Category: reading
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Books on writing I read in 2015
Every year I try and read a couple of books on the writing craft. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but, honestly, I love reading stuff on how to write fiction. Here is what I read in 2015: Planning a Novel, Script or Memoir by Hank Quense Quense offers practical tips on how…
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My favorite fiction titles I read this past year
See, I read stuff besides Science Fiction & Fantasy. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Genre: Contemporary Fiction; World War II Fiction An indirect connection between a blind French girl and a German soldier boy guides them through the ravishes of Germany’s invasion of France. This Pulitzer Prize winning novel can be compared…
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What I read this past year
For some reason, I did not read as many books as I usually do during a year. Looking at my list, I was heavily influenced by books that came out as movies. Also, lots of books marketed to young adults. Overall, still a great year of reading for me. In case you are interested, here…
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When I Used to Go Bookcrossing
Ten years ago this month, I joined a website club called Book Crossing. The idea behind this website: release books into the wild. Here’s how it’s done. Register a book on the website. Write the registration number and “http://www.bookcrossing.com” on the inside cover of the book. Leave it someone where someone can pick it up.…
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Writing Blog Roundup: avoid clichés, sabotaging gift, forget theme, booklover sterotypes, setting scene
Some recent articles on writing that I have read: What’s A Cliché? Overused Words To Avoid In Your Writing. Pay attention to words that habitually end up on your editing room floor. How You May Be Sabotaging Your Gift to Write Words That Matter. As writers, we are by our very nature, critical thinkers, but…
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Writing Blog Roundup: thought verbs, 42 tips, about outlines, proofreading steps, life and death
Some blog articles on writing I read this week. The first one listed is by Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, and is particularly interesting. Nuts and Bolts: Thought Verbs. In six seconds, you’ll hate me. But in six months, you’ll be a better writer . . . 42 Fiction Writing Tips for Writers. The…
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Fiction Writing Workshop: Character
My friend, Rachel, has two Shih tzus who are her babies: Marley and Rosa. Rachel also has dozens of toy balls of assorted colors laying around the house. Marley has no interest in the toy balls; those belong to his sister, Rosa. Rosa loves playing with the toy balls. When I visit, she’ll immediately bring…
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Consider Iain Banks
A few days ago, Iain Banks, one of my favorite authors, passed away. This Scottish writer crafted novels under two names:” Iain Banks” for mainline fiction, and” Iain M. Banks” for science fiction. I’ve read him under both genres. Many consider him a master of “space opera” which is a sub-category of science fiction. I…
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My reading this past year: 2012
Just to be weird, I’d like to break down what I read this past year. I have been keeping lists of what I have read since 2003, and here is the latest. I’ve rated the books by giving them five points, five being the best possible score. Here is the list broken down by genre:…
Andrew M. Friday 