Short Version In Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, Maryanne Wolf makes the argument that the digital world is transforming our reading brains, and not always for the better. Only by understanding these changes can we figure out how to navigate them and form a brighter future for a literate, and […]
Books for writers
Wired for Story: A Book Review
Short Version A story proves itself not on the paper but in the reader’s brain. In Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence, Lisa Cron offers valuable insights and practical advice for crafting better stories. Long Version: 3 Things I Love about This book (As […]
From Page to Stage: Speaking for Writers
Short Version Like it or not, speaking is part of the author’s overall marketing toolbox. With her new book From Page to Stage, Betsy Graziani Fasbinder offers excellent advice for becoming a better advocate for your book, whether on the stage, at an in-person reading, or on a podcast interview. Long Version: Why You Need […]
What Alan Alda Understands about Science Writing
A Book Review Short Version If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda is a terrific addition to your writer’s bookshelf. Although the book focuses on scientific communication, it holds valuable lessons for all nonfiction writers about effective communication. Oh, and it’s fun to read as well. Long Version […]
Running Down a Dream by Tim Grahl [Review]
Short Version In this generous and courageous book, Tim Grahl demonstrates why being creative is much more than simply corralling good ideas and how to prevent the corrosive effects of fear and resistance. Long Version In case you’re not familiar with him, Tim Grahl is book marketing expert. I’ve followed him for some time, having […]
Boredom and Creativity: A Review of Bored and Brilliant
The Short Version If you’re a writer, you probably realize that your best ideas pop up during unstructured time, when your mind wanders. In Bored and Brilliant, Manoush Zomorodi offers a seven-day challenge to detach yourself from your devices, so that you can experience boredom and its companion, creativity. Read the book and take the […]