliant former Thief of Eddis, has finally landed himself in a fix he can’t get out of. As…
The Queen of Attolia Book Review
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to read The Queen of Attolia, you’re in the right place. I LOVE this book. It is one of my all-time favorites. But whether or not you will like it remains to be determined. After all, everyone has different tastes and preferences. Chances are, if you’ve read…
The Thief Book Review
Are you wondering if The Thief by Margaret Whalen Turner is worth your time? Short answer? Yes, yes, yes! The long answer will be… longer. Whether or not you’ll love this book depends on what kind of read is up your alley. So, in this The Thief book review, I’ll break it down for you…
Sky in The Deep Summary & Review
In the following Sky in The Deep Summary & Review, I’ll break down what I liked and didn’t like in this book and why you may want to read it (or not).
Or maybe you’ve read it already and are looking for validation on why you either hate or love it. Perfect!
Besides reviewing the book as a reader, I’ll also offer my perspective as a writer on the quality of the writing, plot, dialogue, character arcs, sentences, and more.
Review of Beyond, Mercedes Lackey’s Novel
Are you wondering if Beyond, Mercedes Lackey’s first “Founding of Valdemar” book is worth reading? If so, you’re in the right place.
Back of the Embroidery
Everyone’s writing process is different, but sometimes learning new tricks and techniques can get you going. So here’s a back-of-the-embroidery look at what went into writing A Cactus Among Wolves.
How a Book Is Like a Banana
A group of physics majors at Calvin University once put me up for two nights and served me chilled sumac tea. During dinner, they had an animated discussion about how necessary the hard sciences are and how froofy and “soft” the arts are.
All The Light We Cannot See
Have you ever woken and found that the tide has come in?
During the night, an invisible sea swept silently under your doors and through cracks in the windows.
Ink & Fire: processes of transformation
The life of a writer may seem dull on the surface (envision me standing at my keyboard in wool socks), but don’t be fooled. Writing is fraught with danger. I realized this while reflecting on my forays into amateur ceramics.
Writing & The Art of Secrecy
When I started my writing journey, I became an undercover agent. I didn’t give myself a code name, but I treated my manuscript like a Top Secret classified document. I didn’t let anyone read it. No one. Not a person, a dog, or a canary saw my work for three years, two months, and eighteen days.
On Beginning
The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day. Steven Pressfield There’s something about beginnings that freak me out. I stare at the blank page for a while, then I decide to go make some tea. I come back with my…