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A review by pumpkinspies
Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron
3.0
Okay, I mostly skimmed. I read the intro, and then perused the chapters while deciding if I should recommend it for my library's writing reference collection.
Honestly, any book that boasts about being revolutionary and unlike any other writing book you've ever read gets my red flags ready. Honestly, if you crossed out all the times Cron talks about the mistakes of other books and focus on the thesis--that good story telling draws on the emotions of an experience in order to connect and educate the listener about another's experiences--it's a very good resource. It's true that, as the book says, it focuses more on the substance of the story than the brick-building of story telling. This is not the book to pick up if you struggle with the mechanics of story telling. This is a book is best for those who know how to build the house, but don't know how to fill it and make it a home. This book makes you ask WHY you're making the decisions you make while you write, and makes you consider the emotional value of every scene.
Honestly, any book that boasts about being revolutionary and unlike any other writing book you've ever read gets my red flags ready. Honestly, if you crossed out all the times Cron talks about the mistakes of other books and focus on the thesis--that good story telling draws on the emotions of an experience in order to connect and educate the listener about another's experiences--it's a very good resource. It's true that, as the book says, it focuses more on the substance of the story than the brick-building of story telling. This is not the book to pick up if you struggle with the mechanics of story telling. This is a book is best for those who know how to build the house, but don't know how to fill it and make it a home. This book makes you ask WHY you're making the decisions you make while you write, and makes you consider the emotional value of every scene.