Due to traveling, holidays, unpacking, and general chaos, I was unable to film and edit a video for you this week. But I still wanted to share about an author with you. However, I ran into a problem.
I got three different books for Christmas and I can’t decide which one I’m most excited about.
I’ve started reading two of them and they’ve lived up to my expectations so far. So I figured why not tell you about all three of them? It’s a new year, I haven’t posted in a while, and I hate picking favorites when it comes to books.
Book 1: “How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy” by Orson Scott Card
I haven’t read anything that Orson Scott Card has written before, but he’s very well known as as prominent sci-fi writer (he wrote the Ender’s Game series that was recently turned into a movie). I’m excited about this book because while I own a lot (and I mean a lot) of books on writing, I don’t have any specifically on fantasy, which is silly. Fantasy is my favorite genre to read and it’s the genre I write.
So I’m pretty stoked to have this book.
I’ve flipped through it briefly and it has all sorts of great tips for world-building and structuring societies and all that fun stuff.
Though I can’t make a sure judgement on it until I’ve read it, it’s always a good idea to have writing books geared toward your specific niche.
2. “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman
I can’t tell you how many people have recommended both this book and this author to me. This is the second Neil Gaiman book to come into my possession (I got an illustrated copy of two fairy tales he retold for my birthday).
I’m about two chapters into this book and I’m enjoying it a lot. From what I can tell so far, it’s a sort of adult version of a fairy tale, modernized and rather dark.
As soon as I finish it, I’ll let you know what I think of it.
3. “Wonderbook” by Jeff Vandermeer
This is probably my favorite Christmas present. It’s so many different things; a compilation of advice from famous writers (like George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman), exercises and charts to spark ideas and help you work through blocks, and beautiful illustrations to inspire you.
I’d say this is a must for all writers.
So did you discover any good books over the holidays? I’d love to hear about them! Leave the title, author, and a brief description in the comments.
Until next time, word nerds!
Kate G. Jameson 