As writers (and editors) reading is one of the best things to do to understand what does and doesn’t work. Fourth Wing is a recent example of one of my favourite elements of a book that I don’t think we talk about enough: epigraphs.
Tag Archives: book review
Are Unreliable Narrators Unlikable? The Maid Book Review
In this post we’ll be talking about what makes unreliable narrators potentially unlikable to readers, how to use this strategy effectively in your writing, and discuss The Maid by Nita Prose as a case study for the unreliable narrator. If you haven’t yet read The Maid, I’ve done my best to avoid spoilers.
Blurring The Lines Of Originality: Is Fanfiction Mainstream?
Many published authors such as Sarah J Maas, Rainbow Rowell, Cassandra Clare and many many more got their literary starts thanks to fanfiction sites which encouraged them to ultimately pursue traditional publication.
In this post we’re looking at how fanfiction stories have gone mainstream.
Verspertine by Margaret Rogerson Book review
With an exciting premise, and unique worldbuilding there’s much to love from Margaret Rogerson’s latest novel, Vespertine. But if you’re looking for the usual Rogerson romance, this isn’t quite it.
What Makes a Good Retelling? Marvel 1602 book review
What makes a retelling good? I recently read Neil Gaiman’s Marvel 1602 and found myself asking this question. This post uses this comic series and other examples of retellings as a case study for a better understanding of the topic of retellings in fiction.
Can A Book Have More Than One Main Character? Thursday Murder Club Book Review
Let’s take a look at The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. I read this book recently and loved it! I also think there’re some excellent principles about multiple character stories which can be seen in action, throughout the book.
Maintaining Tension In A Sequel: Bound By Firelight Book Review
Bound By Firelight by Dana Swift is an excellent sequel. I loved this book and thought it did a great job of following up Cast In Firelight. In this post, I’ll be reviewing the series and using the series as a case study for maintaining tension across a series of books.
How to get better at Worldbuilding: Howl’s Moving Castle book review
Today, we’re tackling one of the most challenging writing topics for writers, but especially those working in fantasy and sci-fi; worldbuilding. To illustrate some of the points in this post, I’ll be talking about Dianna Wynne Jone’s book, Howl’s Moving Castle.
House of Sky and Breath: Book Review (no spoilers)
In usual Sarah J. Maas fashion, the internet has become a bit of a risky place if you haven’t read the fantasy author’s latest release yet. Fear not, this review is spoiler-free!
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon: Book review
So you’ve been craving a distraction from the madness that seems to be everywhere? Looking for heartfelt characters with a generous dash of spice? I think we could all do with a bit of that. Rachel Lynn Solomon’s latest release, Weather Girl might be just the thing.