Tag Archive | Books on Writing

Mini Review: Dear Author by Laura A. Grace

(Photo featuring a quote from the book and a sneak peek of one of the illustrations — I just love the girl reading the book! And my favorite new necklace because it was in my Instagram picture that day. XD)

I have a mini review to share with you guys for something a little different — a nonfiction book for writers!

Title: Dear Author: Letters from a Bookish Fangirl

Author: Laura A. Grace

Illustrator: Hannah S. J. Williams

  • Date read: October 27, 2019
  • Rating: 5 stars
  • Genre: Nonfiction // Writing
  • Year pub: 2019
  • Source: The author
  • Notes: I received a free e-copy of this book from the author and chose to share my honest review.
  • Links: GoodreadsAmazonAuthor’s Website

This short and sweet little book (the first book from Laura A. Grace!) is such a lovely, inspiring read! It consists of fifteen letters from a bookish “fangirl” and is written to writers and authors.

As a reader, I related to the fangirl’s point of view in loving books and appreciating the authors who write them.

As a writer, it was inspirational and encouraging. I imagine it would be more-so for published authors, but even as a writer who aspires to publish someday, it still resonated with me. ^_^

It’s a quick read and is so charming. The ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE illustrations by Hannah S.J. Williams complete the book. I just love it! It makes me smile. 🙂 *hugs book*

If you’re a writer, I totally recommend checking this one out — or if you know any writers, it would make a great gift. I’m looking forward to more books from this author someday!

(I received an e-ARC of this book from the author. All opinions are my own. :))


About the Book

Think your words might not matter? Think again.

Words have the power to change lives, especially when they are used to create meaningful stories. In this collection of letters, bookish fangirl Laura A. Grace addresses topics related to every writer’s journey. From “character conversations,” to embracing one’s unique writing style, to celebrating a release day—there is a letter for every author no matter where they may be in sharing their story with others.

“Dear Author” includes six illustrations by Hannah S.J. Williams.


Thanks for reading! 🙂

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Mini Book-News Roundup (Giveaway! Vote! Sale!)

Hey! This is just a quick post because I want to share three pieces of info in case you haven’t heard them yet! 🙂

1: Giveaway / Blogiversary

It’s the 5-year anniversary of when I started blogging, and I’m celebrating over on my other blog with a giveaway of 5 books and some character trading card bookmarks! Check it out if you haven’t. ^_^ (Giveaway runs through 9/15, so there’s only a couple days left to enter!)

2: Vote!

There’s still time to vote in the Silmaril Awards for your favorite characters! Just drop by the voting form. 😀 Let your voice be heard for your favorite fantasy characters in ten categories! Voting ends tomorrow (9/14), so hurry!

3: Sale for a delightful steampunk novel!

The Electrical Menagerie (which I flailed about awhile back and absolutely LOVE!) by Mollie E. Reeder is 99 cents until 9/24, so be sure to check it out! It’s an AMAZING book!

It even got a starred review on Publishers Weekly a few days ago! :O

And, of course, you can enter a giveaway for a paperback copy at the link above… 😉

But 99 cents! Why not? It’s SUCH an amazing, funny book, and you will absolutely not regret it. ❤

I’m moderately fond of this picture I took… *cough*


Okay, that’s the news for today! Apologies if you’ve seen it all over my social media or on my other blog already, but I had to make sure to share in case anyone’s missed these exciting things! ^_^

Thanks for reading! ❤

Make Good Art by Neil Gaiman

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Title: Make Good Art

Author: Neil Gaiman

review

Small book, small review.

I love this little book so much. I’m so very very glad that I picked it up at the library. Now I want to own a copy of my own so that I can read it whenever I like.

Every writer should read this. EVERY WRITER. Every artist of any kind. Read this.

Or, if you don’t, at least go watch the video of the author speaking (in a fabulous British accent) all of the words in this book and a few more, at the commencement address at which he presented this speech.

It’s 19 minutes long, and well worth every second. —-> https://vimeo.com/42372767

Four things:

  • Inspiring.
  • Funny.
  • Fraud police.
  • Make Good Art.

This has all of those, and I’m extremely glad I read and listened to it. 🙂

(I personally do better reading words than hearing them, but it was also splendid to hear them as well afterward.)

However you consume it, whether through reading the delightfully original and art-like arrangement of the words in this book, or listening to the author saying them online, I do hope that you will take 20 minutes out of your day to absorb these words.

Because they are inspiring and funny and just a little perfect, and it will be some of the best 20 minutes you’ve spent.

That’s what I think, anyway.

factoids

Book designed by Chip Kidd

Genre/Category: Non-fiction / Inspiring / on Writing and Art

Age Group: Anyone

Published: 2013 (speech from 2012)

Pages: (not numbered)

When Read: September 9, 2016

Source: Library

summary

From Goodreads:

In May 2012, bestselling author Neil Gaiman delivered the commencement address at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, in which he shared his thoughts about creativity, bravery, and strength. He encouraged the fledgling painters, musicians, writers, and dreamers to break rules and think outside the box. Most of all, he encouraged them to make good art.

The book Make Good Art, designed by renowned graphic artist Chip Kidd, contains the full text of Gaiman’s inspiring speech.

findbook

{Goodreads} {Amazon} {Video Speech}


Thanks for reading!

Dream away in those pages . . .

~ The Page Dreamer