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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I loved this book! Sepetys approaches the craft of writing with a new lens, giving would be writers glimpses of her life through story. She provides instruction on craft, writing prompts, and research prompts. Each chapter ends with a recap that highlights the most important points. I borrowed a digital copy from my library, but I value this book enough to purchase a copy and add it to my collection of books on writing. It will sit on the shelf among the likes of Bird by Bird and Writing Down the Bones.
A writing teacher's gold mine. Will be returning to this as a writer, a teacher, and a writing teacher.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
This is a writer must read. So much rich advice in these pages that I can’t wait to apply to my process.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Not so much a guide as an encouragement. Often, I feel these “on writing” books from authors are directive, but lack the story of how they came upon such direction. This one not only answers questions, but gives writers ideas on things they should be asking—their characters AND themselves.
I have drawn from my memory since I started writing, so perhaps this hits a bit closer to home for me than most. But it’s lines like “Sense of self comes from meetings with the mirror” (pg 59) that make me consider my character’s voice (how they take to themselves, how they let people talk to them). And “Do not ignore the failure in your story” (pg 66) that reminds me to keep going when I feel like every word is crap. And the line “Get your heart dirty” (pg 151) reminds me why I started writing in the first place.
Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be told what to do and how to do it. But other times, it’s better to be inspired. This book is that for me.
(Yes, I know my citations are not formatted correct, my dear MLA Format Police. Will I fix it? Nope.)
I have drawn from my memory since I started writing, so perhaps this hits a bit closer to home for me than most. But it’s lines like “Sense of self comes from meetings with the mirror” (pg 59) that make me consider my character’s voice (how they take to themselves, how they let people talk to them). And “Do not ignore the failure in your story” (pg 66) that reminds me to keep going when I feel like every word is crap. And the line “Get your heart dirty” (pg 151) reminds me why I started writing in the first place.
Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be told what to do and how to do it. But other times, it’s better to be inspired. This book is that for me.
(Yes, I know my citations are not formatted correct, my dear MLA Format Police. Will I fix it? Nope.)
I LOVED this book. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it was the perfect balance of everything. I love authors who make it feel like they're just sitting down and having a conversation with you, and Ruta definitely accomplished that.
I really enjoyed the chapter on voice, hearing her life story, and the way she approached the subject. The book made me think with the questions she asked and offered new ways to approach story. It was extremely easy to digest yet so incredibly insightful. And the formatting inside the book just topped the cake.
If you're a writer, you should definitely pick up this book.
I really enjoyed the chapter on voice, hearing her life story, and the way she approached the subject. The book made me think with the questions she asked and offered new ways to approach story. It was extremely easy to digest yet so incredibly insightful. And the formatting inside the book just topped the cake.
If you're a writer, you should definitely pick up this book.
Loved this! Like all great books about craft, Sepetys peppers the book with her own stories - making it part memoir, part writing advice - and the deeply personal snippets will connect with her readers. This is a book I will refer to often (and could really be used to teach writing) and will appeal to any student writing their own story. It reveals that with some reflection, curiosity, and courage, everyone has a story to tell. I will read anything Sepetys writes.