lauraspages's review against another edition
I can’t explain it but Joyland gave me all of the same feelings as The Body, or even 11/22/63 in miniature. I loved this book! It explores so many things in so few pages. Yes, it’s a murder mystery but it’s also about first love, first heartbreak, coming of age and is a little bit speculative. Speaking of which: does Mike have “the shining”? I know King’s books are all linked in some way and I couldn’t spot any other link besides this possibility! I loved the carnie vernacular, the 70s Americana vibe and the bitter sweet ending.
ruric's review against another edition
3.0
Aother writing handbook - split into three main sections: gathering, shaping and finishing. Takes you through the process from keeping notebooks, diaries and clearing space, to training the eye, to plot, characterisation, point of view and setting and finishes with readig, revising, criticism and how to get published.
woolfardis's review against another edition
3.0
caterina_x's review against another edition
3.0
I bought this book many years ago but never really read past the first few pages until now.
Having read a dozen similar books and attended seminars in the meantime, I have to say that I didn't find it as useful as perhaps I would have all those years ago.
Most of the essays were great to read, some were inspiring, and many of the exercises sounded pretty great. There are definitely some good stuff in here; it's just that I didn't find it as practical as other creative writing guides.
Having read a dozen similar books and attended seminars in the meantime, I have to say that I didn't find it as useful as perhaps I would have all those years ago.
Most of the essays were great to read, some were inspiring, and many of the exercises sounded pretty great. There are definitely some good stuff in here; it's just that I didn't find it as practical as other creative writing guides.
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