shogins's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting insight into the writing process. I think I preferred the first volume, but can see how this one would be more helpful.
castaliamay's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
knallen's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It's a collection of three short stories, but it's much more than that. Through footnotes, introductions, and afterwords the authors talk about how these stories came to be and their writing process. These are women that have written 'together' before; they critique each others' work, and provide emotional support; they've known each other for years. It's fascinating to me how each of these women work differently, but also how they do some things the same way. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in writing or the processes that go into writing. The stories are fantastic as stand-alones as well.
jennamonaco's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a must have for aspiring writers. Not only are the stories amazing, but the information and side notes are extremely helpful!
twilighttram's review against another edition
2.0
The racism in the first two stories and the transmisogyny in the second one shown alongside the authors talking about how great their writing was fuels my spite like nothing else. The third part is salvageable.
chianna_li's review against another edition
4.0
Warning possible spoilers by mentioning possible spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This is an excellent manual on writing, but also a super fun read! I loved Maggie's story, and she had excellent advice. She is one of my favorite authors, and reading about her thought process for coming up with her stories was amazing. I was so in awe of how she put all of her ideas together. I really liked Brenna's story even though it wasn't entirely conventional. The section called The Drowning Place, which I think was the main story, was really short, but somehow effective enough that I cared about it. Tessa's really surprised me. It originally bored me because I felt like it was pretty usual, but once I reached a certain point, you probably know what I'm talking about if you've read it, I was fascinated. The story caught me completely off guard, but looking back it seemed obvious, which makes me more impressed by the writing.
This is an excellent manual on writing, but also a super fun read! I loved Maggie's story, and she had excellent advice. She is one of my favorite authors, and reading about her thought process for coming up with her stories was amazing. I was so in awe of how she put all of her ideas together. I really liked Brenna's story even though it wasn't entirely conventional. The section called The Drowning Place, which I think was the main story, was really short, but somehow effective enough that I cared about it. Tessa's really surprised me. It originally bored me because I felt like it was pretty usual, but once I reached a certain point, you probably know what I'm talking about if you've read it, I was fascinated. The story caught me completely off guard, but looking back it seemed obvious, which makes me more impressed by the writing.
starboardstar's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. Especially since it wasn't what I expected.
lahberry1225's review against another edition
5.0
I fangirl so hard at anything Maggie Stiefvater even touches; however, I also I really loved the other stories in this book, too -- particularly Drowning Variations. And I LOVED the writing advice interspersed throughout each story, each writer giving insight into her priorities and her process. A must for aspiring writers and hungry readers (and those who are both).